BRINGING A DOG FROMTürkiye to United Kingdom
Dog · Moving
Bringing a cat instead?No quarantine when the paperwork is in order. Needs port of entry, transport rules, microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody (titer) test, animal health certificate, tapeworm treatment, owner's declaration, non-commercial limits and customs declaration.
Always confirm with the destination's official authority and your airline before travelling.
Entry requirements
Rabies blood test at an EU-approved lab and a 3-month wait from the blood sample, then the GB pet health certificate within 10 days of arrival; air cargo on an approved route.
Travel on an APHA-approved route and carrier — see the entry points (commercial airlines fly pets into London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Newcastle as of 2026-09-22). Link to the live list.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Travel on an APHA-approved route and carrier — see the entry points (commercial airlines fly pets into London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Newcastle as of 2026-09-22). Link to the live list.
Source:APHA / Defra (GOV.UK) (opens official site: Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes)· checked 04 Oct 2026
By plane the pet must travel as cargo (not in the cabin), except on chartered private planes or for assistance dogs. By private boat only from Ireland or Northern Ireland.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
By plane the pet must travel as cargo (not in the cabin), except on chartered private planes or for assistance dogs. By private boat only from Ireland or Northern Ireland.
Microchip before, or at the same time as, the rabies vaccination; if the chip later cannot be read, re-chipping means repeating vaccination and blood test.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Microchip before, or at the same time as, the rabies vaccination; if the chip later cannot be read, re-chipping means repeating vaccination and blood test.
before or on the day of the rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine at ≥12 weeks of age; boosters on time — a missed booster means revaccination and a new blood test.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Rabies vaccine at ≥12 weeks of age; boosters on time — a missed booster means revaccination and a new blood test.
at least 21 full days after the primary vaccination (the blood-test wait is longer)
Blood sample at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, tested at an EU-approved laboratory; result at least 0.5 IU/ml; blood-sample date entered in the GB pet health certificate. Stays valid while rabies boosters are kept up to date.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Blood sample at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, tested at an EU-approved laboratory; result at least 0.5 IU/ml; blood-sample date entered in the GB pet health certificate. Stays valid while rabies boosters are kept up to date.
blood sample at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination
travel no earlier than 3 months after the blood sample date ("before you travel")
No 3-month wait if the pet was vaccinated, blood-tested and documented in the EU before going to the unlisted country.
The blood test stays valid while boosters are on time.
Great Britain pet health certificate signed, stamped and dated by an official veterinarian of the origin government. A pet passport or a GB AHC cannot be used from a not-listed country.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Great Britain pet health certificate signed, stamped and dated by an official veterinarian of the origin government. A pet passport or a GB AHC cannot be used from a not-listed country.
Source:APHA (GOV.UK) (opens official site: Pet travel: apply for a Great Britain pet health certificate)· checked 04 Oct 2026
Vet treats the dog with praziquantel (or equivalent) and records it in the certificate.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Vet treats the dog with praziquantel (or equivalent) and records it in the certificate.
no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days (120 hours) before arriving in Great Britain
Fill in the pet travel declaration that the pet will not be sold or its ownership transferred.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Fill in the pet travel declaration that the pet will not be sold or its ownership transferred.
Max 5 pets unless attending/training for a competition, show or sporting event (all over 6 months old, with written evidence). More than 5 pets, pet arriving more than 5 days before/after the owner, or sale/rehoming → commercial "Balai" rules instead.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Max 5 pets unless attending/training for a competition, show or sporting event (all over 6 months old, with written evidence). More than 5 pets, pet arriving more than 5 days before/after the owner, or sale/rehoming → commercial "Balai" rules instead.
Arriving from outside the EU, the pet is released only after customs clearance (usually done by an agent, the airline or travel company).
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Arriving from outside the EU, the pet is released only after customs clearance (usually done by an agent, the airline or travel company).
- Example for Thailand → GB (checked 2026-09-22 list); the airline table changes often. — APHA / Defra (GOV.UK)
- Preparation time 18 weeks: vaccine (day 0) → blood sample from day 30 → travel no earlier than 3 months after the sample (~day 121) → certificate within the last 10 days; plus lab turnaround.
No quarantine when the paperwork is in order
If the pet does not meet the rules: Quarantine for up to 4 months, or refused entry if the pet came by sea; the owner pays any fees or charges.
Source:Defra / APHA (GOV.UK) (opens official site: Put your pet in rabies quarantine)· checked 04 Oct 2026+1 more
Timeline
Working out your dates…
Documents
One paper per requirement above; carry originals. 0 of 7 ready.
Official fees
The official pages we researched for this route name no fee. Vet, lab and airline charges are not covered here.
Entry points
Where a pet may enter the United Kingdom, per the rules.
- List as of 2026-09-22The lists change often (seven updates between 7 August and 22 September 2026): check the live lists close to the day you travel.No approved route is needed when travelling from the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland.Source:APHA / Defra (GOV.UK) (opens official site: Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes)· checked 04 Oct 2026
- List as of 2026-09-22Commercial airlines approved to fly pets into GB arrive at London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Newcastle (as of the list updated 2026-09-22; charter operators use more airports). The list names each airline with the airports it may fly pets into.Source:APHA / Defra (GOV.UK) (opens official site: Pet travel: airlines and airports you can use)· checked 04 Oct 2026
- List as of 2026-09-22Approved sea and rail routes into GB include ferries from France, the Netherlands and Spain and Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (Calais–Folkestone). Eurostar is listed only for journeys out of London, not into GB.Source:APHA / Defra (GOV.UK) (opens official site: Pet travel: sea and rail routes and companies you can use)· checked 04 Oct 2026
Breed bans
Add the breed to your link (Edit route) and the checklist refuses a banned type.
- IMPORT BANPit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, XL BullyExceptions: dogs that already have a valid Certificate of ExemptionA dog is a banned type by what it looks like, not by its breed or name.
- OWNERSHIP BANPit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, XL BullyA dog is a banned type by what it looks like, not by its breed or name.Source:GOV.UK (opens official site: Controlling your dog in public: banned dogs)· checked 04 Oct 2026
- IMPORT AND OWNERSHIP BANXL BullyExceptions: valid Certificate of Exemption — applications closed; new exemptions only by court orderEngland and Wales (Defra guidance).Exemption applications have closed; new exemptions only by court order.Source:Defra (GOV.UK) (opens official site: Ban on XL Bully dogs (England and Wales))· checked 04 Oct 2026
- IMPORT AND OWNERSHIP BANXL BullyExceptions: valid Certificate of Exemption — applications closed; new exemptions only where a court has authorised the applicationScotland (Scottish Government guidance).Exemption applications have closed; new exemptions only when a court has authorised the application.Source:Scottish Government (opens official site: XL Bully dogs in Scotland — the rules)· checked 04 Oct 2026
Airlines
Airline rules are separate from entry rules and change without notice — confirm in writing when you book. Only what the carriers' own pages say, read 25 Sep 2026. All airlines
- Lufthansa LHCabinYesHoldYesSnub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
- Emirates EKCabinNoHoldYesSnub-nosedCargo: only Nov – Apr
- CabinNoHoldYes, up to 45 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: not 1 May – 31 Oct
- Qantas QFCabinNoHoldCargo onlySnub-nosedNot stated
- CabinYesHoldNoSnub-nosedHold, cargo: no
- CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cmHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: no
- CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cmHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
- CabinNoHoldCargo onlySnub-nosedCargo: restricted
- CabinNoHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: restricted
Announced changes
- DATE NOT ANNOUNCEDAnimal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025: the first regulations must ban bringing into England, Scotland or Wales dogs under 6 months, more than 42 days pregnant, or mutilated (e.g. cropped ears). Sections 1–7 start on a date set by regulations; not in force on 2026-09-24.
- DATE NOT ANNOUNCEDSame Act, cats: the first regulations must ban bringing in cats under 6 months, more than 42 days pregnant, or mutilated (e.g. declawed). Not in force on 2026-09-24.
- DATE NOT ANNOUNCEDSame Act, section 5: a non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets will be capped at 5 animals per vehicle (including a vehicle on a train or ferry) and 3 per person otherwise. Not in force on 2026-09-24.
Return trip to Türkiye
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
+1 more
Full checklist for a dog from United Kingdom to Türkiye
Leaving United Kingdom with the pet
- Leaving Great Britain with a pet is not researched yet — GOV.UK covers it under "taking your pet abroad".
What they actually checked at the border
Reports from people who made this trip, read by a person before publishing.
No traveller reports here yet. If you have made this trip, tell the next person what was actually checked at the border.
Share your tripSources
Every requirement above comes from one of these pages. Last researched 24 Sep 2026. Seen a change? Tell us.
- Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes (opens official site)APHA / Defra (GOV.UK) · used for: port of entry, entry points, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-09-22
- Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (printable guide) (opens official site)Defra / APHA (GOV.UK) · used for: transport rules, microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody (titer) test, animal health certificate, tapeworm treatment, owner's declaration, non-commercial limits, customs declaration, which origins the rule covers, quarantine, this route, breed bans, leaving with the pet · checked 24 Sep 2026 · document dated 2024-10-24
- Pet travel: apply for a Great Britain pet health certificate (opens official site)APHA (GOV.UK) · used for: animal health certificate, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2023-03-16
- Put your pet in rabies quarantine (opens official site)Defra / APHA (GOV.UK) · used for: quarantine, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2025-09-08
- Pet travel: airlines and airports you can use (opens official site)APHA / Defra (GOV.UK) · used for: notes, entry points, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-09-22
- Pet travel: sea and rail routes and companies you can use (opens official site)APHA / Defra (GOV.UK) · used for: entry points, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-09-22
- Controlling your dog in public: banned dogs (opens official site)GOV.UK · used for: breed bans · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Ban on XL Bully dogs (England and Wales) (opens official site)Defra (GOV.UK) · used for: breed bans · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-09-16
- XL Bully dogs in Scotland — the rules (opens official site)Scottish Government · used for: breed bans · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-07-01
- Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 (sections 1, 5, 8 — not yet in force) (opens official site)The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk) · used for: announced changes · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Ev ve Süs Hayvanlarının Ticari Olmayan Hareketlerinde Uygulanacak Hayvan Sağlığı Şartlarına Dair Yönetmelik (Regulation on animal health conditions for non-commercial movements of pet animals) — Resmî Gazete print (opens official site)Resmî Gazete No. 28133 (Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, now Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry); file hosted by the Antalya Airport VSKN · used for: return trip · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2011-12-05
- Traveling with Cat, Dog and Ferret / Kedi-Köpek-Gelincik Seyahati (Istanbul Airport VSKN; Turkish and English on the same page) (opens official site)İstanbul Havalimanı Veteriner Sınır Kontrol Noktası Müdürlüğü, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry · used for: return trip · checked 04 Oct 2026
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