South Africa to Italy requires the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait, with five months preparation total. All routes connect via a hub, most commonly Dubai via Emirates. Italy removed its national breed ban in 2009, so any breed from South …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in South Africa
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.
Responsible: Vet in South Africa
5+ months before travel
3
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: State vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
4
Wait 3 months from blood sampling date.
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
3 months from blood draw
5
Book cargo JNB to FCO or MXP (via DXB on Emirates or European hub).
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
6
Obtain DALRRD-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: State vet plus DALRRD endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
7
Depart JNB. Italian customs and Ministry of Health vet inspects at FCO or MXP.
Responsible: Airline cargo and Italian customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Italy
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. South Africa is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test required. Blood drawn after microchip and valid vaccination. 3-month wait from blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. Italian customs (Dogana) and Ministry of Health veterinary officers inspect at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP).
Import permit
No import permit. DALRRD-endorsed EU certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by DALRRD, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (South Africa)
DALRRD veterinary export permit required. Apply through the State Veterinarian's office in your province.
Costs
What this route typically costs
DALRRD vet certificate and export permit: ZAR 1,000-2,500 (approximately EUR 50-130)
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo JNB to FCO or MXP (via DXB or European hub): EUR 900-2,200 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,300-3,300
Critical points to read before you book
South Africa is not EU-listed: titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are mandatory. Start 5 months before travel.
No direct JNB to Italian airport cargo flight; all routings connect via a hub.
Italy has no national breed ban since 2009. Most breeds enter without breed-specific restrictions.
DALRRD certificate must be EU format and dated within 10 days of travel.
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.
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo
Emirates operates from Johannesburg (JNB) to Dubai (DXB) with connections to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP). Emirates SkyCargo handles live animals at Dubai International.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Lufthansa operates JNB to Frankfurt direct, with cargo connections to Italian airports. An alternative routing via Germany.
Cargo Only
ETHIOPIAN
Ethiopian Airlines Cargo via ADD
Ethiopian Airlines routes JNB via Addis Ababa to Rome FCO. A three-leg routing with competitive rates from Africa to Italy.
Cargo Only
Titre test and DALRRD documentation: what South African owners need
South Africa is not EU-listed. The FAVN titre test is mandatory for all pets moving to Italy or any EU country, and the 3-month wait runs from the blood draw date. DALRRD endorses the export certificate, which must be in EU format and dated within 10 days of travel.
Start the process five months before travel. The blood draw date is the critical timing point. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Italy: no breed ban, inspection at Rome or Milan
Italy removed its national breed ban in 2009. Any breed from South Africa can enter Italy through standard EU documentation. Italian customs and Ministry of Health veterinary officers inspect at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP) on arrival. The inspection covers microchip, EU certificate (with DALRRD endorsement), vaccination record, and titre test result.
For families relocating to cities other than Rome or Milan, onward domestic transport from the cargo airport can be arranged by your relocation agent after customs clearance.
Cargo routing from Johannesburg to Italy
No direct cargo flight connects Johannesburg to Italian airports. The main options are Emirates via Dubai to FCO or MXP, Lufthansa via Frankfurt with onward connections, or Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa to Rome.
Emirates is generally the most practical choice, with strong live animal handling at Dubai International and direct service to both Rome and Milan from DXB. Book four to six weeks ahead.
FAQ
Common questions about South Africa to Italy pet transport
Yes. South Africa is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
No. Italy removed its national breed ban in 2009. Any breed can enter Italy through standard EU documentation without breed-specific permits. The titre test requirement applies equally to all breeds.
All routes connect via a hub. Emirates via Dubai to Rome FCO or Milan MXP is the most common. Lufthansa via Frankfurt or Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa are alternatives. No direct JNB to Italian airport cargo service exists.
Cargo via hub typically costs EUR 900 to EUR 2,200 depending on routing and crate size. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test and EUR 50-130 for the DALRRD certificate. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,300 to EUR 3,300.