Pet Transport from Japan to Portugal
Planning to move your pet from Japan to Portugal? Get Your Quote
Japan’s EU-listed status keeps the paperwork manageable for pets heading to Portugal. There is no titre test, no quarantine, and no waiting period. Your pet needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and the EU-model health certificate – the right version of which your MAFF-accredited vet in Japan must prepare.
Routing is the main planning task here. No airlines fly nonstop from Japan to Portugal. Lufthansa via Frankfurt (FRA) and Iberia via Madrid (MAD) are the two most-used connections. TAP Air Portugal is a strong option for the final leg into Lisbon (LIS) – they accept small pets in cabin. Confirm pet acceptance on every leg of your journey separately, not just the first one.
The EU-model health certificate (Annex IV listed-country format) must be issued within 10 days of your pet entering Portugal, and the 10-day clock runs from issue to arrival – so factor in the endorsement time at the MAFF regional office when you’re setting your travel date. 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 Portugal.
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 routing and confirm pet space on each leg
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet acceptance on both Japan-hub and hub-LIS legs.
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
DGAV Border Inspection on arrival at Lisbon (LIS)
On arrival. Present health certificate, vaccination records, and microchip documentation.
Responsible: You + DGAV border inspectors
Portugal Import Requirements
What Portugal 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 with valid health certificate and current vaccinations.
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 in Japan and endorsed by the MAFF regional office. Valid for 10 days from issue to entry into Portugal.
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 (two legs: Japan to hub + hub to Lisbon)
- IATA-compliant travel crate
- Veterinary fees (health certificate, vaccinations)
- MAFF endorsement fee (Japan)
- Pet transport agent fee (if applicable)
Important Warnings
Frequently Asked Questions
On this page
Related Routes
Start your journey
Get Your Free Quote
Enter your pet's details and route
Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.