Pet Transport Cyprus to UK: AHC, Tapeworm Timing and 2026 Requirements

If you are relocating a pet from Cyprus to United Kingdom, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. This is one of the more straightforward routes, and roughly 3-4 weeks is usually …

Get your free quote →

3-4

Weeks lead time needed

Start this early minimum

None

Quarantine on arrival

Low

Route complexity

Airlines on this route

Lead time needed

3-4 weeks

Quarantine

None

Route complexity

Low

Airlines

4 carriers on this route

Start my quote

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Cyprus to United Kingdom typically takes around 3-4 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is not required.

Regulations checked June 2026

Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team

Step by step

The Cyprus to United Kingdom import process

Before rabies vaccination.

ISO microchip confirmed or implanted.

Responsible: Your vet in Cyprus

At least 21 days before travel.

Rabies vaccination confirmed current.

Responsible: Your vet in Cyprus

Only relevant for dogs re-entering Cyprus. Not required for GB entry direction.

Tick treatment for dogs (Rhipicephalus) recorded in AHC if required for any return journey to Cyprus.

Responsible: Vet in Cyprus

24-120 hours before arrival in Great Britain.

Tapeworm treatment for dogs, 24-120 hours before GB arrival.

Responsible: Official vet in Cyprus

Within 10 days of travel.

AHC issued by Department of Veterinary Services-authorised official vet.

Responsible: Official vet in Cyprus

Requirements

United Kingdom entry requirements

Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.

Microchip

ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination. Source: GOV.UK, 2026.

Rabies vaccination

Current rabies vaccination required. Minimum 21-day wait after first vaccination before travel. Source: GOV.UK, 2026.

Rabies titre test

Not required. Cyprus is an EU-listed country. Source: GOV.UK approved countries list, 2026.

Quarantine

No routine quarantine for compliant pets via an approved route. Source: GOV.UK, 2026.

Import permit

No import permit required. Source: GOV.UK, 2026.

Health certificate

AHC from a Department of Veterinary Services-authorised official vet in Cyprus, or a valid EU pet passport issued before 1 January 2021. Source: GOV.UK, 2026.

Leaving Cyprus

Export requirements

Export permit

No export permit required for companion animals. Source: Department of Veterinary Services Cyprus, 2026.

Health certificate

Animal Health Certificate issued by a Department of Veterinary Services-authorised official vet in Cyprus. Valid for 10 days from issue for GB entry. Source: Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture Cyprus (moa.gov.cy), 2026.

Costs

What this route typically costs

AHC from official vet: EUR 80-200

Tapeworm treatment: EUR 20-50

Cargo fees LCA to LHR: GBP 400-1,000 depending on crate size

IATA-compliant crate: GBP 60-250 if needed

Total typical range: GBP 550-1,500

Critical points

Note on North Cyprus: Larnaca and Paphos are in the Republic of Cyprus, which is an EU member state. Pets from the TRNC (North Cyprus) do not travel under EU pet travel rules and face different documentation requirements. Confirm your specific situation with the Department of Veterinary Services before booking.

American Pit Bull Terrier and Japanese Tosa are banned breeds under Cyprus law. The UK's Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 also bans these types. If your dog could be considered one of these types, confirm the breed status before travel.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

Airline	Notes	Type
Cyprus Airways	Cyprus Airways operates direct flights from Larnaca International (LCA) to London Heathrow (LHR). Cargo pets can be transported on this route. Confirm current pet cargo availability and rates directly with Cyprus Airways or an approved cargo agent.	Cargo Only
British Airways	British Airways World Cargo handles pets on the LCA-LHR route. Book through an approved BA cargo agent. No cabin pets on any BA route.	Cargo Only
Ryanair / Wizz Air	Both carriers operate LCA to UK routes but neither accepts pets in cabin or hold. Not suitable for pet transport.	No Pets
KLM via Amsterdam	Hub routing via Amsterdam Schiphol adds a connection but gives access to KLM's established live animal cargo handling at one of Europe's best-equipped cargo hubs.	Cargo Only

The rules for bringing a pet into United Kingdom

United Kingdom keeps its import requirements relatively light, which makes preparing easier. Even so, the basics still need to be right and in the correct order.

How to keep this move on track

Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.

Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.

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.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

No. Cyprus is an EU-listed country for UK pet travel purposes. No titre test is required. You need a microchip, current rabies vaccination with the 21-day first-vaccination wait, and an AHC from a Cyprus official vet (or a valid pre-2021 EU pet passport). Source: GOV.UK, 2026.

There is no tick treatment requirement for dogs entering Great Britain from Cyprus. Tick treatment is a requirement for dogs entering Cyprus, not leaving it. For the Cyprus-to-GB direction, the only treatment requirement is Praziquantel tapeworm treatment for dogs, given 24-120 hours before GB arrival. Source: GOV.UK, 2026.

Yes. Cyprus Airways operates direct LCA-LHR flights. British Airways World Cargo also handles pets on this route. Both are direct and avoid the additional handling of hub connections. Confirm current cargo pet availability and rates with your chosen carrier or an approved cargo agent.

Airline guides

Cyprus Airways
British Airways
Ryanair / Wizz Air
KLM via Amsterdam

Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet
to United Kingdom.

Get a free, fully itemised quote for this route. We map the complete preparation timeline and costs. No commitment required.

Get my free quote