How to transit with a pet through different countries 2026

• Facebook
• Reddit
• X

Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026

If you are traveling between two countries with an additional, third country, or several countries, then this is considered transit.

In the case of transporting a pet through a transit country by car, or leaving the airport and staying in a transit country for a long time, the veterinary and documentary conditions for entry into this transit country must be met.

Transit is limited by the time specified in the rules of the destination country. For the European Union, Argentina and Serbia, for example, it is 10 days. You can find out more about the time allowed for transit from the requirements of countries for the import of animals or from the exit certificate that you were given at veterinary control before the trip.

If the transit is through the airport and a person does not leave the transit (clean) zone when transferring from one plane to another, then this is not considered a full-fledged transit.

Nuances concerning rabies and the requirement for serological tests for rabies antibodies:

Countries without rabies

If you are traveling by plane:

• If you are crossing a “rabies red country” without leaving the airport transit area, you do not need titers.
• If you leave the airport transit area during transit, but then immediately, without leaving the airport, check in for another flight, you do not need titers. You may be asked to sign a declaration that your animal did not come into contact with infected people during the trip.
• If you leave the airport transit area for a short time during transit, for example, to spend the night in a hotel, then titers are officially required, but sometimes you are simply asked to sign a declaration that your animal did not come into contact with infected people during the trip.
• If you leave the airport for a few days during transit and then continue your journey by plane, then titers for rabies are officially required.

If you are travelling by car in Europe:

• Important: New EU rules effective April 22, 2026
• For example, if you are travelling to the EU from a rabies-free country and you have to pass through one or more countries with a “red” rabies vaccination regime, you must leave within 10 days of the date of issue of the EU certificate. In addition, sign a declaration that your animal has not had contact with infected animals during the trip.
• If you are travelling to the EU from a rabies-free country and you have to pass through one or more countries with a “red” rabies vaccination regime and you do not have the 10 days provided by the EU certificate, you will need to obtain a new certificate in the country where you are staying and leave with it. In this case, you will need to determine the rabies antibody titers.

Regulation EU 577/2013, which contains a declaration that your animal has not been in contact with infected animals during transit

Be sure to check the requirements of your destination and transit countries.

How to Prepare for Traveling with a Pet

Find an airline that allows pets to travel in the cabin.

Where can I test my pet for rabies antibodies?

Pets Travel Info is the most comprehensive and reliable information about traveling with cats, dogs, birds, rodents, and even exotic animals around the world.

Join our community of traveling pet owners!