Pet Transport from Vietnam to Spain: EU Titre Test and Hub Routing
The journey from Vietnam to Spain for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Allow about 20-28 weeks; the requirements are detailed but predictable once mapped out. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Vietnam to Spain
typically takes around 20-28 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 Vietnam to Spain import process
01
Before first rabies vaccination.
Implant ISO microchip in Vietnam.
Responsible: Vet in Vietnam
02
After microchip. At least 30 days before titre test blood draw.
Rabies vaccination primary course.
Responsible: Vet in Vietnam
03
At least 30 days after final vaccination. 90-day wait starts from this date.
FAVN titre test blood draw at an EU-approved laboratory.
Responsible: Vet and EU-approved laboratory
04
Cannot be shortened.
90-day wait from the blood draw date.
Responsible: Owner to track
05
Within 10 days of EU entry (at the hub, before onward connection to Spain).
Obtain EU-format AHC from MARD-authorised vet, countersigned by DAH.
Responsible: MARD-authorised official vet
06
After 90-day wait has elapsed.
Fly to Madrid or Barcelona via European hub. Spanish customs inspection on arrival.
Responsible: Airline, Spanish customs
Requirements
Spain entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must be implanted before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required. Primary course complete. 21-day wait from initial vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. Vietnam is not on the EU Annex II approved third-country list. FAVN or ELISA titre test at an EU-approved laboratory. Minimum 0.5 IU/ml. Blood draw at least 30 days after final vaccination. Mandatory 90-day wait from blood draw date before EU entry. Source: EU pet travel regulations, ec.europa.eu.
Quarantine
No quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Import permit
No formal import permit required. AHC serves as the entry document.
Health certificate
EU-format Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from MARD-authorised official vet in Vietnam, countersigned by DAH. Valid 10 days from examination to EU entry.
Leaving Vietnam
Export requirements
Export permit
No separate export permit required for personal pet export. MARD-endorsed health certificate is the export document. Departure from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Hanoi (HAN).
Health certificate
Official health certificate in EU AHC format, issued by a MARD-authorised official vet, countersigned by the Department of Animal Health (DAH). Issued within 10 days of EU entry. Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, cucthuy.gov.vn.
Costs
What this route typically costs
MARD health certificate and DAH endorsement: approximately VND 500,000-2,000,000
Titre test at EU-approved laboratory: approximately EUR 250-500 or VND 6,000,000-14,000,000
Cargo fees Vietnam to Spain via hub: approximately EUR 1,000-2,800 depending on routing and pet size
Pet transport agent fee: EUR 400-1,200 if used
Realistic total: EUR 2,200-6,000
Critical points
There are no direct cargo flights from Vietnam to Spain. All routings require a European hub connection. The hub country (France, Netherlands, Germany) is the EU entry point, not Spain.
The 90-day wait from titre test blood draw date is mandatory. Plan at least 5 months before your intended Spanish arrival date.
Spain has breed restrictions. Dogs classified as 'perros potencialmente peligrosos' (PPP), including Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro, are subject to Spanish import restrictions.
The AHC must reference the correct first EU entry point. If routing via Paris, prepare documentation for French entry.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Air France Cargo
Via Paris CDG to Madrid Barajas (MAD) or Barcelona El Prat (BCN). Air France direct from SGN/HAN to CDG, then connecting cargo to Spain. CDG is the EU entry point.
Cargo Only
KLM Cargo
Via Amsterdam AMS to Madrid MAD or Barcelona BCN. KLM direct from SGN/HAN to AMS, then connecting cargo to Spain. AMS is the EU entry point.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo
Via Frankfurt FRA to Madrid MAD or Barcelona BCN. Connecting cargo from Vietnam via FRA. FRA is the EU entry point.
Cargo Only
Iberia / IAG Cargo
Iberia/IAG Cargo connects Madrid MAD to Asian origins via European hub connections. An option for the final Spain leg if routing via a European hub.
Cargo Only
How Spain handles incoming pets
Spain asks for several pieces of paperwork, and they all need to line up. A checklist and a clear timeline are your best tools here.
What experienced owners do
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.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Yes. Vietnam is not on the EU Annex II approved list. FAVN or ELISA titre test at an EU-approved laboratory is required, with a mandatory 90-day wait from the blood draw date. Source: EU pet travel regulations, ec.europa.eu.
No. There are no direct cargo services from Vietnam to Spain. All routings require a European hub connection (Paris CDG, Amsterdam AMS, or Frankfurt FRA). The hub country is the first EU entry point for documentation purposes.
Allow 20-28 weeks total. The titre test drives the timeline: at least 30 days post-vaccination before blood draw, then the 90-day wait. Add time for MARD health certificate and hub connection coordination.
Spain restricts import of dogs classified as ‘perros potencialmente peligrosos’ (PPP), including Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, and Akita Inu. Check Spanish regulations before travel if your dog could fall under this classification.
Both routes have identical EU requirements: titre test, 90-day wait, MARD health certificate. France is simpler in terms of routing: Air France operates direct cargo from SGN/HAN to CDG. Spain has no direct Vietnam-to-Spain cargo and requires a European hub connection, making documentation coordination slightly more complex.
Airline guides
Air France Cargo
KLM Cargo
Lufthansa Cargo
Iberia / IAG Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.