Can I take my pet on holiday to Turkey and bring it back?
Yes, but you need to have the rabies antibody test done before leaving Germany. If the result is in the pet passport and the rabies vaccination has never lapsed, there's no waiting period on return. If you forget the test, your pet will have to wait 3 months in Turkey.
Yes, but the most important step happens before you leave Germany. Turkey is one of the countries the EU considers high-risk for rabies. To re-enter the EU, your pet must have had a rabies antibody test.
Before you leave, in Germany:
- Make sure your pet has a microchip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination.
- At least 30 days after vaccination, have your vet take a blood sample. It's tested in an EU-approved lab; results can take a few weeks.
- If the result is sufficient (at least 0.5 IU/ml), the vet records it in the passport.
On your return: If the test was done in Germany and recorded in the passport, there's no 3-month wait on return. If you renew the rabies vaccination on time without any gap, the test stays valid for future trips too.
If you forget the test: You'll have to do it in Turkey, and your pet will then have to wait at least 3 months in Turkey from the date the blood was taken. So start planning at least 1 to 2 months before your holiday.
Entering Turkey: Turkey has its own entry requirements, usually a vet health certificate issued shortly before travel. Check the current rules with your airline and the Turkish Consulate General in Berlin.
Where you can get help
- Bezirksamt Treptow-Köpenick: Reisen mit Heimtieren
Documents needed for pets travelling within the EU and returning to Germany from outside the EU; official information from a Berlin district veterinary office.
- Zoll: Regelungen für Heimtiere
Official information from German Customs on microchips, rabies vaccination, antibody tests and documents when bringing a pet from outside the EU.
This information is based on community experience and is not legal advice. Rules can change; check important things with the responsible office.