Greece Pet Import Guide: EU Entry Rules, Non-EU Requirements, and Island Travel
Greece – the islands, the archipelago, the ancient sites – is a popular destination for expats and retirees. Bringing your pet is straightforward for EU residents, and manageable for non-EU travellers including those from the UK.
Pets from within the EU
Standard EU pet travel rules apply. Your pet needs a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination recorded in an EU pet passport. No additional documentation needed for EU-to-Greece travel.
Pets from the UK (post-Brexit)
UK pets need:
- ISO 15-digit microchip
- Rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel to Greece (any EU destination)
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian in the UK and endorsed by APHA within 10 days of travel
No quarantine, no titre test for mainland Greece.
Dogs: tapeworm treatment on return to the UK
If you plan to bring your dog back to the UK after the trip, the dog needs tapeworm treatment (Praziquantel) administered by a vet between 1 and 5 days before re-entering the UK. This is a UK entry requirement, not a Greek one.
Greece’s breed-specific legislation
Greece has a national dangerous dogs law covering several breeds including American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Bull Terriers, Tosa Inus, and several others. In public areas, these breeds must be muzzled and kept on a short lead. Import is permitted but owners must register with local authorities on arrival.
Travelling to the Greek islands
All the major Greek islands – Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, and others – are part of Greece and use the same import rules. You do not need separate documentation for island travel.
Domestic ferries between Athens (Piraeus) and the islands typically allow pets in designated areas. Rules vary: some companies require pets to remain in vehicles or designated outdoor areas; others allow small pets in carriers in cabins. Book early and confirm the pet policy with the ferry company.
Domestic flights within Greece (Athens to Thessaloniki, to island airports) have their own pet cabin/hold rules. Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air carry pets – check their current policies before booking.
Source
DAAOK (Directorate of Animal Health and Welfare, Greece): minagric.gr (verified May 2026). APHA UK: gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain (verified May 2026).