Thanks to its pleasant climate and employment opportunities, many people from different countries consider Cyprus an attractive relocation destination. However, relocation can be a challenging task, especially if you are moving to Cyprus with pets.
If you are considering purchasing villas in Cyprus, our website can help you find a suitable property. The catalogue offers a variety of options. If you plan on bringing a dog to Cyprus, we recommend that you read the guide below.
Content:
- Can I bring my dog to Cyprus?
- Microchipping
- Vaccinations
- Health certificate
- Dangerous and prohibited breeds
- Airport
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Can I bring my dog to Cyprus?
The island is gradually becoming more pet-friendly. However, in the few places where "animal-friendly accommodation" signs are posted, there are often restrictions on owners based on size, breed, or behaviour. While there are many sandy beaches with crystal clear water, those designated for pets are often pebbly and located in remote areas. On the bright side, many restaurants allow you to bring your four-legged companions. The only thing to remember is to keep them on a leash and make sure your dog does not disturb other visitors.
Microchipping
Familiarize yourself with the rules for bringing pets into Cyprus in 2024 well in advance of your move. We also recommend that you thoroughly research the characteristics of any location you are considering. When choosing a property in Cyprus, always consider the interests of your animals. There should be areas for them to play nearby. If you plan to live in an apartment, the house should allow pets.
How much to fly a dog to Cyprus? Bringing a dog to the area as well as a cat can be done after microchipping, so consider these costs. An ISO 11784 and 11785 format microchip is required. If your fluffy friend already has a different chip, you can avoid the import ban or re-chipping by providing a suitable reader. Tattoos are acceptable for dogs imported into Cyprus if they are clearly legible and applied before July 3, 2011.
Vaccinations
Rules for importing cats to Cyprus in 2024 require a mandatory rabies vaccination. This also applies to dogs. The vaccine should be administered after microchipping and when the animal is at least 12 weeks old. The vaccine is effective from the time of protective immunity, not earlier than 21 days after vaccination. Boosters must be administered before the expiration date of the primary vaccine.
A rabies antibody titer test must be performed in an EU and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) approved laboratory. Pets do not need to undergo a rabies blood test if they are coming from an EU country or a listed country (e.g. UK, USA, Australia, Canada). The blood sample must be taken no later than 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before entering the island. In other words, animals cannot be transported to Cyprus until they are at least 3 months old to provide a blood sample. The analysis should indicate that the neutralizing antibody titer is equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml.
Health certificate
The primary document to transport a dog in Cyprus is the official veterinary health certificate. This certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue and must be signed by a private veterinarian. If the transportation of a fluffy friend involves a sea voyage, the validity of the health certificate is extended for an additional period corresponding to the duration of the sea voyage.
Dangerous and prohibited breeds
The rules for importing dogs to Cyprus in 2024 do not allow travel with the following breeds and mixes:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Argentine Dogo
- Fila Brasileiro
Airport
There are three ways to bring a puffy friend to the island: in the cabin, as excess baggage, or as registered cargo. The owner or the person responsible for the transport must notify the veterinary office at the place of arrival at least 48 hours before crossing the border. After flying to the area with a dog, the animal will be examined by a specialist or customs officer.
If you are transporting your animal by yourself, or if you plan to enter the country within five days of the pet's arrival, the following points of entry are suitable:
- Larnaca International Airport
- Larnaca Port
- Paphos International Airport
- Paphos Port
- Limassol Port
- Lachi Port
- Raphael Marina
The rules for bringing a dog to Cyprus may vary slightly. Whether four-legged members of the family can travel in the cabin as excess baggage or cargo depends on the rules of the country you are departing from and the conditions of the airline. It is recommended that you check with the specific airline. According to the experience of expatriates, the procedure at Larnaca Airport can be more difficult than at Paphos International Airport.
How much does it cost to fly a dog alone? Several companies can transport your pet on your behalf. Their services include advice on vaccinations and necessary certificates, pre-flight boarding, and the provision of a kennel. Some people find it worthwhile to pay professionals to take on these responsibilities, especially since moving to another country can be quite stressful. Not all airlines are willing to transport pets, and many restrict the routes they offer. The key is to make sure you choose a reputable company.
You will need to sign a declaration stating that you will remain the animal's owner. If you plan to sell the animal, it becomes a commercial transaction and different rules apply. If the fluffy friend is not completely healthy upon arrival, the authorities may require the pet to be examined by a veterinarian at the owner's expense.
You may wish to bring other animals, reptiles, or tropical fish to the island. They do not require rabies vaccinations, but you must obtain import permits before travelling. Airlines may have additional requirements.
Significant effort is required to obtain permits if the animal is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). If you have an unusual companion, such as a parrot or turtle, you will need to find out if it is subject to CITES.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the rules for transporting animals.
Question #1: Can I bring my dog to the island?
If you meet the import requirements, you can bring your dog into the country.
Question #2: I have a puppy that is 2 months old. Can I bring it?
The puppy must be at least 105 days old to be eligible for relocation: the fluffy friend must be vaccinated against rabies at 12 weeks (84 days). After vaccination, you must wait at least 21 days before entering the country.
Question #3: Do I need a permit to import an animal?
Dogs, cats and ferrets do not require a permit. However, some animals, such as rabbits, may require a permit.
Question #4: I have a pit bull mix. How can I export him?
Unfortunately, pit bulls may not be imported into the island.
Conclusion
So, let's summarize the most important rules for importing a pet. Whether you are bringing a cat or a dog, the following rules apply:
- only animals over the age of 12 weeks may be imported
- the breed must not be on the prohibited list
- the pet must be microchipped
- a rabies vaccination must be administered and registered after microchipping
- the pet cannot travel until 21 days after the rabies vaccination
- a passport for the pet is required
Now you know that even with a four-legged companion, you can buy apartments in Cyprus and move to the island without any major problems. The key is to prepare and adhere to all the requirements, and then living on the island with a pet will undoubtedly turn from a dream into a reality.