Pet Transport from Japan to Italy
Planning to move your pet from Japan to Italy? Get Your Quote
For pets moving from Japan to Italy, the EU’s approved third countries list works in your favour. Japan holds listed-country status, which means no titre test, no 3-month waiting period, and no quarantine – just a microchip, a current rabies vaccination, and the correct EU health certificate.
The health certificate is the detail that catches people out. Pets from Japan entering the EU need the EU Annex IV listed-country model certificate – a specific template completed by a MAFF-accredited vet in Japan and endorsed by the MAFF regional office. It’s not a standard Japanese health certificate, and it must be issued within 10 days of your pet entering Italy.
No airline flies direct from Japan to Italy for pets. Lufthansa via Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC) is the most reliable routing for cargo, with good connections to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP). ANA Cargo also serves MXP. Enter at FCO if possible – it has the strongest BIP veterinary inspection capacity in Italy. Allow 4-8 weeks from starting preparation.
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 valid on arrival in Italy.
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 vet + MAFF regional office
Book flight and confirm pet space
2-4 weeks before travel. Lufthansa via FRA/MUC or ANA via MXP are the main cargo options.
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Border Inspection Post (BIP) check on arrival in Italy
On arrival at FCO or MXP. Present health certificate, vaccination records, and microchip documentation.
Responsible: You + Ministero della Salute border vets
Italy Import Requirements
What Italy 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. Valid (not expired) on arrival.
Rabies Titre Test
Not required. Japan is on the EU approved third countries list. No titre test or 3-month waiting period applies.
Quarantine
No quarantine for pets from Japan, provided the health certificate is valid and vaccinations are current.
Import Permit
No advance import permit required for non-commercial movement of up to 5 pets.
Health Certificate
Required. EU Annex IV listed-country model health certificate. Completed by a MAFF-accredited vet and endorsed by the MAFF regional office. Valid for 10 days from issue to entry into Italy.
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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