In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Thailand to Greece
typically takes around 20-24 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
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Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
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Overview
Bringing your dog or cat from Thailand to Greece takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Around 20-24 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. There is no routine quarantine, provided the paperwork is in order.
A rabies titre test is part of the process, and its waiting period drives the whole timeline. Map your dates against the steps below and you will stay on track.
Step by step
The Thailand to Greece process
1
Before rabies vaccination.
Implant ISO microchip
Responsible: Vet
2
After microchip. Allow 21 days before titre test.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Vet
3
Blood draw at least 21 days after vaccination. EU-approved laboratory.
FAVN titre test
Responsible: EU-approved laboratory
4
From confirmed blood draw date (0.5 IU/ml+).
90-day waiting period
Responsible: Owner to track
5
During the 90-day wait. Email local DLD office with supporting documents.
DLD export permit application by email
Responsible: Owner
6
Within 10 days before arrival in Greece.
EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
Responsible: Authorised vet
7
On travel day.
DLD inspection at BKK on departure
Responsible: DLD, airline cargo
Checklist
Greece: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785, 15-digit non-encrypted. Before rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. After microchip. At least 21 days before titre test blood draw.
Rabies titre test
Required. FAVN rabies antibody titre test at an EU-approved laboratory. Minimum 0.5 IU/ml. Thailand is an unlisted third country for EU. 90-day waiting period from blood draw date.
Quarantine
None. No quarantine on arrival in Greece for compliant pets.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC), issued within 10 days before arrival in Greece.
DLD (Department of Livestock Development) export permit applied for by email to the local DLD office. No online portal. Attach vet health certificate, microchip record, and vaccination record. Inspection at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) on departure day.
Health certificate
Issued by an accredited vet. Documents microchip, rabies vaccination, and general health status.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
FAVN titre test at EU-approved laboratory: THB 3,000 to THB 8,000 (approximately £65 to £175)
2
DLD export permit: low cost but allow time for processing
3
Rabies and core vaccinations: THB 800 to THB 2,500
4
IATA-compliant travel crate: THB 3,000 to THB 10,000
5
Cargo airline fees (BKK to ATH): THB 20,000 to THB 60,000
6
Pet transport agent fee: THB 8,000 to THB 20,000
7
EU Animal Health Certificate: THB 2,000 to THB 5,000
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Thailand is unlisted for EU pet travel. FAVN titre test and 90-day wait are mandatory.
⚠ The DLD export permit is applied for by email, not through an online portal. Responses can take a few days. Apply at least 2 weeks before you need the certificate.
⚠ Thailand has active rabies in wildlife and some domestic dog populations. The FAVN test requirement for EU entry reflects this status.
⚠ Do not confuse the EU's FAVN requirement with any domestic Thai vaccination requirements. These are separate obligations.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Thai Airways Cargo
Bangkok (BKK) to Athens (ATH) via connecting hub. Thai Airways accepts pets as cargo.
Cargo Only
Qatar Airways Cargo
BKK via Doha (DOH) to ATH. Qatar Airways Cargo accepts pets.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo
BKK to ATH via Frankfurt (FRA). Lufthansa Cargo accepts pets.
Cargo Only
Turkish Airlines Cargo
BKK via Istanbul (IST) to ATH. Turkish Airlines Cargo accepts pets.
Cargo Only
Meeting Greece's entry requirements
The path into Greece is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Advice worth following
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.
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.
FAQ
Common questions
Thailand is classified as an unlisted third country under EU Regulation 2016/429, which means it does not appear on the EU’s low-risk approved list. All pets from unlisted countries must have a FAVN titre test confirming 0.5 IU/ml or above, followed by a 90-day waiting period. This applies consistently to all EU member states, including Greece. There is no waiver available for Thailand.
Greece does not have a national breed-specific legislation list as extensive as some other EU countries, but some municipalities apply restrictions on certain types including Pit Bull Terrier types. Confirm with the local authority in your destination city in Greece before booking transport for any breed that might be considered restricted.
There is no direct Bangkok to Athens flight. All routes connect through a European or Middle East hub, typically Doha, Istanbul, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam. The connecting hub affects total transit time and which airline handles the connecting leg. Confirm that the connecting carrier accepts live animals before booking.
A rough minimum for a small to medium dog, based on 2026 cost data: FAVN test THB 3,000 to 8,000, crate THB 3,000 to 5,000, cargo fees THB 20,000 to 40,000, vet and permit costs THB 5,000 to 10,000, agent fee THB 8,000 to 15,000. Total budget around THB 40,000 to THB 80,000 (approximately £870 to £1,750) for a typical medium dog. Larger breeds cost significantly more.
Airline guides
Thai Airways Cargo
Qatar Airways Cargo
Lufthansa Cargo
Turkish Airlines Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.