Lead time needed
16-20 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Moderate
Airlines
2 carriers on this route
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Pet Transport from Georgia to Turkey

A move from Georgia to Turkey with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Around 16-20 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. There is no routine quarantine, provided the paperwork is in order. A …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Georgia to Turkey typically takes around 16-20 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
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Step by step

The Georgia to Turkey import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
Before the rabies vaccination.
Confirm ISO microchip is implanted and scannable.

Responsible: Vet in Georgia.

2
At least 21 days before the titre test blood draw if this is the primary dose.
Administer or confirm current rabies vaccination.

Responsible: NFA-authorised vet.

3
At least 30 days after vaccination; result must clear 0.5 IU/ml.
Draw blood for the FAVN titre test at an accredited laboratory.

Responsible: Vet and laboratory.

4
Counted from the blood draw date, not the result date, regardless of whether you fly or drive.
Wait out the 90-day post-draw period.

Responsible: Owner.

5
Within 10 days of travel.
Obtain the NFA-endorsed health certificate.

Responsible: NFA-authorised vet and the National Food Agency.

6
Once the 90-day wait has cleared and the certificate is current.
Travel Tbilisi to Istanbul direct, or drive south to the Sarpi border crossing near Batumi.

Responsible: Airline cargo handling, or the owner if driving.

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Turkey

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 required, implanted before the rabies vaccination and readable …
Rabies vaccination
Required, current within 12 months. Minimum age 3 months at first vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. Turkey requires a FAVN or RNATT rabies antibody titre test from …
Quarantine
No routine quarantine with a complete, compliant titre test result. 21 days at …
Import permit
No pre-travel import permit for personal pets.
Health certificate
Official Veterinary Health Certificate, valid for 10 days from issue, in English …
Export permit
No formal export permit required for companion cats and dogs.
Costs

What this route typically costs

FAVN rabies titre test at an accredited laboratory: USD 150-250.
NFA-endorsed health certificate and vet examination: USD 100-180.
Direct cargo fee, Tbilisi to Istanbul: USD 500-900 depending on crate …
Overland option via the Sarpi crossing: no cargo fee, just fuel and …
IATA-approved travel crate: USD 150-400 if flying.

Critical points

Georgia and Turkey share a land border at Sarpi, near Batumi, so driving is a genuine option here that most routes in this build don't have. The paperwork and 90-day titre wait are identical either way; only the transport method changes.

The 90-day wait is counted from the blood draw, not the lab result date. Book the test as early as your pet's vaccination schedule allows.

Turkey bans the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler and their crosses under Law No. 5199, amended in 2021, whether the pet arrives by air or by road.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Turkish Airlines
Direct Tbilisi-Istanbul cargo service, multiple times weekly.
Cargo Only
Georgian Airways
Georgia's national carrier also flies Tbilisi-Istanbul direct, giving owners a genuine …
Cargo Only

Meeting Turkey's entry requirements

The path into Turkey is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.

Advice worth following

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.

Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.

FAQ

Common questions

Yes. Georgia and Turkey share a land border at the Sarpi crossing near Batumi, roughly a 6 to 7-hour drive on to Istanbul. The paperwork and 90-day titre wait are identical to the flying route.
Yes. Both Turkish Airlines and Georgian Airways fly it direct.
Yes, regardless of whether the pet flies or crosses overland. A FAVN test is required, blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, with a 90-day wait from the draw date.
Yes. Turkey bans the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler and their crosses under Law No. 5199, amended in 2021.
Airline guides
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Georgian Airways
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet to Turkey.

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GE TRGeorgia to Turkey
International pet transport route
Lead time16-20 weeks
QuarantineNone
ComplexityModerate
Airlines2
ServiceDoor to door
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