Pet Transport from Japan to Netherlands
Planning to move your pet from Japan to Netherlands? Get Your Quote
Japan’s status as an EU-approved third country makes this one of the simpler intercontinental pet moves. There is no titre test, no quarantine, and no 3-month waiting period. Your pet needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and the EU-model health certificate – and KLM flies direct from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), which removes any routing complexity.
The health certificate is where the detail matters. Pets from Japan entering the EU need the EU Annex IV listed-country format – a specific template your MAFF-accredited vet in Japan must use, endorsed by the MAFF regional office. It is valid for 10 days from issue, so coordinate the endorsement and departure date carefully.
KLM accepts small pets in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier) and larger pets via KLM Cargo. Book early, as pet spaces on this route fill up. The NVWA inspects pets at Schiphol on arrival – bring originals of all documents. Allow 4-8 weeks from starting preparation to travel day.
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 the Netherlands.
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 KLM or alternative flight and confirm pet space
2-4 weeks before travel. KLM direct NRT-AMS is the simplest option.
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
NVWA Border Inspection on arrival at Schiphol (AMS)
On arrival. Present health certificate, vaccination records, and microchip documentation to NVWA border vets.
Responsible: You + NVWA border inspectors
Netherlands Import Requirements
What Netherlands 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 the Netherlands.
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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