Pet Transport from Thailand to Greece

Thailand to Greece is a manageable route once the documentation sequence is understood. Greece applies EU Regulation 576/2013 to incoming pets from non-EU countries. That means your dog or cat needs an ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccination with at least 21 days elapsed before entry, and an official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No quarantine is required.

Preparation takes 6-10 weeks from start to travel day. The DLD export process in Thailand is relatively straightforward, and Greece has no complex permit requirements for pets from Thailand. The main logistics challenge is the multi-leg journey from Bangkok to Athens, which typically routes via Frankfurt, Dubai, or Doha.

Step-by-Step Process

Greece Import Requirements

What Greece requires for pets entering the country.

Exporting from Thailand

What you need from Thailand before your pet can leave.

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

• Airline cargo or cabin fee (weight, crate dimensions, route)
• IATA-compliant travel crate
• DLD export health certificate fee (Thailand)
• Official health certificate fee (for Greek entry)
• Veterinary fees: vaccination, microchip
• Pet transport agent fee if used

Important Warnings

Greece EU entry requirements for pets from Thailand

Greece is a Schengen and EU member state. Pet entry is governed by EU Regulation 576/2013. For non-EU originating pets, the documents required are: ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, and an official health certificate issued in Thailand within 10 days of arrival in Greece.

The health certificate must be signed by a government-authorised (official) veterinarian in Thailand. This is not a standard clinic letter. The DLD (Department of Livestock Development) in Thailand maintains a list of accredited vets who can issue these certificates. Confirm accreditation before booking your vet appointment.

Greece’s Ministry of Rural Development and Food oversees border veterinary checks at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) and other entry points. Border inspections are thorough for non-EU origin pets.

Thailand DLD export process

All dogs and cats leaving Thailand need a DLD export health certificate. The Department of Livestock Development (DLD) issues these through accredited veterinarians. Apply a week or more before your travel date, as the certificate is valid for 14 days from issue.

The DLD certificate confirms that your pet is healthy, microchipped, currently vaccinated against rabies, and cleared for export. It is separate from the official health certificate required by Greece.

You will need both: the DLD export certificate (Thailand departure requirement) and the EU-format official health certificate (Greek entry requirement). Both must be presented at check-in and at the Greek border.

Getting your pet from Bangkok to Athens

The Bangkok to Athens journey requires at least one connection. Frankfurt (Lufthansa) and Dubai (Emirates) are the most common routing options for cargo pets. Qatar Airways via Doha is another option. Thai Airways connects Bangkok to European hubs from which onward flights to Athens are available.

Transit times matter for cargo pets. Confirm that your chosen transit airport processes live animal cargo and that the layover is within appropriate time limits for your pet’s comfort. Frankfurt is particularly well-equipped for live cargo transits.

Summer travel on Gulf-routed flights can trigger temperature embargoes for cargo pets, particularly for brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like French Bulldogs or Persian cats. Check the airline policy for your specific breed before booking.