Prepared by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The United Kingdom to Sweden pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Check microchip is ISO standard and was implanted before the rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now. Non-ISO chips may not be readable in Sweden.
2
Book airline cargo or cabin space
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead of travel.
3
APHA-authorised vet issues Animal Health Certificate
Responsible: APHA-authorised official vet (UK)
Within 10 days of your travel date.
4
Travel to Sweden. AHC presented at Swedish border.
Responsible: Airline/owner
On travel date.
Which Sweden rules depend on a pet coming from the United Kingdom?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and the United Kingdom falls in “Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636”.
No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Official source
The rules that apply to every pet entering Sweden, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Sweden guide.
What does the United Kingdom require before your pet leaves?
We are still checking the export rules of the United Kingdom against official government pages, so they are not shown here yet.
Costs
What this route typically costs
APHA-endorsed AHC: GBP 150-400 depending on vet and additional endorsements
Airline cargo: GBP 150-600 depending on route and crate size (London-Stockholm is relatively short)
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
Microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination. Swedish border officials verify this.
If your pet had an EU pet passport before Brexit, it remains valid for travel within the EU. But if you are re-entering the EU from the UK, you need a fresh AHC.
Sweden has no breed-specific legislation, but check any rental agreement or housing regulations at your Swedish destination, as some landlords restrict certain breeds.
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)
Main carrier on the London to Stockholm route. Small pets in cabin. Cargo via SAS Cargo for larger animals.
Cabin and Cargo
BRITISH
British Airways
Heathrow to Stockholm Arlanda. Pets handled via IAG Cargo. PetAir UK manages UK-side export.
Cargo Only
NORWEGIAN AIR
Norwegian Air
Budget carrier. Small pets in cabin only. Check current policies before booking.
Cabin Only
FAQ
Common questions about United Kingdom to Sweden pet transport
No. Sweden follows EU rules and the UK is listed as an approved third country. No titre test is required for UK pets entering Sweden. You need the AHC, a valid microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), and a current rabies vaccination that has been valid for at least 21 days.
No. Sweden has no breed-specific legislation at the national level. All breeds of dog can be imported. This contrasts with some other European countries that restrict Pit Bull types and related breeds. Always check local Swedish regulations where you are settling, as some municipalities may have separate bylaws.
If your pet’s microchip and rabies vaccination are already in order, the main task is booking the AHC appointment within 10 days of travel and arranging the cargo or cabin space on your flight. The paperwork side takes 2-4 weeks. If vaccinations need updating, allow at least 4-6 weeks so the 21-day wait is satisfied before you travel.
Airline guides
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
British Airways
Norwegian Air
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm
current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
IATA· International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations