Getting a pet from Brazil to Spain is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is a middle of the road route, and about 20-22 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Brazil to Spain
typically takes around 20-22 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 Brazil to Spain pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in Brazil
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.
Responsible: Vet in Brazil
5+ months before travel
3
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: MAPA-registered vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
4
Wait 3 months from blood sampling date.
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
3 months from blood draw
5
Book cargo GRU to MAD on LATAM or Iberia Cargo.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
6
Obtain MAPA-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: MAPA-registered vet plus MAPA endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
7
Depart GRU. Spanish customs inspects at Madrid Barajas on arrival.
Responsible: Airline cargo and Spanish customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Spain
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. Brazil is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test required. Blood drawn after microchip and valid vaccination. 3-month wait from blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. Spanish customs inspects at Madrid Barajas (MAD).
Import permit
No import permit. MAPA-endorsed EU certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by MAPA, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (Brazil)
No formal export permit for companion animals. MAPA inspection at departure; primary departure from São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG).
Costs
What this route typically costs
MAPA vet certificate and endorsement: BRL 300-800 (approximately EUR 50-140)
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo GRU to MAD (LATAM or Iberia direct): EUR 800-1,900 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,200-3,000
Critical points to read before you book
Brazil is not EU-listed: titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are mandatory. Start 5 months before travel.
3-month wait runs from blood draw date, not results date.
Spain PPP obligations apply once in Spain; import is not restricted at the border.
MAPA certificate must be EU format and dated within 10 days of travel.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
LATAM CARGO
LATAM Cargo
LATAM operates from São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) to Madrid Barajas (MAD) direct. LATAM Cargo accepts live animals on South America to Europe routes.
Cargo Only
IBERIA CARGO
Iberia Cargo
Iberia operates GRU to MAD direct. Iberia Cargo accepts live animals with established handling at Barajas where Spanish customs inspection takes place.
Cargo Only
TAP AIR
TAP Air Portugal Cargo
TAP operates GRU to Lisbon (LIS) with onward connections to Madrid. A practical alternative routing via Portugal.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Spain
Spain keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.
How to keep this move on track
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
FAQ
Common questions about Brazil to Spain pet transport
Yes. Brazil is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Yes. LATAM Cargo and Iberia Cargo both operate direct from GRU to MAD with live animal cargo acceptance. Book four to six weeks ahead.
From the blood sampling date, not the results date. If blood is drawn on 1 April, travel to Spain is not possible before 1 July.
Direct cargo from GRU to MAD typically costs EUR 800 to EUR 1,900. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test and EUR 50-140 for the MAPA certificate. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,200 to EUR 3,000.
Airline guides
LATAM Cargo
Iberia Cargo
TAP Air Portugal Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.