PT
PH

Pet Transport from Portugal to the Philippines

Planning a pet relocation from Portugal to Philippines is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Allow about 18-26 weeks; the requirements are detailed but predictable once mapped out. …

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18-26
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
7 days
Quarantine on arrival
High
Route complexity
7
Airlines on this route
Lead time needed
18-26 weeks
Quarantine
7 days
Route complexity
High
Airlines
7 carriers on this route
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In short: Preparing to move a pet from Portugal to Philippines typically takes around 18-26 weeks. Expect 7 days of quarantine on arrival. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Step by step

The Portugal to Philippines import process

01
At least 30 days before arrival in Manila.
Obtain BAI import permit

Responsible: You or pet transport agent

02
Confirm records with your vet.
Ensure microchip and rabies vaccination are current

Responsible: Your veterinarian

03
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 0.5 IU/ml or higher required.
FAVN or ELISA titre test

Responsible: Your veterinarian

04
In parallel with BAI permit. 7-day stay is mandatory.
Book Manila quarantine facility space

Responsible: You or pet transport agent

05
Within 10 days of departure.
Obtain DGAV-endorsed health certificate

Responsible: DGAV-authorised veterinarian + DGAV

06
3-4 weeks before departure.
Book cargo space and confirm documentation

Responsible: You or pet transport agent

07
7 days at BAI-approved facility.
Arrival and mandatory quarantine

Responsible: BAI quarantine station

Requirements

Philippines entry requirements

Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785).
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current and valid at time of travel.
Rabies titre test
Required. FAVN or ELISA test. Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. Result must be 0.5 IU/ml or greater.
Quarantine
7 days at a BAI-approved quarantine facility in the Philippines. Mandatory for all incoming animals.
Import permit
Required. BAI import permit must be obtained at least 30 days before scheduled arrival.
Health certificate
Required. DGAV-endorsed health certificate.
Leaving Portugal

Export requirements

Export permit
Not required
Health certificate
Official health certificate required. Issued by DGAV-authorised veterinarian and endorsed by DGAV Portugal.
Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo fee Lisbon to Manila (two-leg journey -- EUR 600-2,200 depending on pet size and routing)
BAI import permit application fee
7-day quarantine facility fee (USD 200-600 approximately)
FAVN/ELISA titre test laboratory fee (EUR 80-180)
DGAV health certificate endorsement fee
IATA-approved crate
Pet transport agent fee (strongly recommended)

Critical points

The 7-day quarantine is mandatory. There is no way to skip it. Plan your schedule and budget accordingly.

BAI import permit must arrive before your pet does -- there are no same-day exceptions.

Portugal has no direct flights to the Philippines. Document all connection details accurately in the BAI permit.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

AirlineNotesType
TAP Air PortugalPortugal's national carrier. No direct Lisbon-Manila service. TAP Cargo can handle pets on European sector. Connecting carriers required for Manila leg.Cabin and Cargo
EmiratesVia Dubai. Emirates SkyCargo handles all pets. Summer embargoes for Gulf transit routes. Good Manila connectivity. Brachycephalic restrictions.Cargo Only
Qatar AirwaysVia Doha. Qatar cargo to Manila. Seasonal temperature restrictions in summer. Reliable animal cargo infrastructure.Cargo Only
LufthansaVia Frankfurt. Small pets in cabin on Lisbon-Frankfurt sector. Lufthansa Cargo for Frankfurt-Manila. Brachycephalic seasonal restrictions.Cabin and Cargo
Air FranceVia Paris CDG. Air France Cargo to Manila. Small pets may be in cabin on Lisbon-Paris sector.Cabin and Cargo
Singapore AirlinesVia Singapore Changi. Excellent Philippines connectivity. Singapore Airlines has strong animal cargo handling at SIN. Confirm Philippines import documentation with Manila end.Cargo Only
Philippine Airlines (PAL)No direct Lisbon service but PAL connects from European hubs. As national carrier, PAL has direct Manila handling experience. Small pets in cabin on some routes.Cabin and Cargo

How Philippines handles incoming pets

Philippines has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.

What experienced owners do

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.

Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.

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.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

BAI recommends applying at least 30 days before arrival. Processing can take 2-3 weeks or longer. Apply early and use a licensed agent familiar with BAI’s online system if possible.
No. The 7-day quarantine is mandatory for all dogs and cats entering the Philippines regardless of vaccination status or titre test results. There are no exemptions.
The Philippines BAI accepts FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation) and ELISA titre tests from laboratories approved by the OIE or equivalent bodies. Ensure your laboratory is on the BAI’s accepted list before paying for the test.
For a large dog in cargo, Lufthansa via Frankfurt and Air France via Paris CDG both offer reliable cargo transfer. Singapore Airlines via Singapore adds distance but has strong animal welfare handling at Changi. Avoid Middle East hub routings during summer if you have a flat-faced breed.
Strongly recommended. Coordinating the BAI permit, titre test, DGAV endorsement, cargo booking, and quarantine facility reservation across an international two-leg journey is difficult to manage alone. An IPATA-registered agent with Philippines experience can handle the permit application and Manila liaison.
Airline guides
  • TAP Air Portugal
  • Emirates
  • Qatar Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • Air France
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Philippine Airlines (PAL)
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

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