Pet Transport from Japan to Austria
Japan is on the EU approved third-country list under EU Implementing Regulation 2026/636. Pets moving from Japan to Austria do not require a titre test or a titre-related waiting period. The process centres on the AQS examination in Japan and cargo to Vienna …
The Japan to Austria import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Vet in Japan
Responsible: Vet in Japan
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: AQS-registered vet and AQS
Responsible: Owner or freight forwarder
What your pet needs to enter Austria
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
The AQS examination must occur at a designated Animal Quarantine Station. Book the slot at least three to four weeks before departure.
Austria has no federal breed ban but Bundesland-level restrictions vary significantly. Research the rules for your destination state before travelling.
The health certificate is valid for 10 days from AQS endorsement. Plan the appointment date relative to your Vienna arrival, not Japan departure.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
What does a pet from Japan need to enter Austria?
Austria follows EU Implementing Regulation 2026/636 as an EU member. Japan’s approved status on the EU listed-country schedule means no titre test and no titre-linked waiting period for pets departing Japan.
The requirements are an ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before the first rabies vaccination, a current rabies vaccination with a 21-day post-primary wait, and an EU-format Animal Health Certificate (AHC, Annex I format for listed countries) endorsed by Japan’s AQS at a designated Animal Quarantine Station. The certificate is valid for 10 days from the endorsement date.
Austria has no federal breed ban, but the nine Bundeslaender each impose their own breed restrictions. Bavaria borders Austria, and Vienna, Salzburg, and other Austrian cities have their own state rules for restricted breeds. Check the specific state regulations for your destination before booking.
Which airlines carry pets from Japan to Austria?
The main routing is via Frankfurt (FRA) as the hub. Vienna Schwechat (VIE) is a major airport and part of the Lufthansa Group network, making connections from Frankfurt straightforward. Lufthansa Cargo operates NRT to FRA with live animal acceptance; Austrian Airlines (also Lufthansa Group) then handles the FRA to VIE leg. ANA Cargo is another option for the NRT-FRA long-haul segment, connecting to VIE via Lufthansa or Austrian.
Direct flights from Japan to Vienna do not currently operate. The Frankfurt hub is the most reliable connection point.
What does moving a pet from Japan to Austria cost?
The total cost typically falls between EUR 1,200 and EUR 3,400. AQS examination and endorsement costs JPY 30,000 to JPY 80,000 (roughly EUR 200 to EUR 530). Cargo from NRT or HND to VIE via Frankfurt runs EUR 800 to EUR 2,400. Austrian border inspection at VIE costs EUR 100 to EUR 250. An IATA-compliant crate adds EUR 70 to EUR 280.
An IPATA-registered agent managing the AQS appointment, cargo, and documentation typically charges EUR 300 to EUR 700.