BRINGING A CAT FROMTürkiye →to Netherlands

Hard for a returning pet (no separate returning-resident rule; standard import rules apply), about 18 weeks of preparation. No quarantine when the paperwork is in order.

• Rabies antibody (titer) test — the blood draw must happen before you leave, so plan it into the outbound trip: Rabies neutralising antibody titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml, on a blood sample taken by an authorised vet at least 30 days after the last rabies vaccination, tested in an EU-approved laboratory; carry the original report. The regulation says the sample must be taken 3 months before the movement (Trabzon VSKN: entry at the earliest 3 months after the blood-sample date). Istanbul Airport and Ankara Esenboğa VSKN instead say 90 days from the date of the test result for a first test — follow the later date to be safe. Not asked again for an animal whose passport records an acceptable titer and whose rabies boosters were kept up on time.
  !Sources disagree — confirm with the authority

  • “c) An antibody titration test is carried out in accordance with Article 7 on blood serum samples taken by an authorised veterinarian 3 months before their movement and at least 30 days after the last rabies vaccination, and a result report showing that the animal has an acceptable anti-rabies antibody titre is obtained for presentation at the Turkish customs of entry. [unofficial translation]” — Resmî Gazete No. 28133 (Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, now Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry); file hosted by the Antalya Airport VSKN, checked 04 Oct 2026
• Waiting period — 90+ days after the test result: Istanbul Airport and Ankara Esenboğa VSKN: after a first titer test, wait 90 days from the date of the test RESULT before travelling (not from the blood sample, as the regulation and the Trabzon VSKN count). Not needed on later trips if the rabies vaccination was renewed within its validity. Follow the later of the two dates to be safe.
  !Sources disagree — confirm with the authority

  • “In the case of the initial titration test, a waiting period of 90 days from the date of the test result must be observed prior to travel. This waiting period applies solely to the initial test; for subsequent travels, if the rabies vaccination is renewed within its protective validity period, this waiting period shall not be required.” — İstanbul Havalimanı Veteriner Sınır Kontrol Noktası Müdürlüğü, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, checked 04 Oct 2026

Full checklist for a cat from Netherlands to Türkiye