Türkiye

Pet Entry Requirements for Türkiye

Is Quarantine Required for Pets in Türkiye?

What Additional Information Do I Need for Türkiye?

• Pets in Türkiye:

  Pets play a significant role in many households in Türkiye, and the country’s pet culture is diverse and well-developed. Dogs are popular and cats are extremely popular and often treated with special reverence. Street cats, particularly in cities like Istanbul, are well-cared for by the community. Türkiye has a robust network of veterinary clinics, particularly in urban areas. There are regulations in place for pet ownership, including requirements for vaccinations, microchipping, and registration of dogs. However, stray cats and dogs are a significant issue, particularly in urban areas. Owners should take steps to protect their pets from parasites sometimes carried by stray animals and fully vaccinate them against contagious diseases. Many parks and public spaces are pet-friendly, providing areas for pets to exercise and socialize. Some cities also have dedicated dog parks.

• Other Information:

  Not specified

• What is a Pet Passport?:

  We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents according to Türkiye pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering the country.This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for resident pets. Your pet’s passport will include proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies titer test, and international export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.

• Entering Türkiye by Air:

  Pets can enter Türkiye at a variety of airports and land inspection posts. For international travel, Istanbul Airport is the most common destination airport. Pets can enter in the cabin, as checked baggage or air cargo according toairline pet policies. Your pet should arrive at customs by 11:30 AM for same day customs clearance. It can take 5-6 hours to clear a pet once landed in Türkiye unless Veterinary Entry Documents are filed in advance. Pets arriving 3:00 PM will be subject to extra fees. Weekend arrivals should be avoided. Related:Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant? Two pets per person can enter tax-free as long as they don’t arrive unaccompanied (air cargo). The owner must be present at customs clearance or have issued their representative or agent a Power of Attorney and either an original passport or notarized copy indicating that they arrived in Türkiye within 30 days of their pet. Flights should be direct if the duration of the flight does not violate animal welfare laws. Layovers should be short and not involve a change in airline companies. If your pet’s itinerary involves a layover in the European Union, then additional requirements will apply.

• Flying a Pet to Türkiye:

  Turkish Airlines accepts pets in the cabin, as checked baggage or air cargo, is based in Istanbul, and has a comprehensive network of destinations that are served. Other commercial airlines that offer services for pets that fly to Istanbul Airport are Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, Air France, Asiana, British Airways, China Eastern and Southern, Emirates, Ethiopia, Etihad, flydubai, Gulf Air, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Oman, Qatar, Saudia, Thai Airways, Transavia, Uzbekistan Airlines to name a few. This is the second busiest airport in the European Union. Pets transiting Türkiye should remain on the same airline. Flights to Türkiye should be direct or transit through arabies-controlled countryor another EU Member State if possible*. *Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.

• Find a Licensed Veterinarian:

  Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. The agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals should either license or employ your veterinarian.

• Türkiye Pet Import Requirements:

  All steps required to import a pet dog or cat to Türkiye (formerly Turkey) must be completed in the country of origin. Complete steps 1-6 in the order given.

• Breeds Banned from Import to Türkiye:

  Türkiye does not permit the import of the following breeds or their crosses: Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Neapolitan Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeux, Roman Fighting Dog, Bandog Tosa Inu, Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff or similar, mongrel breeds.

• Exporting Resident Pets from Türkiye:

  Pet owners planning to export their resident pets from Türkiye must visit the local branch of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock with their pet at least 48 hours before departure. Owners should bring their pet’s shot records to get a Veterinary Certificate for Domestic Dogs, Cats and Ferrets for Exportation from the Republic of Türkiye.

• Quarantine for Pets Entering Türkiye:

  Quarantine will not be imposed on your pet if the following regulations are met. Pets not meeting import regulations will be quarantined, returned to the origin country or euthanized. All costs are the responsibility of the importer.

• Animals Eligible for These Regulations:

  Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats including service and assistance dogs and cats. These regulations do not include the import of wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree.

• Importing Other Pet Animals to Türkiye:

  Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to requirements of rabies vaccination but may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter Türkiye. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination. Türkiye has imposed trade restrictions on U.S. origin domestic and wild birds (for any intended use) from the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin due to Avian Influenza.

• Importing Puppies and Kittens to Türkiye:

  Puppies and kittens should not be vaccinated for rabies prior to three months of age. They can be imported to Türkiye only fromrabies-freeorrabies-controlled countries. The puppy or kitten must either: be accompanied by the mother who is vaccinated according to these regulations orsubmit to a 21-day home quarantine orbe accompanied by an attestation endorsed by a government veterinarian that your puppy or kitten has not been in contact with any wild animals or those who could carry rabies since birth. Related:More information on transporting a puppy.

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):

  The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets. This is crucial if you have a pet that isn’t a dog or cat, and it’s crucial if it’s a turtle or a parrot. If this is the case, importers will have to submit additional permit applications. The agency that issues these permits is responsible for the protection of wildlife in your country. Over 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES regulations. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch the Species+ database Related:Read more about CITES

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