Greece to UK pet transport is common for British expatriates returning home and for Greek nationals relocating for work. Greece is Part 1 listed by UK APHA, meaning no quarantine and no titre test for compliant arrivals. The key steps are …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip is ISO standard and pre-dates the rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now.
2
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and at least 21 days old
Responsible: Your vet (Greek official vet)
Allow time to update if needed.
3
Book airline cargo or cabin space
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead.
4
Greek official vet issues AHC
Responsible: EFET-authorised official vet
Within 10 days of travel.
5
Dogs: tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before UK arrival. Record in AHC.
Responsible: Vet
Timed from UK arrival. Athens to London is approximately 3.5 hours.
6
Travel to Great Britain. AHC checked at border inspection post.
Responsible: Airline/owner
On travel date.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter United Kingdom
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days since primary vaccination before entering Great Britain.
Quarantine
Not required. Greece is a Part 1 listed country under APHA rules.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
AHC issued within 10 days of travel. No titre test needed for Greek pets.
Export permit (Greece)
No formal export permit required for pets leaving Greece.
Costs
What this route typically costs
AHC from Greek official vet: approximately EUR 100-300 (GBP 85-260)
Tapeworm treatment (dogs only): EUR 20-50
Airline cargo Athens to London: EUR 200-700 depending on size
Travel crate: EUR 60-220
Pet transport agent fee (optional): EUR 400-1,000
Total typical range: GBP 300 to GBP 1,200
Critical points to read before you book
Greece has rabies present in wildlife in some regions. This does not affect the vaccination requirements, but your pet's vaccination must be current and documented.
Tapeworm treatment: the 24-120 hour window is from UK arrival time. An Athens to London Heathrow flight is approximately 3.5 hours, so treatment given the day before travel is within the window for most morning or afternoon departures.
The summer Greece-to-UK travel season (July to September) is busy. Book cargo space early and confirm that your pet can travel in the heat. Many cargo carriers impose restrictions on brachycephalic breeds in high ambient temperatures.
Many UK residents relocating from Greece are returnees who previously had EU pet passports. Those passports are not valid for UK entry. A current AHC is required.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
BRITISH
British Airways
London Heathrow to Athens (ATH). Cargo service via IAG Cargo. PetAir UK manages UK-side formalities.
Cargo Only
AEGEAN
Aegean Airlines
Athens to London routes. Small pets in cabin only on eligible routes. Check current weight limits.
Cabin Only
EASYJET
easyJet
Athens to various UK airports. Small pets in cabin only. No cargo service.
Cabin Only
A route frequently used by returning UK expats
A significant number of British citizens have lived in Greece over the years, many of whom acquired pets locally. When returning to the UK, the pet paperwork is entirely manageable but requires some advance planning.
The most common mistake returning UK expats make is assuming their pet’s Greek-issued EU pet passport is valid for UK entry. It is not. An EU pet passport issued in Greece cannot be used to enter Great Britain. The correct document is an AHC issued by a Greek official vet (EFET-authorised) within 10 days of travel. This is a specific appointment, not an extension of the existing passport.
If the pet’s vaccination history is all in the Greek EU passport, the vet can use those records to complete the AHC, provided the vaccinations are current and within the validity window.
Cargo and summer heat
Athens operates flights to London Heathrow, Gatwick, and other UK airports year-round. In July and August, temperatures in Athens regularly exceed 35 degrees Celsius, and airport tarmac temperatures can be considerably higher.
Most airlines impose additional restrictions on cargo pet travel during peak summer heat. Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, French bulldogs, Boxers, and others with short muzzles) face the strictest limitations and may be refused by cargo carriers in summer months. For these breeds, planning a move in spring or autumn avoids the worst of the summer heat restrictions.
FAQ
Common questions about Greece to United Kingdom pet transport
No. Greece is a Part 1 listed country under APHA rules. No quarantine is needed for compliant arrivals. Your pet needs a current AHC (issued within 10 days of travel), an ISO microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination, and a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days since the primary course). Dogs need tapeworm treatment recorded in the AHC, given 24-120 hours before UK arrival.
No. EU pet passports (including those issued by Greek vets) are not valid for entry into Great Britain. For UK entry, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a Greek official vet within 10 days of travel. The Greek EU passport can still be used for travel between EU countries, but not for UK entry.
For large dogs, air cargo is the only option. British Airways (IAG Cargo) is the main carrier offering pet cargo on the Athens to London Heathrow route. Aegean Airlines and easyJet are primarily for small pets in the cabin. Contact the cargo carrier directly or use a pet transport agent to manage the booking and coordinate the Greek-side export paperwork.
The AHC must be issued by a vet authorised by the Greek competent authority (Ministry of Rural Development and Food / EFET). Your regular Greek vet may hold this status or can refer you to someone who does. In Athens and Thessaloniki, several vets work regularly on international travel certificates. Allow at least a week before your travel date to confirm the appointment and ensure the 10-day window is met.