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EU Pet Passports for Dogs and Cats in Nicosia

Travelling with your pet? We take care of every step for the EU pet passport, in the right order, so you are ready in time.

What is the EU pet passport?

The EU pet passport is a small booklet for dogs and cats. It records the microchip number, your details and the rabies vaccinations. You need it to travel with your pet to another country in the European Union. Only an authorised vet can issue it.

At our clinic we do every step: microchip, rabies vaccination and the passport itself, and we explain what is needed for the country you are travelling to.

The steps, in the right order

Microchip. The microchip goes in first. It must be an international standard (ISO) chip. If your pet already has one, we check it with our scanner.
Rabies vaccine. Given after the microchip, when your pet is at least 12 weeks old.
Passport. We issue the passport and record the microchip and the vaccination in it.
21-day wait. After the first rabies vaccine, 21 days must pass before travel. So the earliest a puppy or kitten can travel is at about 15 weeks old.

Important: if rabies boosters are given on time, the passport stays valid and there is no new 21-day wait. If the date is missed, you start again from the beginning.

Tapeworm treatment for some countries

For travel to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway, dogs need tapeworm treatment from a vet 1 to 5 days before arrival. Great Britain has its own rules with a similar requirement. The treatment is recorded in the passport. Cats do not need it.

Travel outside the EU

Many countries outside the EU ask for more, such as a rabies antibody blood test, waiting periods or import permits. Some steps take months. That is why we suggest you talk to us at least 4 months before you travel.

Before you go

Check the official rules of the country you are going to. Rules change, so always check them shortly before you travel.
Ask your airline about its own rules: carriers, cabin or hold, and short-nosed breeds, which many airlines do not accept.
Get your pet used to the carrier well before the trip.
Come in for a health check before you travel. We will also check that the microchip reads correctly.

What to take with you

The passport, with a valid rabies vaccination.
Your pet's medicines, for every day of the trip and a little extra.
A suitable carrier, water and your pet's usual food.
Our phone number and, if possible, the details of a vet at your destination.

To return to Cyprus from another EU country, a passport with a valid rabies vaccination is usually enough. Always check the rules before you leave.

Frequently asked questions

How early before the trip should I start?

For travel within the EU, at least 4 weeks before, because of the 21-day wait after the first rabies vaccine. For countries outside the EU, talk to us at least 4 months before.

From what age can a puppy or kitten travel?

The rabies vaccine is given from 12 weeks, followed by a 21-day wait, so the earliest is at about 15 weeks old.

Do cats need a passport too?

Yes, cats also need a microchip, a rabies vaccine and a passport to travel within the EU.

Is the microchip my dog already has OK?

If it is an international standard (ISO) chip and reads correctly, yes. We will check it with our scanner before the rabies vaccine.

Sources and further reading

The facts in this article are based on guidance from international and European veterinary organisations.

Get the passport ready in time

Call us several weeks before your trip, so we have time for every step and the 21-day wait.

📞 22 015979