Getting a pet from Cyprus to China is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is one of the more demanding routes, so allow around 26-32 weeks and treat the timeline as fixed. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Cyprus to China
typically takes around 26-32 weeks.
Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Cyprus to China import process
01
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
02
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
03
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
04
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from China
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
05
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
06
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
07
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
08
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Quarantine on arrival (30 days for dogs, 7 days for cats from approved countriesountries) - check current rules days)
Responsible: China quarantine authority
Requirements
China entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 15 digit). Must be implanted before vaccinations
Rabies vaccination
Required. Must be administered at least 30 days before travel but within 12 months.
Rabies titre test
Required for: All dogs and cats from most countries. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 180-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 30 days for dogs, 7 days for cats from approved countriesountries) - check current rules days. Facility: GACC-approved quarantine facility. Quarantine is mandatory. Facility and duration depends on origin country and species. Cats from some listed countries may be 7 days. Dogs typically 30 days.
Import permit
Required. Import permit must be obtained before travel. Very limited entry airports: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou main points. Must declare on arrival customs form.
Health certificate
Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government veterinarian. Valid for 14 days from issue. Must include microchip, vaccination records, titre test results, rabies-free status of origin region, and parasite treatment.
Leaving Cyprus
Export requirements
Export permit
Not required
Health certificate
EU Pet Passport or AHC. Issued by Department of Veterinary Services-authorised vet.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
Import permit application fee (China)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points
Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.
Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
Air China
Small pets allowed in cabin on domestic China routes. International: cargo only via Air China Cargo. Strict crate size and documentation requirements. China-specific import/export permits required. Advance booking of cargo space essential.
Cabin and Cargo
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Korean Air
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Larger pets in hold as checked baggage or Korean Air Cargo. Seasonal temperature restrictions apply
Cabin and Cargo
The rules for bringing a pet into China
China runs a strict import regime, so every document is checked closely on arrival. Build your plan around the fixed waiting periods, because they set the pace for everything else.
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 this route
Allow at least 26 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in China. Your pet will stay for 30 days for dogs, 7 days for cats from approved countriesountries) - check current rules days at GACC-approved quarantine facility on arrival. Confirm the facility, duration, and current charges with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter China. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from the China veterinary authority. Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Cyprus. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check China’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
British Airways
Air China
Emirates
Lufthansa
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Air France
KLM
Korean Air
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.