Bringing a Pet to Turkey: Import Rules, Vaccinations and What Expats Need

Turkey is a popular destination for expats, retirees, and long-term travellers, and the country has a reasonably clear pet import process. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (TKDK) manages live animal imports.

Health certificate

Turkey requires a health certificate issued by an accredited vet in the origin country and endorsed by the government veterinary authority. For UK arrivals, APHA endorsement is needed. The certificate must confirm: microchip number, rabies vaccination date and product, other relevant vaccinations, and a clinical examination confirming the animal is healthy.

Microchip

ISO 11784/11785 microchip is required. The microchip must be implanted before or on the same date as the rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be considered valid.

Rabies vaccination

Current rabies vaccination is required. Turkey does not require a titre test from most origin countries, but the vaccination must be documented with the product name, batch number, and expiry date on the health certificate.

At the Turkish border

Pets arriving by air at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) are inspected by veterinary officials. The process is generally quick with complete documentation. Pets arriving at other Turkish airports or crossing land borders should confirm inspection facilities with the specific port authority in advance.

Number of pets

Turkey generally applies a limit of 2 pets per person for personal imports without commercial classification.

Practical note

Turkey’s summers are very hot, particularly in central and eastern regions. If arriving between June and September, confirm with your airline whether live animal cargo embargoes are in effect for your route. Istanbul is more moderate than inland cities, but summer temperatures still affect some airline operations.