NON-COMMERCIAL Transfer of Domestic Animals (PETS)
Domestic animals (pets), can be transferred from the US to Cyprus, accompanied by their owner or a natural person responsible for the animal. Under applicable law, categories of pets permitted to enter Cyprus on this basis include: dogs, cats, ferrets, invertebrates (except bees, bumble bees, molluscs and crustaceans), ornamental aquatic animals, amphibia, reptiles, birds (except poultry), rodents and domestic rabbits.
Please note that the entry of the following breeds of dogs is prohibited:
- Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull
- Japanese Tosa or Tosa Inu
- Dogo Argentino or Argentinian Mastiff
- Fila Brasileiro or Brazilian Mastiff
An animal must be at least 105 days old to enter Cyprus. The maximum number of animals allowed by an owner during a single non-commercial transfer cannot exceed five.
The owner of the pet must communicate its arrival to the District Veterinary Office at the point of entry, including by providing information on the flight number, date and time of arrival, at least 48 hours in advance. Upon arrival, animals and their accompanying documents will be inspected by a Veterinary Officer or a Customs Officer on duty. Inspection fees will be charged, including if requirements are not met.
General Requirements
Dogs, cats and ferrets must be individually identified by either a clearly readable tattoo or an electronic identification system (microchip). The microchip must comply with ISO standard 11784 and apply HDX or FDX-B technology, as well as be capable of being read by a reading device compatible with ISO standard 11785. If the microchip does not meet these standards, the owner must provide the means necessary for reading the transponder at the time of inspection.
Pets must be vaccinated against rabies. In order to be vaccinated, an animal must be at least 12 weeks old. The vaccination should b carried out according to applicable standards. The period of validity of the vaccination is at least 21 days from the completion of the vaccination protocol until the end of the period of protective immunity. Boosters are valid from the date of administration.
Animal transportation containers must fulfill the requirements of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) specifications.
Accompanying Documents
- Health certificate or pet passport (both based on the EU model), where a valid vaccination against rabies is certified. A written declaration y the owner confirming that the pet transfer is of a non-commercial nature, must accompany the health certificate.
- A document verifying that the pet has arrived in Cyprus either directly or transiting through another EU Member State from the country mentioned on the health certificate.
- A rabies neutralizing antibody titration test is required unless the owner provides a signed declaration that the pet has had no contact with other animals susceptible to rabies during transit and remained secured within either the container or the perimeter of the airport.
If the pet transfer does not meet the requirements set out by applicable law, the pet may be re-exported, quarantined or euthanized. Furthermore, the owner would be responsible for covering the inspection and quarantine fees.
For further information, check out the Veterinary Services website here: http://www.moa.gov.cy/moa/vs/vs.nsf/