Finland Pet Import Requirements

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Prepared by , International Animal Health Consultant

Import Requirements

Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 5 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.

EU rules that apply in Finland

Who is in charge

Where your pet travels from

GroupWhat appliesOrigins
EU countries (movement between Member States)Pet dogs and cats moving between Member States travel on an EU pet passport issued by an authorised veterinarian, with microchip and valid rabies vaccination (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, Article 11). Tapeworm treatment applies only for dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway. SourceEU Member States
Listed third countries and territories, Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (Article 17(1)(a) of 2026/131)No rabies antibody titration test needed. The EC travellers' points of entry page also exempts these origins (and Norway) from the obligation to enter through a designated travellers' point of entry. SourceAndorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City State
Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (Article 17(1)(b) of 2026/131)No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. SourceAscension Island, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Aruba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Bahrain, Bermuda, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Canada, Chile, Curaçao, Fiji, Falkland Islands, United Kingdom, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Saint Lucia, Montenegro, Montserrat, North Macedonia, Mauritius, Mexico, Malaysia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Serbia, Singapore, Saint Helena, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Taiwan, United States of America, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna
Non-listed third countries and territoriesRabies antibody titration test required: sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, tested in an EU-designated laboratory, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait does not apply to re-entry of an EU-resident pet whose passport documents a favourable test done before leaving the EU. Sourceall other countries and territories
  • Pets from third countries or territories listed in Annex I or Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 do not need a rabies antibody titration test (the page adds in brackets that Annex II was amended by 2026/1228 to add Montenegro and Serbia); pets from all other third countries do. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Montenegro and Serbia were added to Annex II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (titre-test exempt list) by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228, and are shown in Annex II on the EC listing page. The exact start date (18 or 19 June 2026) was not confirmed on EUR-Lex in this pass; it does not affect moves from October 2026 onwards. Applies to dogs and cats from Montenegro and Serbia.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Annex I countries (Article 17(1)(a) of 2026/131) are those that applied and showed they apply pet rules equivalent to the EU's own; Annex II countries (Article 17(1)(b)) qualify on rabies surveillance and control criteria. Both are exempt from the titre test; only Annex I origins are also exempt from entering through a travellers' point of entry (Article 15(a)). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Import permit

  • Not required (EU level): the European Commission sets out the conditions that must be met for a pet dog, cat or ferret to move from a non-EU country into an EU country (travel with the owner, at most 5 animals, microchip, health, rabies vaccination, titre test where applicable, tapeworm treatment for some destinations, animal health certificate and declaration, travellers' point of entry); no permit is among them. National files must still settle any national permit (for example a breed or hybrid licence). Applies to pet dogs, cats and ferrets moved from non-EU countries into the EU (non-commercial).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 2 October 2026
  • At EU level a permit is used only by way of exception. Article 29 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 lets a Member State, in exceptional situations, authorise entry of pets that do NOT comply with the conditions in Articles 7 to 20, on a permit from the destination Member State (applied for in advance or, by derogation in Article 29(2), granted on arrival), with possible isolation under official supervision of up to six months. Article 15(b) also uses a permit, only for pet dogs moved by military, law-enforcement or search-and-rescue teams that enter other than through a travellers' point of entry. An ordinary compliant pet does not need one. Applies to pet dogs, cats and ferrets that do not meet the EU entry conditions.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 2 October 2026

Microchip

  • Each pet must be identified with an implanted microchip meeting the technical specifications in Article 70a of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035. Neither the EC pages nor 2026/131 name ISO 11784/11785 directly; the standard is set by reference to Article 70a. Exceptions: the same EC page accepts a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011, and a microchip that does not meet Article 70a is accepted if the owner provides a reader on request (Article 13(1)(b) of 2026/131; see below).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The rabies vaccine must not be given before the microchip is implanted or read (same day is acceptable).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • If a pet from a non-EU country has a microchip that does not meet the EU technical requirements, the owner must provide a reader so EU authorities can check it. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026
  • For non-commercial movements between EU countries, the microchip must contain the country code from 1 January 2028. The same FAQ lists exceptions: pets microchipped before 22 April 2026 under Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 need not be re-chipped, and pets from non-EU countries on a short stay identified under their own national rules do not need a country-code chip (Article 7(2)(a) of 2026/131 also deems transponders implanted before 1 January 2028 without the country code compliant). Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 7(1)(b) of 2026/131 (identification for movements between Member States): if the transponder does not meet the Article 70a technical requirements, the owner or authorised person must provide a reader on request. Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Rabies vaccination

Rabies titre test

  • Where required (non-listed origins), the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done in a designated laboratory. Neither the EC page nor 2026/131 (which refers to point 1 of Annex XXI to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692) names a test method such as FAVN or RFFIT. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The test must be done by an official laboratory designated under Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, or by a laboratory in a third country listed in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 designated in line with Article 37(4) and (5) of that Regulation; only laboratories specifically accredited for the method may do it, so the laboratory need not be in the EU. The EC publishes the lists of designated laboratories. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests, checked 1 October 2026
  • The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series) and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The 90-day wait does not apply when an EU-resident pet returns and its passport shows a favourable titre test done before it left the EU. Applies to EU-resident dogs and cats returning from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Health certificate

  • Pets entering from third countries need an EU animal health certificate completed and issued by an official or authorised veterinarian in the country of dispatch and then endorsed by that country's competent authority. Exceptions on the same page (Article 20 of 2026/131): a pet accompanied by a pet passport issued in an Annex I country, and an EU-resident pet re-entering on its EU pet passport (see topic other), need no certificate. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue by the official veterinarian until the documentary and identity checks at the travellers' point of entry; for transport by sea the 10 days are extended by the length of the sea journey. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • For onward travel to other EU countries the certificate is valid for 6 months from the entry checks, or until the rabies vaccination expires if earlier. Applies to dogs and cats entering from third countries and travelling onward within the EU.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The certificate must be accompanied by a written declaration from the owner or authorised person that the movement is non-commercial (model in Part 2 of Annex V to 2026/705). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Transitional rule: old-model certificates (Annex IV to 577/2013) issued before 1 October 2026 are accepted until 31 March 2027. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026
  • The EC page confirms that old-model certificates remain valid only if issued before 1 October 2026 (end date 31 March 2027 is in Article 6 of 2026/705). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 6(1) of 2026/705: an old-model passport (Part 1 of Annex III to 577/2013) is deemed to comply with the new model passport where it was issued before 1 January 2028, for non-commercial movements into a Member State from another Member State. Article 6(2) gives the same rule for old Part 3 passports used for movements from third countries or territories listed in Annex I to 2026/636. Applies to dogs and cats moving with an EU pet passport.
    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 18(1) of 2026/131: the animal health certificate is valid for 6 months from the entry checks at the travellers' point of entry, or until the rabies vaccination expires if earlier. Applies to dogs and cats entering from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Other vaccines and tests

Parasite treatment

  • Dogs (not cats) must be treated against Echinococcus multilocularis before entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway. Dogs moving directly between these disease-free countries are exempt (Article 10(1) of 2026/131 and the EC 'Travelling with a pet within the EU' page). Article 16 of 2026/131 (dogs from Annex I countries) and Article 10(2) (dogs from other Member States) allow an alternative regular-treatment scheme where the destination Member State has authorised it and says so on a dedicated website. Applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The tapeworm treatment must be given by a veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours before scheduled entry. Applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Quarantine

  • Under EU rules quarantine is tied to non-compliance: a pet that fails the entry checks may be returned to the country of departure, quarantined until it complies, or, if neither is possible, euthanised (Your Europe, last checked 1 September 2026). Separately, Article 29 of 2026/131 lets a Member State admit a non-compliant pet on a permit that may include isolation under official supervision for up to six months. The entry measures for a compliant pet (Article 14 of 2026/131, see other_vaccines_and_tests) include no quarantine. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    EU rules on travelling with pets and other animals in the EU, checked 1 October 2026

Arrival points and notice

  • Pets from third countries must enter through a travellers' point of entry designated by the Member State (Article 15 of 2026/131, with listed exceptions). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • The EC publishes each Member State's travellers' points of entry. Pets from Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City State are exempt from using them. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Travellers' points of entry, checked 1 October 2026

Minimum age

  • Young unvaccinated (or not yet fully protected) dogs and cats cannot enter the EU from any non-EU country. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • Between Member States only, a destination country may allow young pets under 12 weeks unvaccinated, or 12 to 16 weeks vaccinated but within the 21-day wait (Article 9 of 2026/131). The EC table (checked 1 October 2026) lists Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland as accepting them for non-commercial moves. Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 9 of 2026/131 defines the young-animal derogation for movement from another Member State. Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

How many pets

How your pet may travel

  • The pet must travel with its owner; if the owner cannot travel at the same time, an authorised person may move it, with the owner travelling within 5 days before or after, confirmed by a written declaration attached to the passport (model in Annex V, Part 1 to 2026/705).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Other conditions

  • Between Member States, pets must carry an EU pet passport (Article 11(1) of 2026/131). The EC guidance page says it is completed and issued by an authorised veterinarian. Exception (Article 12 of 2026/131): a pet whose owner lives in a third country and that entered the EU on an animal health certificate may move on to another Member State with that certificate while it is valid. Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • EU-resident pets returning after a short stay outside the EU may re-enter on their EU pet passport (instead of a certificate) if it shows rabies vaccination and any needed titre test were done before leaving; Article 20(b) of 2026/131 adds that the vaccination must still be valid on return. Applies to EU-resident dogs and cats returning from third countries.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026

Rules set by Finland

Who is in charge

  • The Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) publishes the pet entry rules; at the border, Finnish Customs carries out the inspections (page last updated 21 April 2026). Applies to dogs and cats arriving from outside the EU (non-commercial).
    Non-commercial movement, checked 1 October 2026
  • Ruokavirasto decides the measures (such as return to the country of origin or euthanasia) for illegally imported or moved animals that have been in Finland under six months; the owner bears all costs (page updated 5 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats imported or moved in breach of the rules.
    Säädösten vastaisesti maahantuodut eläimet, checked 1 October 2026

Parasite treatment

Quarantine

  • An illegally imported animal may be held briefly in isolation under official supervision at the airport until it can be returned to its country of origin; if return is not possible it must be euthanised. Applies to dogs and cats imported in breach of the rules.
    Säädösten vastaisesti maahantuodut eläimet, checked 1 October 2026

Arrival points and notice

  • Pets arriving from outside the EU must use the red channel at Finnish Customs and present the animal and its documents; no appointment is needed. Applies to dogs and cats arriving from outside the EU (non-commercial).
    Non-commercial movement, checked 1 October 2026
  • Ruokavirasto lists the Finnish travellers' points of entry: by air Helsinki-Vantaa Airport only; by land or rail Imatra, Kuusamo, Niirala, Nuijamaa, Raja-Jooseppi, Salla, Vaalimaa, Vainikkala and Vartius; by sea Hamina, Hanko, Helsinki, Kotka, Maarianhamina and Turku. Applies to dogs and cats arriving from outside the EU (non-commercial).
    Non-commercial movement, checked 1 October 2026
  • Finnish Customs: pets arriving from outside the EU must go through the red channel and be presented to Customs with their documents. Pets arriving from EU countries do not need to be declared to Customs. Applies to dogs and cats arriving in Finland.
    Travelling with a pet, checked 1 October 2026
  • Finnish Customs: the customs offices on the eastern (Russian) land border are temporarily closed, so the land and rail entry points there cannot currently be used; check that the customs office is open before travelling. Applies to dogs and cats from non-EU countries.
    Travelling with a pet, checked 1 October 2026
  • Finnish Customs: a pet flying into Finland in the cabin via a stopover in another EU country must be inspected at the stopover airport and arrive with a stamped EU health certificate; pets in the hold or as freight are usually inspected only in Finland. Applies to dogs and cats from non-EU countries via another EU airport.
    Travelling with a pet, checked 1 October 2026
  • Not required: pets arriving from another EU country need not be declared to Finnish Customs, though Customs may check them. Applies to dogs and cats from EU countries.
    Travelling with a pet, checked 1 October 2026

Minimum age

  • Ruokavirasto states that a pet from a listed (titre-exempt) country must be at least 15 weeks old when entering the EU, and a pet from an unlisted country at least 7 months old. Applies to dogs and cats arriving from outside the EU (non-commercial).
    Non-commercial movement, checked 1 October 2026
  • National ban: puppies and kittens under 6 months may not be brought into Finland if they are to be sold or otherwise passed on in Finland within 4 months of import (Animal Welfare Act 693/2023; page updated 22 May 2026). It applies to imports from both EU and non-EU countries. Applies to dog and cat puppies under 6 months intended for sale or rehoming.
    Koiran- ja kissanpentujen tuontikielto, checked 1 October 2026
  • The ban is not meant to stop people travelling to Finland with a puppy under 6 months, for example on holiday or to shows. Applies to non-commercial travel with puppies and kittens under 6 months.
    Koiran- ja kissanpentujen tuontikielto, checked 1 October 2026
  • Ruokavirasto's standard conditions for pets moving from EU countries: the puppy or kitten must be at least 12 weeks old on the day of the primary rabies vaccination (page last updated 21 April 2026). The page points to separate requirements for puppies and kittens, and the European Commission's young-animals table (checked 6 October 2026) shows Finland answering 'Yes' under Article 9 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, so this is not a ban on younger animals moving non-commercially from other EU countries. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets from EU countries.
    Non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets from EU countries to Finland, checked 1 October 2026
  • The rabies vaccination must be done at least 21 days before the move to Finland. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets from EU countries.
    Non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets from EU countries to Finland, checked 1 October 2026

Banned and restricted breeds

  • Dogs with cropped tails or ears, including those cropped abroad, may not be shown or take part in any competition, trial or test in Finland, official or unofficial (page last updated 6 July 2026). Applies to dogs.
    Usein kysyttyä eläinsuojelusta, checked 1 October 2026
  • No official page states a rule on this. We confirm it with you for each move.

Official fees

  • The owner of an illegally imported animal is liable for all costs of the measures taken. Applies to dogs and cats imported in breach of the rules.
    Säädösten vastaisesti maahantuodut eläimet, checked 1 October 2026
  • Dog register fee: EUR 10 per dog online, EUR 20 per dog by paper form; one-off fees, also charged on change of keeper. Applies to dogs.
    Koirarekisterin maksut, checked 1 October 2026

Other conditions

  • A dog moving permanently to Finland from another country must be entered in the Finnish dog register within four weeks of arrival (or before it is handed to a new keeper, if sooner); a dog staying temporarily for more than three months must also be registered in the same time (page last updated 2 July 2026). Applies to dogs.
    Koiran ilmoittaminen rekisteriin, checked 1 October 2026
  • Temporary stays: a dog staying in Finland temporarily for more than three months must also be registered within the same deadline. Applies to dogs.
    Koiran ilmoittaminen rekisteriin, checked 1 October 2026
  • Extra national requirement: dogs and cats from Malaysia need a written certificate on Nipah virus (no contact with pigs for 60 days, no Nipah premises, negative IgG ELISA within 10 days of export); cats from Australia need a written certificate on Hendra virus (not on Hendra premises for 60 days). Issued by an official vet in the origin country. Page last updated 30 August 2023. Applies to dogs and cats from Malaysia; cats from Australia.
    Australia ja Malesia, checked 1 October 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

The pet must have been at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated against rabies. A primary rabies vaccination becomes valid 21 days after the vaccination protocol is completed. The rabies vaccination must be done at least 21 days before the move to Finland. The rabies vaccine must not be given before the microchip is implanted or read (same day is acceptable). Each pet must be identified with an implanted microchip meeting the technical specifications in Article 70a of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035.

No, a pet that meets the entry rules is not quarantined. An illegally imported animal may be held briefly in isolation under official supervision at the airport until it can be returned to its country of origin; if return is not possible it must be euthanised. The owner of an illegally imported animal is liable for all costs of the measures taken.

It depends on where your pet is coming from. Pets from third countries listed in Annex I or Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 do not need a rabies antibody titration test, and pets from all other third countries do. Where it is required, the test must show at least 0.5 IU/ml of neutralising antibody and be done in a designated laboratory. The blood sample must be taken by an authorised vet at least 30 days after the primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued.

Ruokavirasto’s pet entry pages state no breed condition. Dogs with cropped tails or ears, including those cropped abroad, may not be shown or take part in any competition, trial or test in Finland, official or unofficial.

Several steps have fixed windows. The rabies vaccination must be done at least 21 days before the move to Finland. Where a titre test is required, the blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue by the official vet until the documentary and identity checks at the travellers’ point of entry. Dogs need tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before arrival. Plan backwards from your travel date and book your vet early.

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