Lead time needed
16-20 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Moderate
Airlines
2 carriers on this route
Start my quote
LV
TR

Pet Transport from Latvia to Turkey

Getting a pet from Latvia to Turkey is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is a middle of the road route, and about 16-20 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely. A rabies …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Latvia to Turkey typically takes around 16-20 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
Step by step

The Latvia to Turkey import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
Before the rabies vaccination.
Confirm ISO microchip is implanted and scannable.

Responsible: Vet in Latvia.

2
At least 21 days before the titre test blood draw if this is the primary dose.
Administer or confirm current rabies vaccination.

Responsible: PVD-authorised vet.

3
At least 30 days after vaccination; result must clear 0.5 IU/ml.
Draw blood for the FAVN titre test at an accredited laboratory.

Responsible: Vet and laboratory.

4
Counted from the blood draw date, not the result date.
Wait out the 90-day post-draw period.

Responsible: Owner.

5
Within 10 days of travel.
Obtain a separate, non-passport export health certificate endorsed by the PVD.

Responsible: PVD-authorised vet and the Food and Veterinary Service.

6
Once the 90-day wait has cleared and the certificate is current.
Travel Riga to Istanbul direct.

Responsible: Turkish Airlines cargo handling.

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Turkey

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 required, implanted before the rabies vaccination and readable …
Rabies vaccination
Required, current within 12 months. Minimum age 3 months at first vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. Turkey is not an EU member and does not accept the exemptions that …
Quarantine
No routine quarantine with a complete, compliant titre test result. 21 days at …
Import permit
No pre-travel import permit for personal pets.
Health certificate
Official Veterinary Health Certificate, valid for 10 days from issue, in English …
Export permit
No export permit required for a companion pet leaving Latvia.
Costs

What this route typically costs

FAVN rabies titre test at an accredited laboratory: EUR 130-220.
PVD-endorsed export health certificate and vet examination: EUR …
Direct cargo fee, Riga to Istanbul: EUR 450-800 depending on crate …
IATA-approved travel crate: EUR 140-380.

Critical points

Latvia's routes into other EU countries in this build run entirely on the EU pet passport. Turkey doesn't accept it, and a separate certificate plus the full titre test protocol are required instead.

The 90-day wait is counted from the blood draw, not the lab result date. Book the test as early as your pet's vaccination schedule allows.

Turkey bans the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler and their crosses under Law No. 5199, amended in 2021.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Turkish Airlines
Direct Riga-Istanbul cargo service, one of the more established Baltic-to-Turkey routes …
Cargo Only
airBaltic
Riga-based, with connections that can route pet cargo onward to Istanbul, a useful backup …
Cargo Only

The rules for bringing a pet into Turkey

Turkey has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.

How to keep this move on track

Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.

Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.

Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.

Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.

FAQ

Common questions

No. Turkey is not an EU member and doesn’t accept the passport’s exemptions. A separate export certificate and a full FAVN titre test are required.
Yes. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, with a 90-day wait from the draw date before entry.
Yes. Turkish Airlines operates it direct.
Yes. Turkey bans the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler and their crosses under Law No. 5199, amended in 2021.
Airline guides
  • Turkish Airlines
  • airBaltic
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet to Turkey.

Get my free quote
LV TRLatvia to Turkey
International pet transport route
Lead time16-20 weeks
QuarantineNone
ComplexityModerate
Airlines2
ServiceDoor to door
Get a free quote for this route
Chat with us