FAQ on moving with animals to Turkey

Moving with a pet to Turkey is a responsible process that requires compliance with a number of rules. Having collected the main requirements from popular travel and immigration sites, I have prepared for you a brief list of important steps and nuances that will help you to organize a comfortable and safe relocation of your pet.

Basic steps for moving with animals to Turkey

• Chipping is mandatory for all animals that cross the border of Turkey. The chip must meet the international standard ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 so that it can be easily scanned.

• The animal must have an international veterinary passport showing all vaccinations, health status, and owner information. The passport must contain chip information.

• Rabies vaccination is a must. Vaccination must be done a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 12 months prior to the move date. Vaccination data must be recorded in the animal's passport.

• 3-10 days before departure, you must obtain a veterinary certificate in form No. 1 (in Russia) or similar in other countries. This document confirms that the pet is healthy and can travel. It must be exchanged for an international veterinary certificate at the airport before departure.

• If you are moving from an EU country, additional European standard documents will be needed, which can be checked with veterinarians who work with international travel.

• 24-120 hours before departure, the pet needs to be treated for external and internal parasites. This fact should also be recorded in the veterinary passport.

• If you are traveling by air, check the airline's rules for pet transportation, as they may differ. Usually animals up to 8 kg (including the weight of the carrier) are allowed in the cabin, larger animals are allowed in the luggage compartment.

• The carrier must meet IATA standards: it must be spacious enough for the pet to stand up and turn around. Make sure your pet is comfortable throughout the flight.

• Upon arrival in Turkey, the pet will be checked to ensure that it meets all of the above requirements. Customs may check the documents, the condition of the pet and its carrier.

Useful tips

• Contact the Turkish consulate in advance. Rules may be updated, so it is better to check the latest requirements.

• Prepare copies of all documents and have them translated into Turkish for convenience in case of inspection.

• Plan your move in advance and make sure that all documents are completed within the required timeframe.

Moving your pet to Turkey can go smoothly if all documents are prepared and requirements are met. Take care of your pets by ensuring they have a comfortable and safe journey!