Pet Transport from Japan to Greece
Planning to move your pet from Japan to Greece? Get Your Quote
Japan is on the EU’s approved third countries list, which simplifies the process for pets relocating to Greece considerably. There is no titre test requirement and no quarantine – your pet needs a microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), a current rabies vaccination, and the correct EU-model health certificate.
The key detail on the Japan side is the health certificate format. Pets entering EU member states from Japan need the EU Annex IV listed-country certificate template, completed by a MAFF-accredited vet and endorsed by the MAFF regional office. This is a specific document – not a standard Japanese health certificate – and it must be issued within 10 days of your pet entering Greece.
There are no direct flights from Japan to Greece. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST) is the most convenient routing, with onward connections to Athens (ATH). Lufthansa via Frankfurt is a solid alternative. Allow 4-8 weeks from starting preparation to travel day. Your pet will be inspected at the Athens Border Inspection Post on arrival.
Step-by-Step Process
Ensure microchip is in place (ISO 11784/11785)
Must precede all vaccinations.
Responsible: Your veterinarian in Japan
Rabies vaccination
After microchip. Must be current and valid on arrival in Greece.
Responsible: Your veterinarian in Japan
Obtain EU-model health certificate (Japan)
Within 10 days of travel. EU Annex IV listed-country format, endorsed by MAFF regional office.
Responsible: Your MAFF-accredited veterinarian + MAFF regional office
Book flight and confirm pet space
2-4 weeks before travel. Turkish Airlines via IST is the recommended routing.
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Border Inspection Post (BIP) check on arrival in Greece
On arrival at ATH. Present health certificate, vaccination records, and microchip documentation.
Responsible: You + Hellenic veterinary border inspectors
Greece Import Requirements
What Greece requires for pets entering the country.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies Vaccination
Required. Must be administered after the microchip. Minimum age: 12 weeks. Valid (not expired) on arrival.
Rabies Titre Test
Not required. Japan is listed by the EU under the approved third countries list, exempting pets from the titre test and 3-month waiting period requirement.
Quarantine
No quarantine. Provided the health certificate is valid and the rabies vaccination is current.
Import Permit
No advance import permit required for non-commercial movement of up to 5 pets.
Health Certificate
Required. EU-model health certificate for listed third countries, completed by a MAFF-accredited Japanese vet and endorsed by the MAFF regional office. Valid for 10 days from date of issue to date of entry into Greece.
Exporting from Japan
What you need from Japan before your pet can leave.
Export Permit
No formal export permit required. MAFF-endorsed EU-model health certificate is the primary export document for EU-bound pets.
Cost Factors
Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.
- Airline cabin or cargo fees
- IATA-compliant travel crate
- Veterinary fees (health certificate, vaccinations)
- MAFF endorsement fee (Japan)
- Pet transport agent fee (if applicable)
Important Warnings
Frequently Asked Questions
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