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Microchip, rabies vaccination, official document... Here is what European regulations require for each destination country — fact-checked and kept up to date.
Verified sources
This guide is based on official information from the European Commission (TRACES), the USDA (for post-Brexit UK), Iceland's MAST, the Finnish Food Authority, and national veterinary authorities. We always recommend checking directly with your vet and the destination country's authorities before travelling.
The EU pet passport is an official document issued by an authorised vet. It centralises essential information about your pet: microchip identification, vaccinations (including rabies) and treatments carried out.
It is valid in all EU member states, as well as certain third countries that accept it (Switzerland, EEA countries...). Since Brexit, the UK no longer accepts this document and requires a specific Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
Important: the microchip must be implanted BEFORE the rabies vaccination. If not, the vaccination date will not be recognised and you will need to revaccinate your pet.
ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Implanted before the rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination
First vaccination: 21-day wait before travel
EU pet passport
Issued by an authorised vet
Up-to-date booster vaccinations
DHPPi for dogs, typhus/leukaemia for cats
Parasite treatment depending on country
Finland, Ireland, Norway, UK, Iceland = mandatory
Expert tip
Plan your trip with your pet at least 4 weeks in advance for EU destinations, and 3–6 months in advance for the UK or Iceland. Your vet is your best ally for preparing the necessary documents.
Standard EU pet passport. Microchip, rabies, 21-day wait. Dogs are very welcome.
Standard EU pet passport. Very pet-welcoming, including many dog-friendly beaches.
Standard EU pet passport. Germany is arguably Europe's most dog-friendly country.
Standard EU pet passport. Amsterdam is one of Europe's most pet-friendly cities.
Standard EU pet passport. Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp are very dog-friendly.
Standard EU pet passport. Ideal year-round with dog-friendly beaches.
Standard EU pet passport. Dogs go everywhere: piazzas, restaurants, monuments.
Standard EU pet passport. Vienna is very welcoming to pets.
Standard EU pet passport. Prague is quite dog-friendly.
Standard EU pet passport.
Standard EU pet passport. Many dog-friendly beaches outside the peak season.
Standard EU pet passport. Anti-parasite treatment recommended in summer.
Standard EU pet passport. Very pet-friendly country.
Standard EU pet passport. Copenhagen is very dog-friendly.
EU member, but extra rules: mandatory Echinococcus treatment 1–5 days before entry.
EU member, but extra rules: tapeworm treatment (dogs) 24–120h before arrival, approved entry points only.
Non-EU (EEA). Accepts EU-equivalent documents. Tapeworm treatment mandatory before entry.
Non-EU (Brexit). EU pet passport no longer valid. An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is now required.
Non-EU but accepts the EU pet passport. Same procedure as the standard EU process.
Non-EU. Very strict conditions: rabies titer test + import permit + potential quarantine.
The passport itself has no expiry date, but the vaccinations it contains (including rabies) must be up to date. A passport with an expired rabies vaccination is no longer valid for travel.
No. The EU pet passport must be issued by an authorised vet after microchipping and rabies vaccination. It is not automatic.
Yes, the same rules apply to cats (and ferrets) as to dogs. ISO microchip, rabies vaccination and EU passport are required.
Your pet may be refused entry to the destination country or placed in quarantine. Never take the risk — always carry original documents, never photocopies.
Yes, the process is more complex than before. You need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued within 10 days before departure, plus a tapeworm treatment for dogs. Allow plenty of time and consult an official vet.
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