Moving with Pets to Russia
Everything you need to know for entering with your four-legged friend. From pet passport to customs.
Everything you need to know for entering with your four-legged friend. From pet passport to customs.
Russia opens its doors to your animal family members as well. With proper preparation, entry becomes child's play. We'll show you step by step which documents you need and what to watch out for during transport.
These four documents are required for hassle-free entry with your pet.
The EU pet passport is the most important document for entry. It documents all vaccinations and health data of your pet.
A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. The vaccination must be done at least 30 days but no more than 12 months before entry.
Your pet must have a readable microchip that complies with ISO standards 11784 and 11785. Without a chip, entry is not possible.
An official health certificate from the official veterinarian that must not be older than 5 days before departure.
Russia has no mandatory quarantine for pets from EU countries, provided all documents are complete. For incomplete documents, quarantine may be ordered in the destination country.
Have an ISO-compliant microchip implanted in your pet. This must be done before or at the same time as the first rabies vaccination.
The vaccination must be done after chip implantation and at least 30 days before entry. Make sure it's recorded in the pet passport.
The veterinarian fills out the EU pet passport. All data must be correct and legible. Check especially chip number and vaccination date.
Maximum 5 days before departure, obtain the official health certificate from the official veterinarian. This confirms your pet's health status.
Register your pet with the airline early. Spaces for animals are limited. Small animals (up to 8 kg) can fly in the cabin.
The right transport box is crucial for your pet's comfort during the flight.
Small pets can fly in the cabin in a special soft transport bag. The bag must fit under the front seat.
Larger animals must be transported in the ventilated cargo hold. The box must be IATA-compliant and provide sufficient freedom of movement.
When entering with your pet, you must choose the "Red Lane" and present all pet documents to the customs officer. The officer checks microchip, pet passport and health certificate.
A veterinary control takes place at the airport. The veterinarian on site checks your pet's health status and the completeness of the documents.
With complete documents, you can take the animal with you immediately. There is no quarantine requirement for EU pets. Keep all documents throughout your entire stay in Russia.
Start preparations at least 3 months before your planned trip. The rabies vaccination requires a 30-day waiting period, and appointments with official veterinarians should be booked early.
Let your pet get used to the transport box weeks before the flight. Feed inside, put favorite blankets in – so the box becomes a safe place.
Choose a direct flight if possible. Transferring means additional stress for the animal and increases the risk of problems during pet transport.
The water bowl in the transport box must be lockable. Use special travel bowls that cannot spill so your pet doesn't get thirsty during the journey.
We help you with all questions about entering with your pet.