Importing Your Pet to Malta
Moderate to importMalta is an EU member state with additional attention to biosecurity as an island. The VRD (Veterinary Regulation Directorate) administers pet imports. EU/EFTA pets use EU Pet Passports. Non-EU pets need an AHC endorsed by the origin country’s official vet authority.
Malta’s island status means it has historically been careful about animal disease controls. All documentation must be correct before your pet is allowed off the plane. Malta International Airport has a veterinary inspection point for imported animals.
Pets from non-EU countries with certain titre test requirements face the same 3-month waiting period after a successful test as for other EU island nations. Start the process early for non-EU origins.
Import Requirements
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Before or on same day as first rabies vaccination
Rabies Vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel
Titre Test
Required for: Pets from non-listed countries. Not required for: EU/listed countries. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant pets
Import Permit
Not required
Health Certificate
Required. EU Pet Passport or AHC. Issued by: Official vet. Valid for 10 days from issue
Breed Restrictions
No full breed ban but certain breeds must be muzzled in public and registered as dangerous dogs.
Non-EU pets entering Malta
From the UK: an AHC endorsed by APHA within 10 days of travel is required. From the US: a USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate in EU AHC format. Both must show a valid ISO microchip and current rabies vaccination.
From countries where a titre test is required (generally countries outside the EU/US/UK/Australia approved list), blood must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination and a 3-month waiting period applies after a successful result before Malta entry.
Malta and re-entry to the UK
If you are taking your pet from Malta back to the UK, note that UK entry rules are now separate from EU rules (post-Brexit). Your pet will need a GB Pet Passport or AHC for UK entry. Malta-based vets can issue AHCs for UK-bound pets. Ensure your pet is microchipped to ISO standard and has a valid rabies vaccination before organising the AHC for the return journey.Routes to Malta
Frequently Asked Questions
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Malta
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Quarantine: No routine quarantine for compliant pets
- Code: MT