Relocating with Pets to Remote Islands: Biosecurity, Quarantine, and Special Rules

Islands occupy a special category in international pet relocation. Their isolation is precisely what makes them appealing to live in – and precisely what makes their governments cautious about what crosses their borders. Before you plan a move to any island destination, research the specific rules rather than assuming mainland country rules apply.

Islands With Their Own Rules (Not Just Mainland Rules)

Hawaii (USA)

Hawaii is the most demanding US state for pet imports. Despite being part of the USA, Hawaii runs a separate quarantine process:

Rabies titre test (at least 90 days before arrival, from an approved lab)
Two rabies vaccinations (at least 90 days apart)
Microchip, pre-arrival health certificate
A five-day-or-less quarantine is possible if all requirements are met – otherwise, 120-day quarantine applies

This is a separate process from standard USA pet entry. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture manages it at hdoa.hawaii.gov.

Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)

The Galapagos are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with extraordinary biodiversity. Bringing pet dogs or cats to the Galapagos is effectively prohibited for new residents. Pets already registered with local residents may be retained, but importing new pets is not permitted under the Galapagos Special Law.

Azores (Portugal)

The Azores are an EU autonomous region and follow EU pet passport rules. However, biosecurity controls on agriculture and flora are stricter than mainland Portugal. Pets should be free of external parasites and have up-to-date treatment records. Entry through Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel) or Lajes Field (Terceira) airports has veterinary inspection capacity.

Canary Islands (Spain)

EU rules apply. Dogs and cats with valid EU Pet Passports travel freely from mainland EU. The ferry from mainland Spain (Balearia, Trasmediterranea) is a practical pet-friendly route. Planes from non-EU countries (including the UK) require an AHC.

Reunion Island (France)

An overseas department of France, and therefore EU territory. EU pet passport rules apply for pets from other EU countries. Non-EU arrivals follow standard EU import rules. Rabies vaccination is mandatory.

Malta

Full EU member. EU Pet Passport accepted from EU countries. UK pets (post-Brexit) need AHC. Malta has historically had tapeworm treatment requirements for dogs – check the latest MAFA (Malta Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights) guidance before travel.

Maldives

Not a practical destination for family pets. Import of dogs and cats is restricted to specific official circumstances. Tourism travel with pets is not possible.

General Principles for Island Moves

Contact the island’s veterinary authority directly – do not rely on mainland country rules
Start the process 6 to 12 months before your intended move
Biosecurity checks on arrival at islands are often more thorough than at mainland airports
Parasite treatment records (ticks, fleas, tapeworm) are scrutinised more carefully on islands

All island pet travel rules are subject to change. Always verify directly with the relevant island authority before making any bookings or commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Islands have contained ecosystems that are especially vulnerable to introduced diseases and pests. Rabies-free islands protect that status aggressively. Invasive species risks (from parasites in soil on paws, for example) add additional layers of biosecurity requirements beyond what mainland countries require.

The Maldives generally prohibits the import of dogs and cats except under very specific circumstances (diplomatic or official use). Tourism visits with pets are not permitted. If you are relocating for work, check with the Maldivian Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture directly.

The Canary Islands follow EU pet travel rules as an outermost EU region. The same EU Pet Passport rules that apply in mainland Spain apply in the Canaries. However, the additional logistics of the ferry or flight from mainland Spain mean an extra leg of travel with its own crate and carrier requirements.