Relocating a pet from Norway to United Kingdom follows a clear path once you understand what United Kingdom asks for. Give yourself roughly 3-6 weeks, though this route carries fewer hurdles than most. Pets with correct documentation skip …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Norway to United Kingdom
typically takes around 3-6 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Norway to United Kingdom pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Verify microchip is ISO standard and was implanted before the rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now.
2
Check rabies vaccination is current and has been valid for at least 21 days
Responsible: Your vet (Mattilsynet-authorised)
Allow time to update if needed. 21-day wait applies after primary vaccination.
3
Book airline cargo space
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead.
4
Official vet issues Animal Health Certificate
Responsible: Mattilsynet-authorised official vet
Within 10 days of travel. Cannot be issued earlier.
5
Dogs: tapeworm treatment (Praziquantel) recorded in AHC
Responsible: Vet
24-120 hours before arrival in Great Britain. Count from UK arrival time.
6
Travel to Great Britain. AHC checked at border inspection post.
Responsible: Airline/owner
On travel date.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter United Kingdom
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days must have passed since the primary vaccination before entering Great Britain.
Quarantine
Not required for compliant arrivals from Norway, which is a Part 1 listed country under APHA rules.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
AHC issued within 10 days of travel. Norway is Part 1 listed by APHA, so no titre test is needed.
Export permit (Norway)
No formal export permit required for cats and dogs leaving Norway.
Costs
What this route typically costs
AHC from Mattilsynet-authorised vet: approximately NOK 1,500-3,500 (GBP 110-260)
Tapeworm treatment: approximately NOK 200-400
Airline cargo Oslo to London: approximately NOK 2,000-7,000 (GBP 150-520) depending on size
IATA-compliant crate: NOK 500-2,000 if not already owned
Pet transport agent fee (optional): NOK 4,000-12,000
Total typical range: GBP 350 to GBP 1,200
Critical points to read before you book
Norway requires tapeworm treatment for all dogs entering Norway. The same rule applies when dogs leave Norway for Great Britain. The treatment must be given 24-120 hours before UK arrival and recorded in the AHC.
The 24-120 hour window is measured from UK arrival time, not departure time from Norway. A flight plus connection or a ferry leg can affect the timing calculation.
Norway bans Pit Bull Terriers. If you are moving from a country where your dog is classified as a Pit Bull type and then connecting via Norway, the breed restriction still applies to time spent in Norwegian territory.
AHC cannot be issued more than 10 days before your travel date. Plan your vet appointment accordingly.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
SAS
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
Oslo (OSL) to London (LHR/LGW) routes. Small pets in cabin. SAS Cargo for larger animals.
Cabin and Cargo
BRITISH
British Airways
Heathrow to Oslo routes. Larger pets via IAG Cargo. PetAir UK manages UK-side import.
Cargo Only
NORWEGIAN AIR
Norwegian Air
Budget carrier. Small pets in cabin only on some routes. Cargo pet transport not offered.
Cabin Only
United Kingdom import rules, explained
United Kingdom keeps its import requirements relatively light, which makes preparing easier. Even so, the basics still need to be right and in the correct order.
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 Norway to United Kingdom pet transport
No. Norway is a Part 1 listed country under APHA rules. No quarantine is required for compliant arrivals with the correct AHC, ISO microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), and valid rabies vaccination. Dogs also need the tapeworm treatment recorded in the AHC. Penalty quarantine applies for non-compliant arrivals.
It depends on the timing. The treatment must be given between 24 and 120 hours before your dog arrives in Great Britain (not before you leave Norway). If the treatment in Norway was given within that window relative to your UK arrival time, it counts. If it was given earlier, you need a fresh treatment timed correctly before the journey.
SAS Cargo and British Airways (IAG Cargo) both serve the Oslo to London Heathrow route with cargo pet services. For small dogs and cats that meet the carrier size and weight limits, SAS also allows in-cabin travel on this route. Book early, especially if you have a large breed requiring a substantial cargo crate.
Norway bans Pit Bull Terriers. If your dog is registered as a Pit Bull type under Norwegian law, you should confirm with Mattilsynet whether export is straightforward. The UK also has breed-specific legislation covering Pit Bull Terriers (under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991), so a banned breed in Norway may also face restrictions on entry to Great Britain.
Airline guides
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
British Airways
Norwegian Air
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.