Official Import Rules
Austria follows EU pet regulations. From EU countries: EU Pet Passport with ISO microchip and current rabies vaccination. From listed third countries: health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccination. From non-listed third countries: FAVN titer test with 3-month wait. Austria does NOT require tapeworm treatment for cats.
Entry through approved Austrian airports (Vienna-Schwechat, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz-Thalerhof, or Klagenfurt) or any EU land border crossing. At airports, pets must be declared via the red channel — do not use the green channel.
Cats from third countries cannot be imported if they are younger than 16 weeks, as rabies vaccination is only possible from 12 weeks of age and a 21-day post-vaccination wait is required. For cats from unlisted third countries where a rabies antibody titer test (FAVN) is required, the effective minimum age at entry is 7 months.
Regulatory Update — April 2026
The EU's legacy pet movement regulation (No 576/2013) applies until 21 April 2026 (inclusive), with the new Animal Health Law framework (Delegated Regulation EU 2026/131) taking effect from 22 April 2026 onward. Core requirements remain unchanged — microchip, rabies vaccination, EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate — but border authorities are now enforcing stricter document checking. In particular, the microchip-before-vaccination sequencing rule is being scrutinised more carefully: if your cat's rabies vaccination was administered before the microchip was implanted, that vaccination is invalid for EU entry. Ensure all documents are complete, correctly sequenced, and that microchip numbers match across every certificate before travelling.
Health Certificate Format — Transition Deadlines
The Austrian BAVG has confirmed a transition period for animal health certificate formats:
- Old-format certificates (based on the Reg. 577/2013 model) may continue to be issued by vets until 30 September 2026.
- Certificates issued before 30 September 2026 remain valid for travel until 31 March 2027.
- From 1 October 2026 onward, only the new certificate format under Implementing Regulation EU 2026/705 (Annex III) is valid for new issuances.
- Travellers departing after 1 October 2026 must ensure their vet uses the new certificate model.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination (21-day wait)
EU Pet Passport or third-country veterinary certificate
Tapeworm treatment NOT required for cats
Minimum age: 16 weeks for cats from third countries (7 months if FAVN titer test required)
Maximum 5 pets per person
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for EU/listed countries
City & Housing Tips
Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, and Innsbruck have excellent vet care. Austria has strong animal welfare laws — the Austrian Animal Welfare Act is one of the most comprehensive in Europe. Most apartments allow cats, though some landlords may require a deposit.
Vets & Common Parasites
Excellent veterinary infrastructure. The Austrian Veterinary Chamber regulates the profession. Vienna has world-class veterinary medicine at the Vetmeduni Vienna. 24-hour emergency services available in all major cities. Austria's sole approved EU rabies serology laboratory (for FAVN titer testing) is operated by AGES in Mödling.
Find Vets in AustriaExit Rules — Leaving Austria
EU Pet Passport for EU travel. Health certificate from an Official Veterinarian for non-EU destinations. The BAVG (Bundesamt für Verbrauchergesundheit / Federal Office for Consumer Health) oversees pet import and border controls in Austria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, among the best in Europe. Austria was one of the first countries to ban battery cages and has comprehensive protections for companion animals.
Yes, indoor/outdoor cats are very common in Austria. In Vienna apartments, many owners create secured balcony enclosures (Katzennetz).
Excellent. Vienna regularly ranks as one of the world's most liveable cities and has outstanding vet care, pet shops, and a strong cat-loving culture.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
Have you moved to Austria with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.