How to Move with a Pet to Cyprus: A Complete Guide
Relocating to Cyprus with your pet can be smooth and stress-free — if you know the rules. This article is your step-by-step guide to bringing cats, dogs, or ferrets into Cyprus, including veterinary documents, EU requirements, airline rules, and post-arrival tips.
If you're planning to live in Cyprus or buy property (such as a villa or apartment in Limassol, Larnaca, or Paphos), bringing your pet becomes easier. We’ll help you not only choose the right property, but also avoid common mistakes during the relocation process.
Entry Requirements for Pets in Cyprus
Cyprus follows EU legislation for pet imports. You can bring dogs, cats, and ferrets. Other animals (birds, rodents, reptiles) are subject to separate rules.
Your pet must be:
- Healthy
- Microchipped (ISO standard)
- Vaccinated against rabies
Allowed from countries with favorable veterinary status (e.g. UK, Sweden, UAE, Israel, Norway, Denmark, etc.).
Required Documents
| Document | Required | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Passport (EU or equivalent) | ✅ | Permanent | Must be in English or bilingual with English |
| Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) | ✅ | One-time | Implanted before rabies vaccination |
| Rabies Vaccination Certificate | ✅ | ≥21 days before | Vaccine must be EU-approved |
| Rabies Antibody Test (Titer) | ⚠️ | 3 months | Only if coming from a “non-listed” country |
| EU Health Certificate (Annex IV) | ✅ | 10 days | Issued by official veterinarian |
| Cyprus Veterinary Notification | ✅ | 48 hours before | Submit online/email to Cypriot authorities |
Where and How to Get the Documents
1. Pet Passport (EU or equivalent)
Issued by any licensed veterinary clinic. Ask for an international/EU-compliant version.
Processing time: 1 day.
2. Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Required for identification. Must be readable by EU-standard scanners (15-digit).
- Where: Licensed veterinary clinic
- Important: Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
3. Rabies Vaccination
Given at least 21 days before entry. Must be valid on entry date.
- Accepted brands: Nobivac Rabies, Rabisin
- Validity: Usually 1 year (check label)
4. Rabies Antibody Test (Titer)
Only required if traveling from a non-listed country (e.g., UAE, Israel, Armenia, Georgia).
- Step 1: Blood sample 30 days after vaccination
- Step 2: Send to EU-approved lab (e.g., Laboklin, IDEXX)
- Step 3: Wait 3 months before travel
5. EU Health Certificate (Annex IV)
Issued by government veterinary service, no earlier than 10 days before travel.
- UK: DEFRA
- Sweden: Jordbruksverket
- UAE: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
- Israel: Ministry of Agriculture
Must be signed in blue ink and accompanied by supporting documents.
6. Notification to Cypriot Authorities
Submit notification via the Department of Veterinary Services Cyprus website.
Send at least 48 hours before arrival by email or online form. Include:
- Flight details
- Pet’s info (species, breed, microchip)
- Attached documents
Timeline: When to Do What
| Task | Timing |
|---|---|
| Microchip implantation | 3–4 months before trip |
| Rabies vaccination | 3–4 months before trip |
| Rabies titer test (if needed) | 3+ months before trip |
| Prepare documents & carrier | 1 month before trip |
| Book airline & confirm pet policy | 1 month before trip |
| EU Health Certificate (Annex IV) | 7–10 days before trip |
| Notify Cyprus Veterinary Services | 48 hours before trip |
| Pack food, documents, water, toys | Day before travel |
How to Travel with a Pet to Cyprus
Air Travel
| Airline | In-cabin Limit | Cargo Option | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa | ≤8 kg with carrier | Yes, with reservation | https://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/travelling-with-animals?utm_source=chatgpt.com |
| Aegean Airlines | ≤8 kg in-cabin | Yes, over 8 kg | https://en.aegeanair.com/travel-info/travelling-with-aegean/special-assistance/traveling-with-pet/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |
| Austrian Airlines | ≤8 kg in-cabin | Yes | https://www.austrian.com/at/en/transport-of-animals |
Always confirm directly with your airline: rules may vary by route.
Car + Ferry via Greece
If you're driving from continental Europe, you can bring your pet through Greece by ferry. Check local entry rules for each country you pass.
Pet Relocation Agencies
Professional pet relocation services can handle all logistics. Example:
- PetRelocation.com
- MoveOneRelocations
- DeliveryAnimal (Europe-based)
Upon Arrival in Cyprus
Border control will check:
- Microchip
- Rabies vaccine
- EU documents
If everything is correct — no quarantine is needed.
However, up to 10 days of quarantine may be imposed if documents are missing, unclear, or suspicious.
Life in Cyprus with a Pet
Cyprus is a pet-friendly country:
- EU-standard veterinary clinics
- Pet insurance available
- Public parks, beaches, pet-friendly cafes
Owning property simplifies long-term stay and pet accommodation.
We can help you find the perfect home for you and your pet.
Pet Relocation Checklist (Downloadable)
| Task | Done |
|---|---|
| Microchip | ⬜ |
| Rabies vaccine | ⬜ |
| Rabies titer test (if needed) | ⬜ |
| Pet passport | ⬜ |
| Carrier purchase | ⬜ |
| Flight booking | ⬜ |
| Annex IV certificate | ⬜ |
| Notify Cyprus vet authorities | ⬜ |
| Travel kit for pet | ⬜ |
FAQ: Pet Relocation to Cyprus
Planning a Move? Own Property, Travel Easier
Buying property in Cyprus offers clear advantages:
- Legal basis for long-term residence
- Easier pet registration and relocation
- Less stress during the move
We offer luxury properties from developers in Paphos, Larnaca, and Limassol — with full legal support.
Conclusion
Moving to Cyprus with a pet requires preparation — but it’s absolutely doable.
Follow this guide, handle the paperwork early, and enjoy a smooth relocation for both you and your furry friend.
And if you're ready to make Cyprus your home — we’ll help you find the perfect property to start your new chapter.
