Official Import Rules
Poland 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. Poland does NOT require tapeworm treatment for cats. Entry through Warsaw (WAW), Kraków (KRK), or any international airport.
The General Veterinary Inspectorate oversees border inspections.
Regulatory Status — April 2026
Poland's official veterinary inspectorate (GIW) shows no confirmed new EU regulation replacing the existing pet travel framework as of this date. The rules based on Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 continue to apply for non-commercial pet movement into Poland.
- There is no confirmed Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 referenced by GIW. Do not assume any procedural or document-validity change has taken effect without official confirmation.
- Core requirements remain unchanged: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination administered after the microchip, and an EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate.
- For cats entering from a non-EU third country, the Animal Health Certificate remains valid for onward travel within the EU for 4 months from the date of the border document/identity check, or until the rabies vaccination expires — whichever comes first. This has not been extended to 6 months.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your cat's step-by-step plan
Get a free checklist, timeline and cost estimate built around this destination.
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
Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for EU/listed countries
City & Housing Tips
Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk are cat-friendly with growing expat communities. Vet care is excellent quality and significantly cheaper than Western Europe. Poland has a growing culture of cat cafes and cat adoption organizations.
Vets & Common Parasites
Very good veterinary care at a fraction of Western European prices. A routine vet visit costs PLN 100–200 (~€23–47). 24-hour emergency clinics in Warsaw and other major cities. Many vets speak English in larger cities.
Find Vets in PolandExit Rules — Leaving Poland
EU Pet Passport for EU travel. Health certificate from an Official Veterinarian for non-EU destinations. The local Powiatowy Inspektorat Weterynarii (District Veterinary Inspectorate) endorses export documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Very affordable. Vet visits, medications, and pet food all cost significantly less than in Western Europe. Quality of care is excellent.
Poland requires microchipping but does not currently have a mandatory national pet registration database like Belgium.
Generally yes, especially in larger cities with expat communities. Always confirm pet policies before signing a lease.
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 Poland 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.