Pet Transport Romania to UK: What You Need in 2026
Shipping a dog or cat from Romania to United Kingdom rewards owners who start planning early. Around 3-5 weeks should do it, as this is an easier route to plan. No routine quarantine applies as long …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Romania to United Kingdom
typically takes around 3-5 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Romania to United Kingdom import process
01
Before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination.
ISO microchip implanted (if not already done).
Responsible: Your vet in Romania
02
At least 21 days before travel (for a first vaccination or restart of course).
Rabies vaccination administered.
Responsible: Your vet in Romania
03
24-120 hours before arrival time in GB.
Tapeworm treatment for dogs administered by a vet, timed to 24-120 hours before arrival in GB.
Responsible: ANSVSA-authorised vet in Romania
04
Within 10 days of travel.
AHC issued by ANSVSA-authorised official vet.
Responsible: ANSVSA-authorised official vet
05
Travel day.
Travel via approved route (OTP-LHR or OTP-LGW direct, or via approved hub).
Responsible: You
Requirements
United Kingdom entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must be implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. Source: GOV.UK, 2026.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required. At least 21 days must have passed since the first or only vaccination in the course before travel. A valid booster with no break in cover has no waiting period. Source: GOV.UK, 2026.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Romania is an EU-listed country, so the titre test requirement does not apply. Source: GOV.UK approved countries list, 2026.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for pets arriving with correct documentation via an approved route. Penalty quarantine of up to 4 months applies if documentation is incorrect or the pet arrives on an unapproved route. Source: GOV.UK, 2026.
Import permit
No import permit required. The AHC or EU pet passport serves as the travel document. Source: GOV.UK, 2026.
Health certificate
AHC (Animal Health Certificate) issued in Romania by an ANSVSA-authorised official vet, or a valid EU pet passport issued before 1 January 2021. The AHC is valid for 10 days from issue for entry into Great Britain. Source: GOV.UK, 2026.
Leaving Romania
Export requirements
Export permit
No formal export permit required for companion animals. The AHC or valid EU pet passport is the key export document. Source: ANSVSA, 2026.
Health certificate
Animal Health Certificate issued by an ANSVSA-authorised official veterinarian. The AHC replaces the EU pet passport for non-commercial movements into Great Britain. Issued within 10 days of travel. Source: ANSVSA (ansvsa.ro), 2026.
Costs
What this route typically costs
AHC appointment and certificate with official vet: RON 200-500 (approx. GBP 40-100)
Tapeworm treatment at vet: RON 60-150 (approx. GBP 12-30)
Cargo fees OTP to LHR: GBP 400-1,200 depending on crate size and carrier
IATA-compliant crate: GBP 60-250 if needed
Agent fees (optional but useful): GBP 150-350
Total typical range: GBP 660-1,930
Critical points
The tapeworm timing window is strict. Treatment more than 120 hours before arrival or less than 24 hours before arrival does not comply. The vet must record the exact date and time in the AHC.
GB-issued pet passports are not valid for EU travel. But a Romanian-issued EU pet passport (issued when Romania joined the EU, prior to 2021) is still valid for GB entry on the existing document, provided all vaccinations are current and correctly recorded.
Romania's Pit Bull Terrier and similar types are subject to restriction. The UK also bans Pit Bull Terrier type dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Confirm your breed is not listed before booking.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
TAROM
TAROM operates direct flights from Bucharest Henri Coanda (OTP) to London Heathrow (LHR). Pets can be transported as cargo or excess baggage depending on size. Confirm current pet cargo availability with TAROM before booking.
Cargo Only
British Airways
British Airways World Cargo handles pet transport between Bucharest and London. Cargo pets travel in the temperature-controlled hold. Book through an approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any BA route.
Cargo Only
KLM / Air France
Via Amsterdam (AMS) or Paris (CDG) hubs. KLM Cargo and Air France Cargo both accept pets and have reliable OTP connections through their European hub airports.
Cargo Only
Wizz Air
Wizz Air operates OTP-LTN (Luton) routes with cabin pets allowed (up to 10kg including carrier). Cargo pets are not accepted on Wizz Air. If your pet is small enough, cabin travel on Wizz Air is a straightforward option.
Cabin Only
Meeting United Kingdom's entry requirements
Bringing a pet into United Kingdom is one of the simpler processes. Cover the core requirements and you should have few surprises.
Advice worth following
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.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. Romania is an EU-listed country for UK pet travel purposes, which means the titre test requirement does not apply. You need a microchip, a current rabies vaccination with a 21-day wait after the first dose, and an AHC from an ANSVSA-authorised official vet. Source: GOV.UK approved countries list, 2026.
Small dogs may travel in-cabin with airlines such as Wizz Air (to Luton) or Air France/KLM (via Paris or Amsterdam), if they are under the carrier’s in-cabin weight limit including the carrier. Larger dogs must travel as cargo. TAROM and British Airways World Cargo both handle cargo pets on OTP-LHR routes. Confirm current pet cargo policies with your chosen carrier before booking.
Allow at least 3-4 weeks. The main variable is the 21-day rabies vaccination wait (if your pet is not already vaccinated). The AHC can be issued within 10 days of travel, and the tapeworm treatment must be timed within 24-120 hours of arrival. If your pet’s vaccinations are current, the preparation time is mostly about booking the AHC appointment and arranging cargo space.
Airline guides
TAROM
British Airways
KLM / Air France
Wizz Air
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.