If you are relocating a pet from Japan to Switzerland, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. Set aside roughly 20-28 weeks for this route and keep a close eye on the sequencing. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Japan to Switzerland
typically takes around 20-28 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Japan to Switzerland import process
01
Before any vaccination
ISO microchip confirmed pre-dating rabies vaccination
Responsible: Vet
02
At least 30 days before titre test blood draw
Primary rabies vaccination
Responsible: Vet
03
30+ days after vaccination
FAVN titre test at OSAV-approved lab in Japan
Responsible: Vet and OSAV-approved lab
04
2-4 weeks for lab results
Receive passing titre result (0.5 IU/ml or above)
Responsible: Approved lab
05
Three calendar months
90-day wait from passing result date
Responsible: Owner
06
Within 10 days of departure
MAFF vet issues export health certificate in Swiss-compliant format
Responsible: MAFF vet
07
4-6 weeks before travel
Book Swiss International Air Lines cargo space
Responsible: Owner or agent
Requirements
Switzerland entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip; must pre-date first rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination; 21-day wait after primary course
Rabies titre test
Required. Japan not on Switzerland's listed countries. FAVN titre test at 0.5 IU/ml from OSAV-approved lab. Blood drawn 30+ days after vaccination. 90-day wait from passing result.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets
Import permit
No import permit required
Health certificate
MAFF-endorsed cert in format accepted by Swiss OSAV
Leaving Japan
Export requirements
Export permit
No export permit required
Health certificate
MAFF-registered vet health certificate; endorsed for Swiss OSAV format
Costs
What this route typically costs
FAVN titre test Japan: JPY 20,000-50,000
MAFF health certificate: JPY 10,000-25,000
Swiss cargo NRT/HND to ZRH: USD 1,000-2,500
Professional relocation agent Japan: USD 600-1,400
Critical points
Switzerland uses OSAV, not EU, for regulatory governance. The approved lab list for Switzerland may differ slightly from the EU list. Confirm OSAV approval before submitting blood.
Cantonal breed restrictions in Switzerland mean a breed may be permitted nationally but restricted in your destination canton. Research this before travel.
The MAFF certificate format should reference Swiss import standards, not EU Regulation 576/2013. Work with a vet experienced in Swiss export documentation.
Swiss customs (BAZG) at Zurich Airport are methodical. Allow two to three hours for inspection and clearance.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Swiss International Air Lines
Direct NRT (Tokyo Narita) and HND (Tokyo Haneda) to ZRH (Zurich). In-cabin for qualifying small pets; cargo for larger animals.
Mixed
Japan Airlines (JAL)
NRT to ZRH via European connections or via FRA. Pets as cargo.
Mixed
Switzerland import rules, explained
Switzerland asks for several pieces of paperwork, and they all need to line up. A checklist and a clear timeline are your best tools here.
Practical tips for this move
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Small pets meeting Swiss’s weight and carrier size criteria may travel in-cabin. Confirm the current policy directly with Swiss International Air Lines when booking. Larger dogs travel as cargo.
No. OSAV maintains its own approved lab list, which overlaps with but is not identical to the EU Commission list. Confirm that your chosen lab in Japan is specifically OSAV-approved before submitting blood.
Cantonal rules are domestic ownership requirements, not border restrictions. You will clear Swiss customs without a breed check. However, after settling in Switzerland, check that your destination canton does not impose restrictions or permit requirements on your specific breed.
They are essentially equal. Both require the FAVN titre test, the 90-day wait, an official health certificate, and ISO microchip. The main difference is that Germany uses EU rules while Switzerland uses OSAV rules. The approved lab lists and certificate formats differ slightly.
The 90-day wait begins on the date your pet’s passing FAVN titre test result is recorded (0.5 IU/ml or above). It is a fixed calendar count and cannot be shortened. It runs from the result date, not the vaccination date or the blood draw date.
Airline guides
Swiss International Air Lines
Japan Airlines (JAL)
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.