Official Import Rules
France follows standard EU pet regulations. EU cats need an EU Pet Passport with microchip and current rabies vaccination.
Non-EU cats from listed countries need a health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccination. Non-listed countries additionally require a FAVN titer test with 3-month wait.
France also requires that cats be identified (microchipped or tattooed) and registered in the I-CAD national database after arrival.
The introduction into France of cats under 16 weeks of age from non-EU third countries is not permitted. This is because the first rabies vaccination can only be administered at 12 weeks of age at the earliest, and a minimum of 21 days must then elapse before the animal may travel, making the effective minimum entry age approximately 15–16 weeks.
Regulatory Update — April 2026
The EU's legacy pet movement regulation (No 576/2013) transitioned 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. Source: DAERA Northern Ireland.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant. As a legacy exception, a clearly legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 is also accepted as valid identification; tattoos applied on or after that date are not valid for EU travel. If the microchip is not ISO-compliant, the owner must bring their own reader.
Rabies vaccination
At least 21 days before travel. For non-EU cats, the first vaccination can only be given at 12 weeks of age at the earliest, making the effective minimum entry age approximately 15–16 weeks.
EU Pet Passport
Issued by authorised vet. Covers microchip and vaccination records.
Health certificate
Required for non-EU arrivals. Drawn up and signed by an official veterinarian of the country of origin. Valid for 10 days from the date of issue up to the point-of-entry checks in the EU. For sea transport, this 10-day period is extended by the duration of the sea journey. Once stamped at the first EU point of entry, the certificate is then valid for onward travel within the EU for a total of 4 months (or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever is sooner).
Travel
No quarantine for compliant cats.
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for compliant cats.
City & Housing Tips
Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, and Toulouse are cat-friendly cities. France is famously cat-loving — cats appear in café culture, literature, and daily life. Finding pet-friendly rentals is generally easy, especially outside Paris. Use Le Bon Coin and Se Loger for apartment searches. French law protects tenants' right to have pets — landlords cannot include a blanket pet ban in rental agreements (Loi du 9 juillet 1970).
Vets & Common Parasites
France has excellent veterinary care. All vets must be registered with the Ordre National des Vétérinaires. Emergency vet services (urgences vétérinaires) operate 24/7 in major cities. Common parasites: fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. Southern France has risks from sandflies (leishmaniasis in dogs, less common in cats). Regular parasite prevention is recommended.
Find Vets in FranceExit Rules — Leaving France
For EU destinations, your EU Pet Passport is sufficient. For non-EU destinations, obtain an Animal Health Certificate from an Official Veterinarian. France requires I-CAD registration — ensure your cat is registered before attempting to leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. French law (Loi du 9 juillet 1970) prohibits blanket pet bans in rental agreements, though landlords can require you to prevent nuisance.
Yes. All cats in France must be identified (microchip or tattoo) and registered in the I-CAD national database.
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 France 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.