The journey from Armenia to Turkey for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Give yourself close to 16-20 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on arrival.
This route …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Armenia to Turkey
typically takes around 16-20 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Armenia to Turkey import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
1
Before the rabies vaccination.
Confirm ISO microchip is implanted and scannable.
Responsible: Vet in Armenia.
2
At least 21 days before the titre test blood draw if this is the primary dose.
Administer or confirm current rabies vaccination.
Responsible: SSFS-authorised vet.
3
At least 30 days after vaccination; result must clear 0.5 IU/ml.
Draw blood for the FAVN titre test at an accredited laboratory.
Responsible: Vet and laboratory.
4
Counted from the blood draw date, not the result date.
Wait out the 90-day post-draw period.
Responsible: Owner.
5
Within 10 days of travel.
Obtain the SSFS-endorsed health certificate.
Responsible: SSFS-authorised vet and the State Service for Food Safety.
6
Once the 90-day wait has cleared and the certificate is current.
Travel Yerevan to Istanbul direct.
Responsible: Turkish Airlines cargo handling.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Turkey
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 required, implanted before the rabies vaccination and readable …
Rabies vaccination
Required, current within 12 months. Minimum age 3 months at first vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. Turkey requires a FAVN or RNATT rabies antibody titre test from …
Quarantine
No routine quarantine with a complete, compliant titre test result. 21 days at …
Import permit
No pre-travel import permit for personal pets.
Health certificate
Official Veterinary Health Certificate, valid for 10 days from issue, in English …
Export permit
No formal export permit required for companion cats and dogs leaving Armenia.
Costs
What this route typically costs
FAVN rabies titre test at an accredited laboratory: USD 150-250.
SSFS-endorsed health certificate and vet examination: USD 100-180.
Direct cargo fee, Yerevan to Istanbul: USD 500-900 depending on crate …
IATA-approved travel crate: USD 150-400.
Critical points
This direct flight is brand new. Turkish Airlines only began scheduled Istanbul-Yerevan service in March 2026, so confirm current pet cargo capacity and booking lead times directly with the airline rather than assuming the established procedures of a long-running route.
Turkey and Armenia have no formal diplomatic relations and their shared land border has been closed since 1993, so despite the new flight, there is no overland alternative on this route, unlike Georgia's land crossing at Sarpi.
The 90-day titre wait is counted from the blood draw, not the lab result date. Book the test as early as your pet's vaccination schedule allows.
Turkey bans the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler and their crosses under Law No. 5199, amended in 2021.
Airlines
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Turkish Airlines
Direct Yerevan-Istanbul service, launched 11 March 2026 after decades without a scheduled …
Cargo Only
Turkey import rules, explained
Turkey keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.
Practical tips for this move
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
FAQ
Common questions
Yes, since 11 March 2026. Turkish Airlines launched the first scheduled service between the two capitals in decades, growing to 14 weekly flights by June 2026 as part of a wider normalisation between Armenia and Turkey.
No. The Armenia-Turkey land border has been closed since 1993 and the two countries have no formal diplomatic relations. The new Turkish Airlines flight is the only practical route.
Yes. Turkey’s titre test and 90-day wait apply the same way regardless of how new the flight route is.
Yes. Turkey bans the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler and their crosses under Law No. 5199, amended in 2021.
Airline guides
Turkish Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.