Official Import Rules
Romania 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. Entry through Bucharest (OTP), Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), or any international airport. ANSVSA conducts border inspections.
Regulatory Update — April 2026
The EU's legacy pet movement regulation (No 576/2013) transitions to the new Animal Health Law framework on 21 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.
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
Enter via any point of entry
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for EU/listed countries
City & Housing Tips
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Brașov are popular expat destinations. Romania is very affordable with improving vet care. Cluj-Napoca in particular has a growing tech-expat community. Many apartments allow cats.
Vets & Common Parasites
Good and improving veterinary care, especially in cities. Very affordable by EU standards. A vet visit costs RON 80–200 (~€16–40). Bucharest and Cluj have 24-hour emergency clinics. Many younger vets speak English.
Find Vets in RomaniaExit Rules — Leaving Romania
EU Pet Passport for EU travel. Health certificate from an Official Veterinarian for non-EU destinations. ANSVSA regional offices can endorse export certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Extremely. Romania has some of the lowest vet costs in the EU. Pet food and supplies are also significantly cheaper than Western Europe.
Generally yes in urban areas. Be aware of stray dogs in some neighborhoods. Rural areas may have wildlife concerns. Many owners keep cats indoors in apartments.
Yes, increasingly popular with digital nomads and expats. Good vet care, affordable living, vibrant culture, and cat-friendly apartments.
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 Romania 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.