Pet Transport Italy to Georgia: 2026 Guide
Italy to Georgia is a straightforward corridor for pet cargo. The GNFA import permit from Georgia's National Food Agency and the ASL-issued health certificate from Italy are the two key documents. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul provides …
The Italy to Georgia pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
What your pet needs to enter Georgia
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
What this route typically costs
Critical points to read before you book
Contact GNFA 8-10 weeks before travel to understand the current import permit process. Georgia's requirements for pets from EU member states are managed by the National Food Agency.
Italian EU pet passports do not function as export documents for Georgia. The ASL export health certificate is the correct document.
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is the most reliable cargo option from Rome or Milan to Tbilisi. Confirm live animal acceptance and crate specifications before booking.
Tbilisi (TBS) is the main entry point. Kutaisi (KUT) is an alternative but has fewer international connections for cargo.
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
Georgia's GNFA and the import permit
The Georgian National Food Agency (GNFA) at gnfa.gov.ge manages companion animal imports. The import permit from GNFA is the entry requirement for your pet. Apply in advance with your pet’s details: microchip number, vaccination history, breed, species, and travel date.
Georgia has a straightforward relationship with EU-origin pets. The country does not require the FAVN titre test for pets arriving from EU member states. Current rabies vaccination, ISO microchip, and the Italian health certificate are the core documentation alongside the GNFA permit. The GNFA inspection team at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) checks documents on arrival.
Confirm with GNFA at the time of application what format the Italian health certificate should follow. Some countries have specific requirements for the certification format; GNFA can confirm what they expect for Italy-origin movements.
Istanbul as the transit hub
Turkish Airlines connects both Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Istanbul Ataturk (IST) with regular frequency. From IST, Turkish Airlines operates multiple daily services to Tbilisi (TBS). Turkish Airlines Cargo handles live animal freight on this corridor and IST is well set up as a transit point for Caucasus-bound cargo.
The FCO-IST-TBS routing takes approximately 6-9 hours total, depending on connection time at Istanbul. This is a comfortable transit for healthy adult dogs and cats in compliant crates.
Georgian Airways, Georgia’s national carrier, operates services from various European cities and may have options from Rome or Milan. Contact Georgian Airways Cargo to confirm whether their Italy routes include live animal cargo acceptance.
The Italian ASL process explained
Italy’s export health certificate for non-EU destinations is issued by a veterinario ufficiale at your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale), the regional health authority. The EU pet passport is not valid for Georgia and should not be presented as the export document.
To get the certificate, book an appointment at your local ASL veterinary department. The official vet examines your pet, checks the microchip and vaccination record, and issues the certificato sanitario per l’esportazione. This document is then endorsed by the relevant authority.
The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Contact your ASL 3-4 weeks before travel to check appointment availability and the endorsement turnaround time. ASL offices vary in how quickly they can process endorsements.
Common questions about Italy to Georgia pet transport
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