If you are relocating a pet from Italy to Georgia, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. Give yourself close to 8-12 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Italy to Georgia
typically takes around 8-12 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Italy to Georgia pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Contact GNFA (gnfa.gov.ge) for import permit and requirements
Responsible: Owner or agent
8-10 weeks before travel.
2
Confirm ISO microchip predates the rabies vaccination
Responsible: ASL-authorised vet in Italy
6+ weeks before travel.
3
Verify rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: ASL-authorised vet in Italy
6+ weeks before travel.
4
Book cargo from FCO or MXP to TBS via Istanbul
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks before travel. Confirm Turkish Cargo live animal acceptance.
5
ASL health certificate issued and endorsed within 10 days of travel
Responsible: Veterinario ufficiale at local ASL
Within 10 days of departure.
6
Travel day: GNFA inspection at TBS on arrival
Responsible: Airline cargo, then GNFA at TBS
FCO or MXP to TBS via IST: typically 6-9 hours.
Requirements
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.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant arrivals from Italy at Tbilisi.
Import permit
Import permit required from the Georgian National Food Agency (GNFA) at gnfa.gov.ge. Contact GNFA in advance to confirm current requirements and application process.
Health certificate
ASL-endorsed health certificate from Italy, presented at Tbilisi on arrival.
Export permit (Italy)
No separate export permit required. The ASL-endorsed health certificate is the required export document.
Costs
What this route typically costs
ASL health certificate and official vet fee: EUR 80-200
GNFA import permit fee: confirm with gnfa.gov.ge
Cargo FCO or MXP to TBS via IST: EUR 600-1,800 depending on pet size
IATA-approved travel crate: EUR 80-280 if needed
Pet transport agent: EUR 300-900
Total typical range: EUR 1,100-3,500
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.
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.
TURKISH
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Istanbul (IST), then IST to Tbilisi (TBS). Turkish Airlines is the primary carrier on the Italy-to-Georgia corridor. Turkish Cargo handles live animals and the IST-TBS leg is short.
Cargo Only
GEORGIAN
Georgian Airways via Rome or Milan
Georgian Airways operates services from European cities including connections to Rome and Milan. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance on their Italy-to-Tbilisi routes directly with Georgian Airways Cargo.
Cargo Only
WIZZ AIR
Wizz Air connecting via Hungarian hub
For general passenger connections only. Live animal cargo on low-cost carriers typically requires specialist cargo arrangements. Confirm with any chosen low-cost carrier before planning.
Cargo Only
Georgia import rules, explained
Georgia keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.
Practical tips for this move
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
FAQ
Common questions about Italy to Georgia pet transport
No. Georgia does not require the FAVN titre test for pets from EU member states including Italy. Current rabies vaccination, ISO microchip, ASL export health certificate, and the GNFA import permit are the required documents.
Contact the Georgian National Food Agency at gnfa.gov.ge at least 8-10 weeks before travel. Provide your pet’s microchip number, vaccination history, breed, travel date, and contact details. The GNFA issues the permit, which you present at Tbilisi International Airport alongside the Italian health certificate.
Yes. Turkish Airlines operates from Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Istanbul (IST) with connections to Tbilisi (TBS). Turkish Airlines Cargo handles live animals on this corridor. Confirm cargo acceptance before booking. Georgian Airways may also have Milan connections; check with them directly.
Via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, the total transit from FCO or MXP to TBS is approximately 6-9 hours. This is within the comfortable range for healthy adult pets in IATA-compliant crates.
Airline guides
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
Georgian Airways via Rome or Milan
Wizz Air connecting via Hungarian hub
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.