Can I travel abroad with my pet?
Yes: you can travel within the EU with your pet, with a microchip, rabies vaccine and EU pet passport. You need: an ISO microchip (mandatory in Greece, registered on pet.gov.gr), an EU pet passport (Reg. EU 576/2013) and a rabies vaccine — microchip first, age ≥12 weeks, then a 21-day wait after the primary dose. The microchip must precede or coincide with the vaccination. Up to 5 animals per person non-commercially. For Ireland, Finland, Malta, Norway a tapeworm treatment is also needed (24–120 hours before). From 22 Apr 2026, non-EU residents need a health certificate instead of a passport. In short: yes, with the three basics + the 21-day wait.
📋 The rules
- ISO microchip registered (pet.gov.gr)
- EU pet passport (Reg. EU 576/2013)
- Rabies: ≥12 weeks + a 21-day wait
- Microchip before or with the vaccination
- Up to 5 animals per person non-commercially
🔓 Exceptions
- Ireland/Finland/Malta/Norway: tapeworm 24–120 hrs before
- >5 animals: non-commercial for shows (animals >6 months, with proof)
- Non-EU countries: their own entry rules apply
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There's no specific "travel fine" — non-compliance means refusal of entry or quarantine at the border (domestic fines for no microchip are separate). Beware an important myth: "the EU pet passport was abolished on 22 Apr 2026" — wrong for EU/Greek residents; the change affects only non-EU residents entering the EU. Greek residents keep using the passport for intra-EU travel. To travel properly: make sure the animal has a microchip + valid rabies + passport, observe the 21-day wait, and check whether the destination needs a tapeworm treatment.
📎 Official sources
- Reg. (EU) 576/2013 — non-commercial movement of pets →
- Your Europe — travelling with pets →
- pet.gov.gr — national animal registry →
❓ Frequently asked
What do I need to take my dog to another EU country?
You need three basics: a registered ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccine and an EU pet passport. The microchip must precede or coincide with the vaccination, the animal must be at least 12 weeks old and 21 days must have passed since the primary dose.
How long before travel must the vaccine be given?
After the rabies vaccination at least 21 days must pass before travel, where it's the primary dose. The animal must already have a microchip before or at vaccination and be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated.
Is there a special rule for some countries?
Yes. For Ireland, Finland, Malta and Norway an additional tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment is required, given 24 to 120 hours before arrival. It's always best to check the specific requirements of the destination country.
Was the pet passport abolished in 2026?
No, not for EU residents. The change of 22 April 2026 affects only non-EU residents entering the EU, who need a health certificate. Greek residents continue to use the EU pet passport for travel within the EU.
How many animals can I take?
Non-commercially, you can travel with up to 5 animals per person. More than 5 are allowed non-commercially only for competitions or shows, with animals over 6 months old and supporting evidence. Non-compliance can lead to refusal of entry or quarantine.
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