Official Import Rules
Slovenia follows EU pet regulations, with document requirements and entry routes varying depending on your cat's country of origin.
- From EU countries: EU Pet Passport with ISO microchip and current rabies vaccination.
- From listed ('Group 1') third countries: health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccination.
- From non-listed third countries: FAVN rabies antibody titration test, with a mandatory 3-month wait after a valid blood sample is taken.
Entry route also depends on origin. Pets travelling from an EU country, or from a listed/Group 1 third country, may enter at any EU border crossing point.
Pets arriving from a non-listed third country must enter only through a specifically designated Travellers' Point of Entry, where officials check documents and identity — in Slovenia this designated point is exclusively Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (also referred to as Brnik Airport). Owners must contact the competent authority there and present the pet's identification documents.
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.
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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
Enter via any EU border crossing (EU/listed origin) or via Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport's designated Travellers' Point of Entry (non-listed origin)
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for EU/listed countries
City & Housing Tips
Ljubljana, Maribor, and the coastal town of Piran are popular. Slovenia is one of Europe's hidden gems — small, safe, green, and affordable. Ljubljana regularly ranks among Europe's most liveable cities. Most apartments accept cats.
Vets & Common Parasites
Good veterinary care. The Veterinary Faculty in Ljubljana provides excellent services. Costs are moderate — cheaper than Austria/Italy but slightly more than Croatia. Emergency clinics available in Ljubljana.
Find Vets in SloveniaExit Rules — Leaving Slovenia
EU Pet Passport for EU travel. Health certificate from an Official Veterinarian for non-EU destinations. UVHVVR endorses export documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Slovenia is a small, green, animal-loving country. Ljubljana has a relaxed vibe and cats are welcome in most living situations.
Slovenia is slightly more expensive but has higher salaries, better infrastructure, and uses the Euro. Both are EU with identical pet import rules.
Extremely. It's compact, green, safe, and has a car-free city centre. Regularly ranked among Europe's most liveable small cities.
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 Slovenia 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.