Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities.
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Overview
Slovenia and France are EU members, so the same EU pet framework applies at both ends. Microchip, current rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport or AHC covers the legal requirement. No quarantine, no titre test, no permit. Unlike many EU-to-EU routes, the Slovenia-to-France corridor has a genuine overland alternative: the drive from Ljubljana to Paris via Italy or Austria takes around 10-11 hours, which for larger dogs avoids airline cargo logistics entirely.
Step by step
The Slovenia to France process
1
Before documentation steps.
Confirm microchip (ISO 11784/11785) is in place
Responsible: Slovenian vet
2
First vaccination: 21-day wait. Booster within valid period: immediately valid.
Ensure rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: Slovenian vet
3
One appointment with an authorised Slovenian vet.
Obtain or update EU pet passport
Responsible: Authorised Slovenian vet
4
The overland route avoids airline cargo fees for larger dogs. Flying takes 3-5 hours but adds cargo logistics.
Decide: fly or drive? Ljubljana to Paris is approximately 10-11 hours by car via Italy and Switzerland
Responsible: Owner
5
3-4 weeks before travel if flying.
Book travel (air or road) and reserve airline pet space if flying
Responsible: Owner
6
Travel day.
Travel from Ljubljana to France
Responsible: Owner + airline if applicable
Checklist
France: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard (15-digit). Must precede rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current. First vaccination: 21-day wait before French entry. Booster within valid period: immediately valid.
Rabies titre test
Not required for EU-to-EU movements.
Quarantine
Not required.
Import permit
Not required for companion animals between EU member states.
Health certificate
EU pet passport or UVHVR-endorsed AHC, issued within 10 days of French entry.
Leaving Slovenia
Export requirements
Requirement
Detail
Export permit
No export permit required for companion dogs or cats leaving Slovenia for France.
Health certificate
EU pet passport issued or updated by an officially authorised Slovenian vet. If no EU passport is held, a single-use AHC endorsed by the UVHVR is required, issued within 10 days of French entry.
Overland: fuel and accommodation only (no airline cargo fee)
7
Total typical range: EUR 100-900 depending on travel method
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Slovenia borders Italy, Austria, and Croatia. None of these border crossings require any additional pet documentation beyond the EU passport or AHC within the EU. The drive from Ljubljana to Paris via Italy takes approximately 10-11 hours.
⚠ France has Category 1 and Category 2 breed restrictions. Category 1 dogs (certain fighting breeds) are banned from importation. Confirm your dog's status before travel.
⚠ If flying via Vienna (VIE), Austrian Airlines is the primary carrier. Vienna has good cargo handling for live animals on connections to CDG.
⚠ Budget carriers at Ljubljana (easyJet, some charter operators) do not accept pets. Only full-service carriers with confirmed pet policies should be used.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines connects Ljubljana (LJU) to Vienna (VIE), with onward services to Paris CDG. Small pets in cabin. Vienna (VIE) is the key hub for Ljubljana's westward connections. Austrian Airlines and Air France share codeshares on some routes.
Cabin and Cargo
Air France
Air France connects Ljubljana via partner airlines to Paris CDG. Small pets in cabin on Air France European routes. Air France Cargo at CDG handles live animals. A reliable option for Slovenia-to-France moves.
Cabin and Cargo
KLM via Amsterdam
KLM connects Ljubljana to Amsterdam (AMS) via partnerships, with frequent AMS-to-CDG connections. Small pets in cabin. AMS is an excellent live animal cargo hub. A longer routing but reliable.
Cabin and Cargo
Flying versus driving for Slovenia-to-France pet moves
Ljubljana Airport (LJU) is a small airport with limited direct Western European services. The most practical air routing to France goes via Vienna (VIE) on Austrian Airlines, then onwards to Paris CDG, or via Amsterdam (AMS) on KLM. Total journey time by air is typically 4-6 hours including the connection.
For larger dogs, or if you want to avoid the additional cost and complication of airline cargo, the overland option is worth considering seriously. Slovenia borders Italy, and from northern Italy the route through Switzerland or directly into France is open EU territory. A day’s drive covers the journey, and your pet can travel in your vehicle without crate size restrictions or live animal cargo paperwork.
For small dogs and cats in cabin, flying is straightforward. Book the cabin spot at time of ticket purchase. Austrian Airlines and Air France accept small cabin pets on EU routes.
French entry requirements for Slovenian pets
France and Slovenia both operate under the EU Regulation 576/2013 framework (updated in 2026). French border vets at CDG or other entry points may carry out spot checks, but for EU pets with valid documentation these are brief. The requirements: valid EU pet passport or AHC (issued within 10 days of French entry), current microchip, and current rabies vaccination.
France has specific dog breed legislation. Category 1 breeds, which include certain fighting dog types and crosses, are banned. Category 2 breeds (Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and similar) are permitted but face restrictions including mandatory public muzzling. If your dog fits either category, contact the DGAL before travel.
FAQ
Common questions
Yes. Slovenia, Italy, and France are all EU member states. Your EU pet passport and current vaccination cover the entire overland route. There are no additional border documents required for an EU-compliant pet on an intra-EU road journey. The drive from Ljubljana to Paris is approximately 10-11 hours via northern Italy.
No. France does not require a rabies titre test for pets from other EU member states. The titre test requirement applies to pets entering France from non-EU third countries that are not on the EU’s listed country exemptions. Slovenia is EU, so no titre test applies.
France classifies some dogs under two national categories. Category 1 dogs are banned from importation and ownership in France. Category 2 dogs (including Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers) are permitted but must be muzzled and on a leash in public, with the owner 18+. Check your dog’s breed against the French Ministry of Agriculture list before travel.
The UVHVR endorsement is obtained via an officially authorised Slovenian vet who has authorisation to issue EU health certificates. The vet coordinates the endorsement through the UVHVR system. For a non-EU resident needing an AHC, ask your Slovenian vet to confirm the endorsement step and allow 1-2 working days.