Official Import Rules
Greece follows EU pet travel 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: additionally FAVN titer test (≥0. 5 IU/ml) with 3-month wait. Cats must enter through an authorized border inspection post (Travellers' Point of Entry).
Major airports Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion all have inspection facilities.
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. The Animal Health Certificate must be issued within 10 days prior to entry and is now valid for 6 months for onward travel within the EU. Ensure all documents are complete, correctly sequenced, and that microchip numbers match across every certificate before travelling.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination (21-day wait for first-time)
EU Pet Passport or third-country health certificate
Tapeworm treatment NOT required for cats
Enter via authorized border inspection post
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for EU/listed countries
City & Housing Tips
Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, and the Greek islands are famously cat-friendly. Greece is renowned worldwide for its love of cats — you'll see well-fed community cats on virtually every island. Affordable vet care and a warm climate make it ideal for cats.
Vets & Common Parasites
Good veterinary care in Athens and major cities. Island vet care can be limited — check availability if moving to a smaller island. Several international animal welfare organizations operate in Greece.
Find Vets in GreeceExit Rules — Leaving Greece
EU Pet Passport for EU travel. For non-EU destinations, health certificate from an Official Veterinarian. Processing typically same-day or next-day in Athens.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's certainly a contender. Greek islands are world-famous for their community cats. Greeks generally love and care for cats, and many restaurants and cafes welcome them.
Yes. Domestic ferries within Greece generally allow pets. Some require a carrier, others allow cats on deck. Always check with the specific ferry company.
Major islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu have good vet clinics. Smaller islands may only have a visiting vet — research this before relocating.
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 Greece 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.