Country Compliance
Turkiye Pet Import Requirements
Official veterinary regulations, microchip standards, rabies rules, and breed restrictions for entering Turkiye.
1. Microchip & Identification
Microchip Required/PET Passport (microchip date before last rabies vaccination is recommended).
2. Rabies Vaccination
Pets must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entry.
3. Titre Tests & Bloodwork
All pets (even coming from rabies free countries) travelling to Turkiye must have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination (with the date of vaccination counting as day 0) and details of a successful serological test endorsed by EU Approved Laboratory. Pet will be rejected if testing is not done by approved laboratory.
If RABIES chain is not broken and completed timely, it keeps validity, the waiting period after serum taken date: + 90 days
If a domestic animal of Turkish origin goes to another country and returns.
in this case, if there is a final report obtained before departure from Turkey showing that it has an acceptable anti-rabies antibody titer test,
the 3 (three) month period condition is not required.
To prevent fraud in blood tests for PETs leaving TURKEY, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has started a new practice. If desired, they will be able to verify the Rabies Antibody Titer Test results by entering the protocol number in the link below. Thus, fake Titer Tests will be prevented.
4. Quarantine Requirements
Quarantine facility is not available. Animal stays at import warehouse until customs decisions. Sometimes it takes days, even weeks.
5. Breed Restrictions
Only 2 pets per person are allowed.
Restricted Breeds:
Pit-Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosaya, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Staffordshire, Roman Fighting Dog, Bandog Tosa Inu, Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, and similar dangerous breeds or mix breeds of such.
Turkiye applies restriction from certain areas of the world (countries or zones in the countries) for bird entry due to AVIAN INFLUENZA in Origin country or zones.
Done-for-You Service
Breed rules in Turkiye can mean a border denial.
Our IPATA-certified team verifies your specific breed against Turkiye's current import rules and manages every document — so you arrive cleared, not turned away.
Get a Turkiye Relocation Quote6. Customs & Import Rules
For customs clearance, a professional PET clearance agent is strongly recommended due to pre-application, getting approval from the border control department, and customs clearance.
Due to facility and daily customs clearance practices, the best entry point is ISTANBUL AIRPORT
Unless otherwise is applicable, the best and cheapest way, to bring PET as in-cabin or with check-in baggage status.
If owners are forced to use manifested cargo way, they should work with an IPATA member agent for clearance.
Once pet/pets arrive at Istanbul Airport it takes 2~3 hours to get import documents and release order from Airline.
Animal rooms are available, but animal hotel is not available. Same day clearance depends on the arrival time & day.
With import documents and release order, first apply import declaration from Quarantine center. Quarantine vet will check the documents to see if there will be quarantine or not and then he/she approve the import declaration and customs clearance proceed.
It takes normally 5~6 hours to clear the pet after landing.
Pets arriving after 15:00 will be cleared with overtime payment
Weekend clearance is subject to pre-approval and overtime payment
Common Questions
Turkiye pet travel — frequently asked
Are there breed restrictions for pets entering Turkiye?
Yes, Turkiye enforces breed restrictions for incoming pets. Review the Breed Restrictions section on this page for the specific breeds affected, or contact our team for a breed-specific compliance assessment.
Does Turkiye require quarantine for dogs and cats?
Yes, quarantine requirements apply for pets entering Turkiye. See the Quarantine Requirements section for holding periods, conditions, and approved facilities.
What documents do I need to bring my pet to Turkiye?
Pets entering Turkiye typically require an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian, plus a rabies titre (antibody) test. Requirements vary by origin country — check each section above for the most current rules.
Popular Airlines
Airlines flying pets to Turkiye
Each airline has its own breed restrictions, weight limits, and cargo embargo windows. Check policies before you book.
