Conditions, Documents and Fees for Traveling with Cats and Dogs from Abroad to Türkiye in 2025

Conditions, Documents and Fees for Traveling with Cats and Dogs from Abroad to Türkiye in 2025

Bringing a cat or dog from abroad to Türkiye can be a fairly smooth process with the right documentation and preparation. However, it is essential to follow certain procedures and legal requirements for the safety of both the owner and the pet. We have prepared a detailed guide on the steps to follow, the required documents, and the fees to bring a cat or dog to Türkiye as of 2025.

1. General Conditions for Bringing Cats and Dogs to Türkiye

Türkiye has introduced certain regulations regarding the health and safety of pets. When bringing both cats and dogs into Türkiye from abroad, you must comply with the following conditions:

• Microchip Application : Every cat and dog entering Turkey must be registered with a 15-digit microchip. The microchip is used to verify the pet's identity and the chip must comply with the ISO 11784/11785 standard.
• Vaccines and Health Status : The animal must have received the necessary vaccinations before entering Turkey. These vaccinations are especially important for animal health, such as the rabies vaccine.
• Veterinary Check-up : A health check-up and approval must be obtained from a veterinarian at least 7 days before travel. In addition, the animal may be asked to be treated for any parasitic diseases.

2. Required Documents

To travel to Türkiye with a cat or dog, the following documents are required:

• Microchip Registration Certificate : The animal's microchip must be recorded by an internationally recognized veterinarian.
• Vaccination Records : Vaccination documents for rabies vaccination and other required vaccinations must be submitted in accordance with international veterinary standards.
• Health Certificate : An official veterinary report stating that the animal is healthy and fit for travel is required. This report must be obtained within 7 days before travel.
• Import Permit : An import permit from the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is required for a cat or dog to enter Turkey. The permit must usually be applied for together with a health certificate from the veterinary authority in the country where the animal originated.
• Pre-travel Parasite Treatment Document : Parasite treatment is also required for pets coming from some countries. This treatment must be done before travel and must be presented in the form of a document.

3. Travel Conditions and Carriage

There are a few important points to consider when traveling from abroad to Türkiye with a pet:

• Flight and Transport : When travelling by plane, cats and dogs usually need to be transported in a cage or carrier. It is important to learn the airline's pet transport conditions in advance.
• The Animal's Transport Box Must Meet Standards : The transport box must be suitable for the animal's size, meet the safety standards set by airlines, and allow the animal to move comfortably.
• Carry Veterinary Reports and Permits : When traveling, make sure you have all the documents and certificates with you. These documents are required when checking your pet at the airport.

4. Fees

The costs of bringing a pet from abroad to Türkiye in 2025 may vary. However, below are the general fees you may encounter:

• Import Permit Fee : The import permit fee, which must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to bring cats and dogs to Turkey, can vary between approximately 1000 TL and 2000 TL.
• Veterinary Fees : Veterinary fees for microchip application, vaccinations, health checks and parasite treatment can range from 500 TL to 1500 TL in total.
• Transportation Fees : Flight and transportation fees vary depending on the airline chosen and the dimensions of the pet's transport box. These fees usually range from 2000 TL to 6000 TL.
• Extra Charges : There may be additional charges such as customs procedures and inspection fees at the airport.

5. Special Cases and Exceptions

Some special cases or exceptions should also be taken into account:

• Injured or Sick Pets : If your pet is sick or injured, special health reports and treatment documentation may be required before entry into Turkey.
• Animals from Certain Countries : Additional health precautions and stricter controls may apply to pets coming from certain countries where rabies is common. In these cases, requirements may vary by country.

6. Conclusion

As of 2025, the process of bringing a cat or dog from abroad to Türkiye can be managed properly with the necessary documents and procedures. However, being careful at every step and providing all the documents in full will ensure that the pet enters Türkiye safely. When planning your trip, it is important to make your preparations in time to have a healthy and safe process for both parties.