Portugal has emerged as one of the top destinations for Americans seeking a European base, driven by the D7 passive income visa, the Non-Habitual Resident tax regime, and a lower cost of living …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United States to Portugal
usually takes several months.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The United States to Portugal import process
01
At least 4 weeks before travel.
Microchip and rabies vaccination: confirm correct timing
Responsible: USDA-accredited veterinarian
02
6-8 weeks before travel.
Book cargo space with TAP or BA
Responsible: You or your IATA-registered cargo agent
03
Allow 2-10 business days for USDA endorsement.
USDA-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of Portuguese arrival
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet + USDA APHIS
04
Document check on arrival. Compliant pets cleared same day.
DGAV border vet inspection at Lisbon or Porto
Responsible: DGAV border veterinary authority
Requirements
Portugal entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785. Must be implanted before rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. 21-day wait after first vaccination. Booster with continuous cover: no additional wait.
Rabies titre test
Not required. The USA is listed as an approved third country under EU Regulation 2026/131.
Import permit
Not required for personal imports.
Health certificate
USDA-endorsed official health certificate within 10 days of Portuguese arrival.
Leaving United States
Export requirements
Export permit
No formal export permit required. USDA APHIS endorsement serves as export documentation.
Health certificate
USDA-accredited veterinarian completes official health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS (USD 38 per certificate). Must be issued within 10 days of Portuguese arrival. VEHCS electronic system or USDA office drop-off available.
Costs
What this route typically costs
TAP or BA transatlantic cargo fee
IATA-compliant crate
USDA-accredited vet health exam and certificate
USDA APHIS endorsement fee (USD 38)
IATA-registered cargo agent fee
Critical points
TAP Air Portugal is the most direct option from the US East Coast to Lisbon. TAP flies from JFK, Newark, Boston, and Miami. If you are on the West Coast, a connection via the East Coast or via London (BA) is needed.
Portugal is growing rapidly as a D7 visa and digital nomad visa destination for Americans. This corridor is becoming busier; book cargo space well in advance, particularly in summer and autumn.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
TAP Air Portugal
Cargo from JFK, EWR, BOS, MIA, and YYZ to LIS. TAP is the primary transatlantic carrier on this corridor and handles live animals in cargo on these routes. Book through an IATA-registered agent.
Cargo Only
British Airways
Cargo from US gateways via LHR to LIS. Two-leg route via London Heathrow. BA World Cargo has live animal handling at Heathrow.
Cargo Only
United
United allows small pets in cabin on some transatlantic routes to Lisbon. No general cargo service. Not suitable for large dogs.
Cabin Only
Delta
Delta allows small pets in cabin on some transatlantic routes. Cargo is limited to active US military. Not suitable for large dogs.
Cabin Only
At a glance: USA to Portugal vs other USA-to-EU routes
Requirement
USA to Portugal
USA to Spain
USA to France
USA to Italy
USDA health cert
Yes (within 10 days)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Titre test
Not required
Not required
Not required
Not required
Quarantine
None
None
None
None
Import permit
Not required
Not required
Not required
Not required
PPP/breed rules
No national list
Yes (national PPP)
Regional variation
No national list
Primary carrier option
TAP Air Portugal
Iberia
Air France
ITA Airways
Complexity
Moderate (cargo)
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Portugal, Italy, and most of EU Europe share the same absence of breed-specific national legislation that Spain has. TAP Air Portugal provides direct connections from the US East Coast that Iberia and ITA Airways cannot always match.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. Portugal does not impose routine quarantine on pets from the USA. The DGAV border vet at Lisbon or Porto airport checks the USDA-endorsed health certificate, scans the microchip, and verifies the vaccination record. Compliant pets are cleared and released on arrival day.
No. The USA is listed as an approved third country under EU Regulation 2026/131. No titre test is required. The requirements are: ISO microchip (implanted before vaccination), current rabies vaccination (21-day wait after first dose), and a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival in Portugal.
TAP Air Portugal is the best starting point, with direct cargo services from JFK, Newark, Boston, and Miami to Lisbon. If you are based on the US West Coast, you will need to connect via an East Coast city or use British Airways via London. Confirm current live animal acceptance before booking, as cargo pet policies can change.
TAP Air Portugal may allow small cats (under the cabin weight limit including carrier) on some transatlantic routes. Check TAP’s current cabin pet policy for transatlantic services at the time of booking. If the cat is too large or the airline does not accept cabin pets on the transatlantic leg, cargo is the alternative. Portugal imposes no quarantine on cats from the USA.
You need: a USDA-endorsed official health certificate (from a USDA-accredited vet, issued within 10 days of Portuguese arrival); a readable ISO microchip (implanted before rabies vaccination); a current rabies vaccination with 21-day wait after first dose; and the USDA endorsement (USD 38 fee, 2-10 business days processing). No titre test, no import permit, no quarantine.
Airline guides
TAP Air Portugal
British Airways
United
Delta
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.