Pet Transport Japan to Spain: 2026 Guide
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
The Japan to Spain process
Responsible: Vet in Japan
Responsible: Vet in Japan
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: AQS-registered vet plus AQS endorsement
Responsible: Airline cargo and Spanish customs
Spain: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination. |
| Rabies vaccination | Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination. |
| Rabies titre test | Not required. Japan is on the EU's listed third countries schedule under EU Regulation 576/2013. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026. |
| Quarantine | No quarantine for compliant pets. Spanish customs inspects at Madrid Barajas (MAD). |
| Import permit | No import permit required. AQS-endorsed EU-format health certificate is the required document. |
| Health certificate | EU-format certificate endorsed by AQS, issued within 10 days of travel. |
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | No formal export permit required for companion animals from Japan. Primary departure airports: Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Tokyo Haneda (HND). |
| Health certificate | Official veterinary health certificate issued by an AQS-registered vet and endorsed by Japan's Animal Quarantine Service (AQS). EU-format required. Pet must be examined at an Animal Quarantine Station before export. Issued within 10 days of travel. |
What this route typically costs
| 1 | AQS health certificate and endorsement: JPY 10,000-30,000 (approximately EUR 60-185) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed |
| 3 | Cargo NRT/HND to MAD via European hub: EUR 1,300-3,000 depending on crate size and routing |
| 4 | Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 150-400 |
| 5 | Total typical range: EUR 1,650-3,800 |
Read before you book
Airlines on this route
Japan EU-listed: no titre test, but hub routing required for Spain
EU Regulation 576/2013 lists Japan as a recognised third country for pet movement, which means no FAVN titre test is required for entry into Spain. The process is straightforward on the regulatory side: valid ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination, and the AQS-endorsed EU-format health certificate. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
The AQS (Animal Quarantine Service) handles Japan’s export certification. Japanese law requires pets being exported to be examined at an Animal Quarantine Station before they leave the country. This step cannot be skipped; it is a domestic Japanese legal requirement, not a Spanish import rule. The examination confirms the pet’s identity, vaccination records, and health. Book the appointment two to three weeks before travel so the certificate falls within its 10-day validity window.
Routing from Tokyo to Madrid via hub and Spain's PPP law
There is no direct cargo service from Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) to Madrid Barajas (MAD). All routings involve a transfer at a European hub, either Paris CDG (Air France then Iberia) or Frankfurt (Lufthansa then Iberia). Both options add travel time and an intermediate handling step for the animal. Confirm live animal acceptance on all flight segments when booking, and plan the hub transfer carefully.
Spain’s PPP (Perro Potencialmente Peligroso) law covers Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, and similar breeds. The import itself is not restricted; customs does not refuse entry at MAD for PPP breeds. However, once the dog is in Spain, the owner must register the dog as PPP, keep it muzzled in public, use a leash no longer than 2m, hold civil liability insurance, and obtain a PPP licence from the local municipality.
Common questions
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