Relocating a pet from United Kingdom to Norway follows a clear path once you understand what Norway asks for. Allow around 3-6 weeks. The requirements are modest compared with stricter destinations. Pets with correct documentation skip …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Kingdom to Norway
typically takes around 3-6 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations verified
Written and reviewed by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The United Kingdom to Norway pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Verify microchip and rabies vaccination timing
Responsible: Your vet
Check now. Microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination.
2
Ensure rabies vaccination has been valid for at least 21 days
Responsible: Your vet
Allow 21 days after a primary vaccination before travel.
3
Book airline space
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead.
4
APHA-authorised vet issues Animal Health Certificate
Responsible: APHA-authorised official vet
Within 10 days of travel.
5
Dogs: tapeworm treatment (Praziquantel) 1-5 days before arrival in Norway. Record in AHC.
Responsible: Vet
1-5 days before Norway arrival.
6
Travel to Norway. AHC presented at Norwegian border.
Responsible: Airline/owner
On travel date.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Norway
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785. Must be implanted before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days must have passed since the primary vaccination before entry.
Rabies titre test
Not required for UK pets. The UK is listed as an approved country for Norway's purposes.
Quarantine
Not required for compliant arrivals.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
AHC accepted by Norway for UK-origin pets. Issued within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (United Kingdom)
No formal UK export permit for cats and dogs.
Costs
What this route typically costs
APHA-endorsed AHC: GBP 150-400
Tapeworm treatment: GBP 20-50
Airline cargo London to Oslo: GBP 150-600 depending on size
Travel crate (IATA-compliant): GBP 60-250
Pet transport agent fee (optional): GBP 400-1,000
Total typical range: GBP 400 to GBP 1,300
Critical points to read before you book
Norway mandates tapeworm treatment for all dogs regardless of origin. This is stricter than the UK's rule (which applies to all dogs entering GB). The treatment must be given 1-5 days before arrival in Norway and recorded in the AHC.
Norway bans Pit Bull Terriers under the Norwegian Animal Welfare Act. Dogs identified as Pit Bull type will be refused entry.
The AHC is valid for entry and for up to 4 months of onward travel within Norway and the EEA. It is not reusable for a return trip to the UK.
Norway uses a similar but not identical regulatory framework to EU member states. If in doubt, check with Mattilsynet directly before 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.
SAS
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
London (LHR/LGW) to Oslo (OSL). Small pets in cabin. Cargo via SAS Cargo for larger animals.
Cabin and Cargo
BRITISH
British Airways
Heathrow to Oslo. Cargo pet service via IAG Cargo. Pets must be booked as cargo.
Cargo Only
NORWEGIAN AIR
Norwegian Air
Budget carrier. Small pets in cabin only on some routes. Not suitable for large breeds or cargo.
Cabin Only
How Norway handles incoming pets
Norway keeps its import requirements relatively light, which makes preparing easier. Even so, the basics still need to be right and in the correct order.
What experienced owners do
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about United Kingdom to Norway pet transport
Yes. Norway requires praziquantel tapeworm treatment for all dogs entering the country, regardless of origin. The treatment must be administered by a vet 1-5 days before your dog arrives in Norway and must be recorded in the Animal Health Certificate. Cats are not subject to this rule.
Yes. Norway follows EU pet travel rules, and the UK is listed as an approved third country for these purposes. This means UK pets going to Norway do not need a rabies titre test and are not subject to quarantine, provided they have the correct AHC, a valid ISO microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), and a rabies vaccination that has been valid for at least 21 days.
Norway bans Pit Bull Terriers under the Norwegian Animal Welfare Act. This is the main breed restriction. If your dog is a Pit Bull type or could be identified as one by Norwegian customs, contact Mattilsynet before making travel arrangements.
You need an AHC from a vet who is authorised by the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Your regular vet may hold this authorisation or can refer you to one who does. The AHC must be issued within 10 days of your travel date.
Airline guides
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
British Airways
Norwegian Air
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.