Moving Pets to the EU from Outside Europe: The Health Certificate Process
Moving a pet into the European Union from a country outside the EU requires a health certificate in a specific EU-approved format. The exact requirements depend on where you are coming from – the EU classifies origin countries into different categories that determine how much documentation you need.
How the EU Classifies Origin Countries
The EU divides third countries (non-EU) into three groups for live animal movement:
| Classification | Examples | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Listed (favourable) | UK, Australia, USA, Canada, NZ, Japan, Singapore | Standard health certificate + microchip + rabies vacc |
| Unlisted | Most other countries | Additional requirements – may include titre test |
| Countries with special status | Some specific list variations | Check TRACES |
The full current list is maintained on the European Commission’s website and updated periodically.
The Health Certificate Requirement
All pets entering the EU from outside need an EU-format health certificate:
- Signed by an official or government-accredited vet in the origin country
- Endorsed by the competent authority (USDA APHIS for USA, DAFF for Australia, APHA for UK, etc.)
- Issued within 10 days of travel (some forms have different validity windows – check)
- In the format prescribed by EU Commission Implementing Regulation 577/2013
Download the current format from the EU TRACES system or your country’s animal health authority website.
Arriving at a Border Inspection Post (BIP)
Live animals entering the EU must arrive at an approved BIP. Documentary and identity checks are mandatory. Physical checks are conducted on a risk basis.
Major BIPs for pets:
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- Madrid Barajas (MAD)
- Brussels Zaventem (BRU)
- Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)
Plan your routing through one of these airports. Arriving at a non-BIP airport will result in your pet being refused entry or held.
Costs Involved
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Government health certificate (USA) | USD 200-400 including vet and APHIS endorsement |
| Government health certificate (UK) | GBP 150-350 including OV and APHA endorsement |
| BIP inspection fee | EUR 30-100 varies by EU member state |
| Airline cargo | Varies by route and animal size |
Sources: EU Commission Implementing Regulation 577/2013; EU TRACES portal; USDA APHIS export health certificate programme. Data current as of June 2026.