Relocating a pet from Turkey to Italy follows a clear path once you understand what Italy asks for. Give yourself close to 20-22 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Turkey to Italy
typically takes around 20-22 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.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Turkey to Italy pet import process
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 Turkey
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.
Responsible: Vet in Turkey
5+ months before travel
3
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: Official 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 IST to FCO or MXP on Turkish Airlines Cargo.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
6
Obtain Ministry-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: Official vet plus Ministry endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
7
Depart IST. Italian customs and Ministry of Health vet inspects at FCO or MXP.
Responsible: Turkish Airlines 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. Turkey is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test required. Blood must be 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 (Ministero della Salute) veterinary services inspect at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP).
Import permit
No import permit. Ministry-endorsed EU certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format International Veterinary Certificate endorsed by Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (Turkey)
No formal export permit for companion animals. Ministry endorsement of the health certificate is the authorising document. Departure from Istanbul Airport (IST).
Costs
What this route typically costs
Official vet health certificate plus Ministry endorsement: EUR 100-250
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo IST to FCO or MXP (Turkish Airlines direct): EUR 400-1,200 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 900-2,400
Critical points to read before you book
Turkey is not EU-listed: FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Start 5 months before travel.
3-month wait runs from blood draw date, not results date.
Italy has no national breed ban since 2009. Most breeds enter without breed-specific restrictions.
Ministry-endorsed 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.
TURKISH
Turkish Airlines Cargo
Turkish Airlines operates direct from Istanbul (IST) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP). Turkish Airlines Cargo accepts live animals on these routes.
Cargo Only
ITA AIRWAYS
ITA Airways Cargo
ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia) operates between IST and FCO. ITA Cargo accepts live animals on selected flights. Confirm acceptance before booking.
Cargo Only
Italy import rules, explained
Italy has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
Practical tips for this move
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
FAQ
Common questions about Turkey to Italy pet transport
Yes. Turkey is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date apply for Italy. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Italy removed its national breed ban in 2009. There are no federal breed-specific import restrictions. Any breed from Turkey can enter Italy through standard EU documentation without breed-specific permits. Some local ordinances may vary.
Yes. Turkish Airlines Cargo operates direct from IST to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) and accepts live animals. Book four to six weeks ahead and confirm live animal cargo acceptance on your specific flight number.
Direct cargo from IST to FCO or MXP typically costs EUR 400 to EUR 1,200 depending on crate size. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test, EUR 100-250 for the Ministry certificate, and EUR 80-250 for a crate if needed. Total all-in is typically EUR 900 to EUR 2,400.
Airline guides
Turkish Airlines Cargo
ITA Airways Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.