Importing Your Pet to Greece

Greece is an EU member state and follows EU Pet Travel Scheme rules administered by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main entry point, with Thessaloniki (SKG) handling some international pet arrivals.

For pets from EU/EFTA countries, an EU Pet Passport is sufficient. For pets from listed countries (UK, USA, Canada, etc.), an endorsed health certificate is required. No mandatory quarantine for compliant pets.

Greece is a popular destination for pets of expats and returning Greek nationals. The process is generally smooth for well-documented pets from approved countries.

EU requirements at Athens

Pets arriving from outside the EU clear through the Ministry of Rural Development and Food inspection at Athens Airport. The documentation check follows standard EU rules: microchip, current rabies vaccination, valid health certificate endorsed by origin country authority.

For UK pets post-Brexit, an AHC (Animal Health Certificate) endorsed by APHA is required instead of a pet passport. For US pets, a USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate in EU AHC format is required. Present originals, not copies.

Greek island travel