Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities.
How we source our data →
Overview
Austria and Slovenia share a land border, making this one of the easiest international pet moves possible. Both countries are EU and Schengen members, and the EU pet passport covers your pet for the journey. A microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), a current rabies vaccination, and an updated EU passport from your Austrian vet are all you need. The drive from Vienna to Ljubljana takes about three and a half hours. Short-haul flights are also available. No titre test, no quarantine, no permit.
Step by step
The Austria to Slovenia process
1
Verify now.
Confirm microchip pre-dates rabies vaccination in EU pet passport
Responsible: Your Austrian vet
2
Review EU pet passport.
Check rabies vaccination is current and at least 21 days old
Responsible: Austrian vet
3
Any time before travel.
EU pet passport updated if needed
Responsible: Austrian vet
4
Travel day. Vienna to Ljubljana by road is approximately 3.5 hours.
Travel to Slovenia by road, flight, or rail. Carry EU pet passport.
Responsible: Owner
Checklist
Slovenia: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785. Implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days since primary vaccination. Current. Source: EU Regulation 576/2013.
Rabies titre test
Not required.
Quarantine
No quarantine.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
EU pet passport.
Leaving Austria
Export requirements
Requirement
Detail
Export permit
No export permit required for intra-EU movement.
Health certificate
EU pet passport. Austria and Slovenia share an EU border and both use the EU pet travel scheme. Your Austrian vet issues or updates the EU pet passport.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
EU pet passport: approximately EUR 40-100
2
Vaccination update if needed: EUR 30-80
3
Cabin pet fee (if flying): EUR 30-80
4
Road travel: fuel and transport costs
5
Total typical range: EUR 50-300
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Even when crossing by road, carry the EU pet passport at all times. Slovenian border checks may request it.
⚠ Slovenia shares a border with non-EU countries (Croatia is EU but Slovenia borders it; towards Croatia the border crossing is within the EU). If you plan to transit through Croatia, the same EU pet passport rules apply.
⚠ Austria and Slovenia both have restrictions on some dog breeds. Check Slovenian local rules for any breed-specific requirements that will apply once you are resident.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Austrian Airlines
Vienna (VIE) to Ljubljana (LJU). Short direct service. Small pets in cabin. Cargo for larger animals.
Cargo and Cabin
Road travel
Austria and Slovenia share a land border in Carinthia and Styria. Overland travel is practical for most pet owners. Both countries are EU and Schengen members. Your EU pet passport is required at border checks if requested.
Personal Vehicle
Ryanair
Vienna to Ljubljana service. Cabin only for small pets within Ryanair size limits.
Cabin Only
Austria and Slovenia: a shared EU framework
Because Austria and Slovenia are both EU member states within the Schengen Area, pet movement between them is governed by EU Regulation 576/2013 on the non-commercial movement of companion animals. There are no additional bilateral requirements.
Your Austrian vet issues the EU pet passport. The passport must show a readable ISO 11784/11785 microchip number, a current rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, and the issuing vet’s registration details. No endorsement from BMSGPK is needed for EU destinations.
Road or flight: choosing your travel method
Many owners travelling from Austria to Slovenia choose to drive. The border crossing at Karawanken Tunnel or via the Styrian border crossings is straightforward. Within the Schengen zone, you will not stop at a staffed border post in most cases, but carry the EU pet passport in case of a spot check.
If you prefer to fly, Austrian Airlines operates Vienna to Ljubljana (LJU) direct flights. The journey is under an hour in the air. For small pets, Ryanair also flies this route with cabin pet acceptance.
FAQ
Common questions
You are not required to make a customs declaration for a personal companion pet when crossing within the Schengen and EU zone. You should, however, carry your EU pet passport at all times in case Slovenian border police request documentation. Spot checks do occur, particularly at busier crossing points.
By air, the flight takes under an hour. Austrian Airlines operates direct Vienna to Ljubljana service. By road, the journey is approximately three to four hours via the A2 motorway and the Karawanken Tunnel. For most pet owners, driving is more convenient because it avoids cargo booking lead times and airport handling.
Yes. Croatia joined the EU in 2013 and became part of the Schengen Area in January 2023. Your EU pet passport is valid for travel through Croatia. All three countries (Austria, Slovenia, Croatia) use the EU pet travel scheme.