Official Import Rules
The Czech Republic 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.
For cats from non-listed (unlisted) third countries, the blood sample for the rabies antibody titration test must be taken at least 30 days after the primary rabies vaccination, and the test result must be dated at least 90 days before the date the animal health certificate is issued — not simply '3 months before travel.' Since the certificate itself is only valid for a limited window before travel, owners should calculate the 90-day period from the certificate issue date rather than the travel date.
No tapeworm treatment required for cats.
For pets arriving from outside the EU, Czech authorities only permit entry through a fixed list of designated points: Prague-Ruzyně, Brno-Tuřany, Ostrava-Mošnov, and Karlovy Vary international airports.
There is no option to use 'any EU border crossing' for non-EU arrivals — animals from third countries must pass through one of these specific airports where customs authorities carry out the required checks.
(Travel from within the EU with a valid pet passport is not restricted to specific entry points.)
Regulatory Update — April 2026
The EU's legacy pet movement regulation (No 576/2013) transitions to the new Animal Health Law framework on 22 April 2026. 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.
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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
Register at local vet within 7 days of arrival if staying long-term
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for EU/listed countries
City & Housing Tips
Prague, Brno, and Ostrava are all cat-friendly. Prague has a large expat community and excellent vet care. Czech culture is generally very welcoming to cats. Many apartments allow pets.
Vets & Common Parasites
Good veterinary care at very affordable prices. Prague has numerous English-speaking vets catering to the expat community. Emergency vet services available 24/7 in Prague and Brno.
Find Vets in Czech RepublicExit Rules — Leaving Czech Republic
EU Pet Passport for EU travel. Health certificate from an Official Veterinarian for non-EU destinations. The State Veterinary Administration (SVS) can endorse export certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Prague has many cat-friendly apartments, affordable vet care, and a growing number of cat cafes. The expat community is large and well-established.
Very. A routine vet visit costs CZK 500–1,000 (~€20–41), and medications are inexpensive. Many Prague vets speak English.
No breed restrictions for cats in the Czech Republic.
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 Czech Republic 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.