Quick answer
To bring a dog or cat to Cyprus, it needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and the right document: an EU pet passport from an EU country, or an animal health certificate from the UK or another non-EU country. Pets arriving from outside the EU must enter through an approved point of entry, and Veterinary Services must be notified at least 48 hours in advance.
- Every dog and cat needs a microchip, implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination.
- Pets travelling from Great Britain need an animal health certificate issued no more than 10 days before entry; GB residents cannot use a pet passport to enter the EU.
- Pets from non-EU countries must arrive through an approved entry point, such as Larnaca or Paphos airport, with 48 hours' notice to Veterinary Services.
- Pets from some non-EU countries also need a rabies antibody blood test, which adds months to the timeline.
- Once in Cyprus, dogs need a licence from the local authority and must be microchipped.
Moving with a dog or cat to Cyprus is straightforward if you plan ahead. The rules depend on where your pet is travelling from, and the paperwork must be in order before you fly.
Who does this apply to?
Anyone moving a pet dog or cat to the Republic of Cyprus as a non-commercial move, meaning you, or someone you authorise, travel within a few days of the pet and you are not selling or rehoming it. Different rules apply to commercial imports and to other animals.
What does every pet need?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Implanted before, or at the same time as, the rabies vaccination |
| Rabies vaccination | Given when the pet is at least 12 weeks old; first vaccination at least 21 days before travel |
| Travel document | EU pet passport (from an EU country) or animal health certificate (from outside the EU) |
| Owner's declaration | Confirms the move is non-commercial |
If the pet is microchipped after the rabies vaccination, the vaccination must be repeated.
What are the rules by country?
From another EU country
Your pet needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport issued by an authorised vet. Very young animals that cannot yet be vaccinated cannot travel.
From Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales)
Since Brexit, GB residents cannot use a pet passport to take a pet to the EU, even one issued in the EU. Instead you need an animal health certificate from your vet:
- Microchip your pet and vaccinate it against rabies.
- Wait at least 21 days after the first vaccination before travelling.
- Ask your vet for an animal health certificate no more than 10 days before you arrive in the EU.
- Sign the declaration that you will not sell or rehome the pet.
Once settled in Cyprus, you can ask a local vet about an EU pet passport for future trips. Northern Ireland residents follow different rules; check GOV.UK.
From other non-EU countries
You need an EU animal health certificate completed by an official vet in the country of departure. If you are travelling from a country that is not on the EU's list of approved countries for rabies, your pet also needs a rabies antibody blood test at an EU-approved laboratory. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination, and the pet must then wait three months before entering the EU, so start early.
How do you arrive in Cyprus with a pet?
Notify Veterinary Services
For pets arriving from outside the EU, notify the District Veterinary Office at your point of entry at least 48 hours before arrival, with the date and time, flight number and your contact details. Contact details are on the Veterinary Services website.
Use an approved entry point
Pets arriving from outside the EU must travel through a designated point of entry. Larnaca and Paphos airports are used for pet arrivals; check with your airline which option it offers (in the cabin, as checked baggage or as cargo), as rules on weight, breed and season vary. Crossing the buffer zone with a pet is not permitted.
Have your documents ready
Keep the original certificate or passport, vaccination records and your declaration in your hand luggage. Officials may scan the microchip and check the papers.
What do you need to do after arriving?
- Dog licence: owners must obtain a dog ownership licence from their local authority (municipality or community).
- Microchip and vaccinations: keep them up to date and register your details with a local vet.
- Lead rules: dogs must be kept on a lead in public places, and certain breeds may need a muzzle or face extra licensing conditions.
- Heat and parasites: Cyprus summers are very hot. Walk dogs early or late, avoid hot pavements and ask your vet about protection against ticks, sandflies and mosquitoes. See our guide to summer in Cyprus.
What are the common problems?
- Wrong order of microchip and vaccine: the vaccine must come after, or on the same day as, the chip.
- Certificates issued too early: a GB animal health certificate is valid for entry for only 10 days from issue.
- Airline restrictions: some airlines carry only small pets in the cabin, and hold or cargo options can be limited, especially in hot weather.
- Restricted breeds: check the rules for your breed with Veterinary Services before you book.
What to do next
Add your pet's timeline to our moving checklist, and read our essential checklist for moving to Cyprus. If you are choosing a home, our guide to renting in Cyprus covers what to put in writing in your contract; make sure that includes permission to keep a pet.
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Contains affiliate linksFrequently asked questions
Do pets have to go into quarantine in Cyprus?
Not if all the requirements are met. Pets with missing or incorrect paperwork can be refused entry, returned or isolated at the owner's expense, so check every document before you travel.
Can I bring my dog from the UK to Cyprus?
Yes. Your dog needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel and an animal health certificate issued by your vet no more than 10 days before arrival in the EU.
Which airports in Cyprus accept pets?
Pets arriving from outside the EU must enter through a designated point of entry. Larnaca and Paphos airports are used for pet arrivals; confirm with Veterinary Services and your airline before booking.
Can I bring a pet into Cyprus through the north?
Crossing the buffer zone with pets is not permitted. If you are moving to the Republic of Cyprus, fly into Larnaca or Paphos.
Do I need to register my dog in Cyprus?
Yes. Dog owners must obtain a dog ownership licence from their local authority and make sure the dog is microchipped and vaccinated.
