Official Import Rules
Norway follows EU-equivalent pet regulations as an EEA member. From EU/EEA countries: EU Pet Passport with ISO microchip and current rabies vaccination. From listed third countries: health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccination. From non-listed third countries: FAVN titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) with 3-month wait. All pets must be reported to Norwegian Customs and may be inspected by Mattilsynet at the border.
- Private travellers arriving with their own cat from an EU/EEA country do not need to enter through a designated Border Inspection Post — you may use any staffed customs crossing, declaring your cat at the red/"nothing to declare" channel and showing your documents on request.
- Pre-notifying Mattilsynet before arrival is recommended (not mandatory) to help reduce waiting time at the border.
- Mandatory entry via a designated Border Inspection Post (such as Oslo Airport or Storskog), plus mandatory advance notification to the border veterinarian, applies only to commercial pet imports and to animals arriving from third countries outside the EU/EEA.
Regulatory Note
Pet travel to Norway is governed by the EU Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) 2016/429), which repealed and replaced the older Regulation 576/2013. This framework has been applicable since 21 April 2021 — it is not a new or upcoming change. Core requirements remain unchanged: microchip, rabies vaccination, and an EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate.
One rule that has always applied under this framework: the microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is given. If your cat's rabies vaccination was administered before the microchip was implanted, that vaccination is invalid for EU entry. Double-check that microchip numbers match across every certificate and that dates are correctly sequenced before travelling.
Note for cats travelling from the UK: Cats (and ferrets) are fully exempt from Norway's echinococcus tapeworm treatment requirement, regardless of origin country — including the UK. Only dogs must receive anti-echinococcus treatment (24–120 hours before arrival). Mattilsynet explains this exemption on scientific grounds: the fox tapeworm does not develop to the mature, infectious stage in a cat's intestine, so no treatment is required.
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Medical Roadmap
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination (21-day wait)
EU Pet Passport (EU countries) or veterinary health certificate
Tapeworm treatment NOT required for cats (required for dogs)
Register import with Mattilsynet if from non-EU country
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for compliant pets from EU/listed countries
City & Housing Tips
Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Tromsø all have excellent vet care. Norway is very pet-friendly with strong animal welfare laws. Most housing allows cats. The climate is cold but Norwegian cats are well adapted.
Vets & Common Parasites
Outstanding veterinary care. Norway has some of the strictest animal welfare legislation in the world. The Norwegian Veterinary Institute provides disease surveillance. 24/7 emergency clinics in Oslo and Bergen.
Find Vets in NorwayExit Rules — Leaving Norway
EU Pet Passport valid for travel to EU/EEA countries. For non-EU destinations, health certificate from an Official Veterinarian endorsed by Mattilsynet. Processing takes 3–5 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but Norway follows EU pet travel rules through the EEA agreement. EU Pet Passports are accepted.
No. Unlike dogs, cats are exempt from the Echinococcus tapeworm treatment requirement.
Yes, Norway is one of the most expensive countries for vet care. A routine visit costs NOK 600–1,000 (~€55–90). Pet insurance is strongly recommended.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
Have you moved to Norway with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.