Pet Travel to Albania: Transporting Dogs and Cats from the UK and EU

Taking your dog or cat from the UK to Albania requires careful preparation to ensure all health documentation is compliant.

• Microchip: An ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered.
• Rabies vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, and the vaccine must remain valid.
• Health certificate: You must obtain a bilingual veterinary health certificate issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of your travel date.
• Import permit: An import permit is not typically required for personal pets entering Albania with their owners.
• Tapeworm treatment: Dogs may require specific tapeworm treatment administered by a veterinarian before entry, depending on current local requirements.
• Arrival checks: Upon arrival, your pet will be examined by a customs veterinarian to verify that all documentation and health standards are met.
• Official guidance: Rules change frequently, so always confirm the latest requirements with your vet and the official authorities on both sides before travel.

Bringing a dog or cat from Albania into Great Britain involves strict adherence to UK import rules for non-listed countries.

• Microchip: Your pet must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before any rabies vaccinations.
• Rabies vaccination: A valid rabies vaccination is required, administered at least 21 days before the blood sample is taken for the titer test.
• Rabies blood test: Because Albania is not on the EU list of low-risk countries, a rabies antibody titer test is mandatory before travel.
• Waiting period: You must wait three months after the date the blood sample was drawn before your pet can enter Great Britain.
• Travel document: Your pet must carry an official veterinary health certificate or an EU pet passport if issued by an eligible country.
• Tapeworm treatment: Dogs must receive an approved tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before their scheduled arrival time.
• Quarantine: A compliant pet that meets all documentation and testing requirements will not be subject to quarantine upon arrival in the UK.
• Official guidance: Rules change frequently, so always confirm the latest requirements with your vet and the official authorities on both sides before travel.

Travelling from the EU to Albania involves specific export procedures as Albania is not a member of the European Union.

• EU status: As Albania is outside the EU, you cannot rely solely on an EU pet passport for entry into the country.
• Export health certificate: You must obtain an EU export health certificate issued by an official veterinarian to satisfy Albanian import requirements.
• Microchip: Ensure your pet has an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered.
• Rabies vaccination: A valid rabies vaccination is required, with the primary dose administered at least 21 days before your travel date.
• Import requirements: While no import permit is needed for personal pets, you must ensure all health documentation is bilingual and current.
• Carrier rules: Always check with your specific transport carrier, as they may have additional requirements for pet safety and documentation during transit.
• Official guidance: Rules change frequently, so always confirm the latest requirements with your vet and the official authorities on both sides before travel.