Pet Transport from India to Greece

Getting a dog or cat from India to Greece is a moderate process once you understand the steps. Greece is an EU member state, which means it follows EU pet import rules. For pets arriving from non-EU countries like India, that means a specific health certificate, a microchip, and an up-to-date rabies vaccination with a mandatory 21-day wait. There is no quarantine on arrival.

The preparation window is 6-8 weeks. Most of that time is waiting for the rabies vaccination to satisfy the 21-day EU requirement. Start the process at least 8 weeks before your travel date to keep a comfortable buffer. The AQCS export inspection in India is the last step, done 2-3 days before you fly.

Step-by-Step Process

Greece Import Requirements

What Greece requires for pets entering the country.

Exporting from India

What you need from India before your pet can leave.

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

• Airline cabin or cargo fees (varies by route, carrier, weight, and crate size)
• IATA-compliant travel crate
• Veterinary fees: vaccination, health certificate
• AQCS inspection and export certificate fee (India)
• Pet transport agent fee if used

Important Warnings

What Greece requires for pets entering from India

Greece, as an EU member state, applies the same pet import rules as other EU countries under Regulation 576/2013. Pets from non-EU countries like India need an ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued by an official government vet within 10 days of travel.

There is no routine quarantine for pets arriving with correct paperwork. The 21-day wait between vaccination and travel is the most important timing rule on this route. If your vet administers the rabies jab fewer than 21 days before your flight, your pet cannot travel on that date. Schedule the vaccination early.

The health certificate must be issued by a government-approved (official) veterinarian in India, not a private vet practice. This is a common sticking point. Ask your vet whether they hold official government veterinarian status before booking the appointment.

India export: AQCS inspection before departure

India requires pets to be cleared for export through the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) before leaving the country. The inspection happens in person at one of the AQCS quarantine stations – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad all have facilities.

Book your appointment 2-3 days before your flight. The AQCS vet examines the animal, checks your documentation, and issues the export health certificate on the day. Bring the rabies vaccination certificate and microchip records.

This certificate is a separate document from the health certificate required for Greek entry. Both are needed. The AQCS export certificate covers the Indian side; the EU-format health certificate covers the EU entry side.

Choosing your flight and planning the journey

There are no direct flights between India and Greece. All connections route via major hubs – Frankfurt, Munich, Dubai, or Doha are the most common transit points. Direct connections from Athens exist with Air India via a European hub. Emirates and Qatar Airways fly via their Gulf hubs.

For most pet owners, cargo travel is the more practical option for larger dogs. Cabin travel is available for small pets on airlines that permit it, but the connecting journey can be long. If your pet travels cargo, confirm that your transit airport allows live animal layovers.

Flying via Frankfurt on Lufthansa or via Amsterdam on KLM gives you a hub that handles live animal cargo routinely and efficiently.