India to Spain involves two India-side documentation steps: the AQCS NOC and the FAVN titre test with 3-month wait. No direct cargo flight connects India to Spain; all routes go via a European or Middle Eastern hub. Total preparation is …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in India
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.
Responsible: Vet in India
5+ months before travel
3
Apply to AQCS for NOC (allow at least 30 days for processing).
Responsible: Owner or agent, AQCS
4-5 months before travel
4
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: Official vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
5
Wait 3 months from blood sampling date.
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
3 months from blood draw
6
Book cargo from DEL/BOM to MAD via European hub.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
7
Obtain DAHD-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: DAHD-authorised vet plus DAHD endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
8
Depart DEL or BOM. Spanish customs inspects at Madrid Barajas.
Responsible: Airline cargo and Spanish customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Spain
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. India is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test required. Blood drawn after microchip and valid vaccination. 3-month wait from blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. Spanish customs inspects at Madrid Barajas (MAD).
Import permit
No import permit. DAHD-endorsed EU certificate with AQCS NOC are the required documents.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by DAHD, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (India)
AQCS NOC required for all pet exports from India. Primary departure airports: Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM).
DAHD-endorsed health certificate: INR 1,000-3,000 (approximately EUR 10-35)
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo DEL/BOM to MAD (via hub): EUR 900-2,100 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,300-3,200
Critical points to read before you book
India is not EU-listed: FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are mandatory. Start 5+ months before travel.
AQCS NOC takes up to 30 days; apply well ahead.
No direct India to Spain cargo flight; all routings connect via a hub.
Spain PPP obligations apply once in Spain; import is not restricted at the border.
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.
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Emirates connects from Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM) via Dubai to Madrid Barajas (MAD). Emirates SkyCargo handles live animals at Dubai International.
Cargo Only
AIR INDIA
Air India Cargo via FRA or CDG
Air India operates DEL to European hubs including Frankfurt (FRA) and Paris (CDG), with onward connections to Madrid Barajas.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Lufthansa operates DEL to Frankfurt direct with cargo connections to Madrid. An alternative via Germany.
Cargo Only
AQCS NOC and titre test: what Indian owners need to start
India requires an AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Service) NOC for all pet exports. Apply at least 30 days before travel. India is also not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test is mandatory with a 3-month wait from the blood draw date.
The DAHD endorses the EU-format certificate, which must be dated within 10 days of travel. Start the process five to six months before your travel date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Cargo options from India to Madrid
No direct cargo flight connects Indian airports to Madrid. The main routing options are Emirates via Dubai to MAD (two legs, well-established), or via European hubs Frankfurt (Lufthansa) or Paris CDG (Air India/Air France) with onward connections to Barajas.
Emirates via Dubai is often the most practical option due to Emirates’ strong cargo network and live animal handling. The Dubai transit adds time; ensure the transit is not excessively long when booking.
Spain PPP: planning for certain breeds from India
Spain’s PPP law covers Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, and similar breeds. Import is permitted; PPP creates ongoing obligations once in Spain: muzzle, maximum 2m leash, civil liability insurance, and a PPP licence from the local municipality.
For Indian families moving to Spain with breeds commonly kept in India, including German Shepherds, Labradors, and similar, no PPP obligation applies.
FAQ
Common questions about India to Spain pet transport
Yes. India is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
The AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Service) No Objection Certificate is a mandatory document for all pet exports from India. Apply to AQCS at least 30 days before travel. Processing involves an inspection of your pet at the designated AQCS quarantine station.
No. All routings connect via a hub. Emirates via Dubai to Madrid is the most common. Air India via Frankfurt or Paris CDG with onward connections to Madrid are alternatives.
Cargo via hub to MAD typically costs EUR 900 to EUR 2,100. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test and EUR 20-90 for the AQCS and DAHD documentation. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,300 to EUR 3,200.