Lead time needed
1-4 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Very Low
Airlines
4 carriers on this route
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CH
GR

Pet Transport from Switzerland to Greece

Shipping a dog or cat from Switzerland to Greece rewards owners who start planning early. Expect about 1-4 weeks, with a short and predictable checklist. There is no routine quarantine, provided the paperwork is in order. This route does not call for a rabies …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Switzerland to Greece typically takes around 1-4 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is not required.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Step by step

The Switzerland to Greece import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
Check microchip and rabies vaccination.
Confirm Swiss pet passport is current

Responsible: Your Swiss veterinarian

2
1-2 weeks before travel.
Book SWISS or Aegean; confirm pet space

Responsible: You

3
Present Swiss pet passport at check-in.
Travel day

Responsible: You

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Greece

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785).
Rabies vaccination
Required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination. Swiss pet passport records …
Rabies titre test
Not required for Switzerland-origin pets.
Quarantine
No quarantine.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
Swiss pet passport accepted. Greek MINAGRIC (Ministry of Rural Development and …
Export permit
Not required
Costs

What this route typically costs

Cabin pet fee (approximately CHF 50-90)
Cargo fee for larger pets (CHF 150-400)
IATA-approved carrier

Critical points

Switzerland's bilateral agreement with the EU means the process is equivalent to intra-EU travel. No extra documentation is required.

Confirm pet space when booking -- cabin pet spots fill quickly in summer (peak Greece travel season).

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS)
Direct Zurich-Athens service. SWISS accepts small pets in cabin (under 8kg). Good option …
Cabin and Cargo
Aegean Airlines
Direct or connecting Zurich-Athens service. Greece's main carrier. Small pets in cabin. …
Cabin and Cargo
Lufthansa
Via Frankfurt. Reliable indirect option. Cargo available.
Cabin and Cargo
easyJet
Does not accept pets. Not suitable.
No Pets

What Greece requires

The requirements for Greece are light, but not zero. A little planning goes a long way on a route like this.

Avoiding the common mistakes

Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.

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

Effectively yes. Switzerland has a bilateral veterinary agreement with the EU that aligns Swiss pet travel rules with EU intra-community movement rules. Greece accepts Swiss pet passports on the same basis as EU passports. No titre test, quarantine, or import permit is required.
No. A standard Swiss pet passport showing microchip and valid rabies vaccination is accepted in Greece without additional endorsement. There is no need to visit the cantonal office or FSVO for a Greece-bound trip.
Yes, as cargo. Dogs over approximately 8kg (including carrier) cannot travel in cabin. Book cargo space with SWISS or Aegean. The hold is pressurised and temperature-controlled. The flight is about 2.5 hours – a short cargo journey for a healthy dog.
Typically 8kg including the carrier for cabin travel. SWISS and Aegean both apply this standard. Check the airline’s current policy when booking, as limits can vary slightly by aircraft type or route.
Greece has restricted or banned certain dog breeds under national legislation. As of 2026, the list includes American Pit Bull Terrier and some other fighting breeds. Check the current Greek list before travelling with a breed that might be on it. Swiss law’s own restrictions are separate from Greek import rules.
Airline guides
  • Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS)
  • Aegean Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • easyJet
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet to Greece.

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CH GRSwitzerland to Greece
International pet transport route
Lead time1-4 weeks
QuarantineNone
ComplexityVery Low
Airlines4
ServiceDoor to door
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