Moving to Bulgaria with Pets: Import Rules Explained
Bulgaria sits at the eastern edge of the European Union, bordering the Black Sea, Romania, Greece, and Turkey. It joined the EU in 2007, which means the standard EU pet travel rules apply – but there are a few nuances worth knowing before you pack your pet’s bags.
EU Pet Passport Countries: Straightforward Entry
If you are travelling from another EU member state, you need:
- A microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard, 15-digit)
- A valid EU Pet Passport
- Rabies vaccination that is current and administered at least 21 days after the first microchip implant
Your pet will be checked at the border, so keep the passport and any vet certificates accessible in your hand luggage, not buried in a suitcase.
Non-EU Countries (Including the UK)
For pets travelling from outside the EU, the requirements are stricter:
- Microchip first – must be implanted before the rabies vaccination counts
- Rabies vaccination – must be current (boosters must be within the validity window on the datasheet)
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) – issued by an official government vet, valid for 10 days from issue to entry into the EU
- Tapeworm treatment – for dogs only, administered 1 to 5 days before arrival
The AHC replaces the old EU Pet Passport for non-EU countries. Your vet can prepare this, but it must be countersigned by an official government vet (APHA in the UK, USDA in the USA).
Approved Entry Points
Not all border crossings in Bulgaria handle live animal imports. If arriving by air, Sofia Airport (SOF) has a veterinary border inspection post. If driving in overland, check in advance which border crossings have accredited vets on duty – this changes seasonally.
What to Expect on Arrival
Bulgarian border vets will check microchip, vaccination records, and your AHC or EU Pet Passport. The process is usually quick, but having everything in a clear folder saves time and stress. Keep a backup photocopy of all documents.
Breed Restrictions
Bulgaria does not currently maintain a national banned breed list, but individual municipalities (including Sofia) have local regulations. Check with your local district office after arrival if you own a Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier, or similar breed.
Useful Contacts
- Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA): The national authority for pet import controls – bfsa.bg
- EU TRACES system: Used for non-commercial pet movement certificates
Information current as of May 2026. Always verify with the BFSA and your own government’s pet export authority before travel, as regulations change.