Italy is an EU member state and applies EU Regulation 576/2013 for all incoming pets. The Philippines is classified as a non-listed country, which means your pet must complete a rabies titre test and a mandatory 3-month waiting period before they are permitted entry.
This route requires careful planning. Start at least 22 weeks before your travel date. The titre test and waiting period cannot be compressed.
Entry is through Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP), both designated Border Control Posts where a UVAC official veterinarian will inspect your documentation. All documents must be correct and in the EU-specified format.
Documents Required for This Route
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Health certificate | Required. EU Annex IV veterinary health certificate for non-listed countries, issued by an official veterinarian and endorsed by BAI within 10 days of travel. |
| Microchip record | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count towards EU entry. |
| Rabies vaccination record | Required. Minimum age 12 weeks. Must be administered after microchipping. Keep full vaccination records with batch numbers. |
| Rabies titre test | Required. Philippines is a non-listed country under EU Regulation 576/2013. Rabies FAVN antibody titre test required: minimum 0.5 IU/ml at an EU-approved laboratory. Blood drawn at least 30 days after last rabies vaccination. Mandatory 3-month waiting period after satisfactory result. |
| Import permit | Not required. All entry conditions are governed by EU Regulation 576/2013. |
| Export permit (Philippines) | Not required for personal pets. |
| Export health certificate | BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry) export health certificate required. Issued by an accredited government veterinarian and endorsed by BAI. Must be in the EU Annex IV format for non-listed countries. Allow 5-7 working days for BAI endorsement. |
How the Process Works
Italy: Entry Requirements for Pets
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count towards EU entry. |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. Minimum age 12 weeks. Must be administered after microchipping. Keep full vaccination records with batch numbers. |
| Rabies titre test | Required. Philippines is a non-listed country under EU Regulation 576/2013. Rabies FAVN antibody titre test required: minimum 0.5 IU/ml at an EU-approved laboratory. Blood drawn at least 30 days after last rabies vaccination. Mandatory 3-month waiting period after satisfactory result. |
| Quarantine | No quarantine for compliant pets. Documentary and identity checks by UVAC official veterinarian at the Border Control Post on arrival. |
| Import permit | Not required. All entry conditions are governed by EU Regulation 576/2013. |
| Health certificate | Required. EU Annex IV veterinary health certificate for non-listed countries, issued by an official veterinarian and endorsed by BAI within 10 days of travel. |
Leaving Philippines: Export Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | Not required for personal pets. |
| Health certificate | BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry) export health certificate required. Issued by an accredited government veterinarian and endorsed by BAI. Must be in the EU Annex IV format for non-listed countries. Allow 5-7 working days for BAI endorsement. |
What This Route Typically Costs
| # | Cost factor |
|---|---|
| 1 | Airline cargo fees (long-haul MNL-Italy, likely the largest single cost) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate |
| 4 | Rabies FAVN titre test laboratory fee |
| 5 | EU Annex IV health certificate preparation and BAI endorsement fee |
| 6 | Pet transport agent fee (highly recommended for this route) |
Critical Points — Read Before You Book
What the EU non-listed country protocol means for your pet
The key difference between listed and non-listed countries under EU pet movement rules is the titre test requirement. Listed countries (such as Australia, New Zealand, or the UK) have agreed protocols and can skip the titre test. The Philippines has not established a bilateral agreement, so the full non-listed protocol applies.
That protocol is: microchip, then vaccinate, then titre test (minimum 30 days after vaccination), then wait 3 months from the blood draw date. Only after the 3 months are up can your pet legally enter Italy.
There is no way to fast-track this. Italians on overseas assignments frequently run into delays because they start the process too late. Begin the moment you know your move date.
Getting the paperwork right for Italy
Italy’s UVAC inspectors at FCO and MXP are thorough. The EU Annex IV health certificate format is mandatory for pets coming from non-listed countries. Your veterinarian must use the exact format – the wrong version will be rejected, and your pet may be refused entry or held.
BAI endorsement of the health certificate adds time to the preparation. The certificate has a 10-day validity window, so the BAI endorsement appointment must be booked for the week before travel. Do not leave it to the day before.
There are no direct Manila to Italy flights. Routing options include Lufthansa via Frankfurt, Emirates via Dubai, or Qatar Airways via Doha. Lufthansa via FRA is generally the smoothest for pet cargo transfers. Work with an experienced agent who knows how each hub handles connecting pet cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions
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