Getting a pet from Netherlands to Greece is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is one of the more straightforward routes, and roughly 4-6 weeks is …
MicrochipRequired (ISO 11784/11785). Recorded in …
Rabies vaccinationRequired and current. Recorded in EU Pet …
Rabies titre testNot required for intra-EU travel.
QuarantineNo quarantine for EU to EU travel with …
Import permitNot required.
Health certificateEU Pet Passport only. Greece enforces EU …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Netherlands to Greece
typically takes around 4-6 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
First check. If vaccination has lapsed, revaccinate and wait 21 days.
Check EU Pet Passport: microchip recorded, vaccination current
Responsible: Your veterinarian
2
Visit NVWA-authorised vet in the Netherlands.
EU Pet Passport updated if needed
Responsible: Authorised veterinarian
3
As early as possible. KLM and Transavia cabin spaces fill up, especially in summer.
Book airline and register cabin pet
Responsible: You
4
Before travel. Soft-sided for cabin. Check dimensions against chosen airline.
Prepare IATA-compliant carrier
Responsible: You
Checklist
What your pet needs
Every item below must be completed and verified before your pet can travel. Expand each category for the detail.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Recorded in EU Pet Passport.
Rabies vaccination
Required and current. Recorded in EU Pet Passport. Valid from 21 days after first dose.
Rabies titre test
Not required for intra-EU travel.
Quarantine
No quarantine for EU to EU travel with valid documents.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
EU Pet Passport only. Greece enforces EU Regulation 2019/2035 for companion animals from EU member states.
Export permit
Not required
Health certificate
EU Pet Passport covers intra-EU movement. Issued by an NVWA-authorised veterinarian.
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We handle the regulations for every animal, every country, every airline, so nothing on your Netherlands to Greece move gets missed.
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Airlines
Carriers on this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. Confirm the operating carrier's current policy for every flight segment.
KLM
Direct Amsterdam to Athens services. Cabin pets (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo for larger pets. Book pet space at ticket purchase.
Cabin and Cargo
Aegean Airlines
Cabin pets (up to 8kg with carrier). Connects Netherlands to Greece via Athens hubs. Good cabin pet process.
Cabin and Cargo
Transavia
Cabin pets on selected routes (up to 8kg with carrier). Part of Air France-KLM. Operates Amsterdam to Greek airports seasonally.
Cabin and Cargo
Ryanair
No pets accepted in cabin or hold. Not suitable.
No Pets
easyJet
No pets accepted. Not suitable.
No Pets
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cabin pet fee (typically 30-60 EUR for European routes)
Soft-sided IATA-compliant carrier
Vet fee if EU Pet Passport update needed
Critical points
Ryanair and easyJet are popular on this route but accept no pets. Check your carrier before booking.
Vaccination lapse means 21 days after revaccination before the passport is valid for travel.
Source: EU Regulation 2019/2035; NVWA Netherlands (nvwa.nl).
The rules for bringing a pet into Greece
Greece keeps its import requirements relatively light, which makes preparing easier. Even so, the basics still need to be right and in the correct order.
How to keep this move on track
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
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.
FAQ
Common questions
An EU Pet Passport showing a valid ISO microchip and a current rabies vaccination. No import permit, health certificate, or quarantine is required for EU-to-EU movement.
Get a booster vaccination from your NVWA-authorised vet, then wait 21 days. The EU Pet Passport becomes valid for travel again 21 days after the booster is administered.
Yes on KLM, Transavia, and Aegean Airlines, provided your cat plus carrier weighs under 8kg. Register the pet space when booking. Not possible on Ryanair or easyJet.
Keep your EU Pet Passport accessible throughout the journey. Greek border vets may check it on arrival, particularly at major airports. As long as the vaccination and microchip records are current, it is a brief and routine check.
Ready when you are
Move your pet
to Greece.
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