The journey from India to Portugal for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Set aside roughly 20-28 weeks for this route and keep a close eye on the sequencing. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from India to Portugal
typically takes around 20-28 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.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The India to Portugal import process
01
Before first rabies vaccination
ISO microchip implanted and pre-dating vaccination
Responsible: Vet
02
At least 30 days before titre test blood draw
Primary rabies vaccination
Responsible: Vet
03
30+ days post-vaccination
FAVN titre test blood draw at EU-approved lab
Responsible: Vet and EU-approved lab
04
2-4 weeks for results
Passing titre result received (0.5 IU/ml or above)
Responsible: Approved lab
05
Three calendar months; fixed, cannot be shortened
90-day wait from passing result date
Responsible: Owner
06
Within 10 days of departure
DAHD vet issues export health certificate
Responsible: DAHD vet
07
4-6 weeks before travel
Book TAP or Air India cargo space
Responsible: Owner or agent
Requirements
Portugal 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; must pre-date first rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination; 21-day wait post-primary course before travel
Rabies titre test
Required. India not on EU listed countries. FAVN titre test at 0.5 IU/ml. Blood drawn 30+ days after vaccination. 90-day wait from passing result.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets
Import permit
No import permit required
Health certificate
DAHD-endorsed certificate accepted by Portuguese DGAV (Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs)
Leaving India
Export requirements
Export permit
No export permit; DAHD cert required
Health certificate
DAHD-authorised vet health certificate
Costs
What this route typically costs
FAVN titre test India: USD 200-400
DAHD health certificate: INR 2,000-5,000
Cargo India to Lisbon: USD 900-2,200
Professional relocation agent: USD 500-1,200
Critical points
Portugal has a restricted dangerous dog list under Lei 9/2009. Owners of breeds on this list need specific licensing to keep them in Portugal, separate from the import process.
The 90-day wait is mandatory and begins on the passing titre result date, not the vaccination date.
TAP Air Portugal's DEL-LIS route is relatively new. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance and any seasonal restrictions when booking.
DGAV border inspectors at Lisbon Airport are experienced with Indian-origin pet documentation but will scrutinise all date sequences carefully.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
TAP Air Portugal
LIS to DEL direct (introduced 2022). In-cabin for qualifying small pets; cargo for larger animals on India-Lisbon routes.
Mixed
Air India
DEL to LIS via connections. Live animals as cargo; contact Air India Cargo.
Cargo Only
Portugal import rules, explained
Portugal asks for several pieces of paperwork, and they all need to line up. A checklist and a clear timeline are your best tools here.
Practical tips for this move
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.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
The list includes Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, and Dogue de Bordeaux among others. These breeds can be brought into Portugal but require post-arrival licensing and registration with local authorities.
Yes. India is not on the EU’s listed countries. The FAVN titre test (0.5 IU/ml minimum, from an EU-approved lab) is mandatory, followed by a 90-day wait from the date of the passing result.
TAP allows small pets in the cabin on eligible routes. For the Delhi-Lisbon direct service, confirm TAP’s current cabin pet policy and weight limits when booking, as policies on specific long-haul routes can differ from short-haul rules.
No quarantine applies for compliant pets (passing titre test, correct microchip, valid vaccination, health certificate within 10 days). Quarantine would only apply if documentation is deficient or the titre test has not passed.
From starting the titre test process (rabies vaccination, then blood draw 30 days later, then results, then 90-day wait), the minimum is approximately 20 to 28 weeks. Start at least six months before your planned move date.
Airline guides
TAP Air Portugal
Air India
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.