Official Import Rules
As of 22 April 2026, the rules for non-commercial movement of pets from third countries into the EU (including Portugal) are governed by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, which supplements the Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) 2016/429).
Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 is no longer the active framework for this purpose, though a transition period for new certificate formats remains in place until October 2026.
From EU countries: EU Pet Passport with ISO 11784/11785 microchip and valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old for first vaccination).
From listed third countries (e.g., US, Canada, Australia): veterinary health certificate, microchip, and current rabies vaccination.
From non-listed third countries: additionally requires an FAVN rabies titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) with a 3-month waiting period from blood draw.
For non-EU arrivals, the owner (not the airline or carrier) must contact the Traveller's Point of Entry (PEV) directly to give advance notice of arrival.
This notification should be made as early as possible, and no later than 48 hours before the animal's arrival — failing to notify in time risks the animal being denied entry for non-compliance with health rules.
Note also that Lisbon PEV is closed midnight–06:00 and Porto PEV is closed 23:00–07:00, so arrival times must be planned accordingly.
Tapeworm treatment is NOT required for cats entering Portugal.
Regulatory Update — April 2026
The EU's legacy pet movement regulation (No 576/2013) transitions to the new Animal Health Law framework on 21 April 2026. Core requirements remain unchanged — microchip, rabies vaccination, EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate — but border authorities are now enforcing stricter document checking. In particular, the microchip-before-vaccination sequencing rule is being scrutinised more carefully: if your cat's rabies vaccination was administered before the microchip was implanted, that vaccination is invalid for EU entry. Ensure all documents are complete, correctly sequenced, and that microchip numbers match across every certificate before travelling.
Special Conditions — Cats From Australia
Cats travelling to Portugal from Australia (and dogs and cats from peninsular Malaysia) are subject to additional special safeguard conditions beyond the standard listed-country requirements. Do not assume the same process that applies to US or Canadian arrivals applies here — check the specific Australia-related measures with DGAV before you travel.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your cat's step-by-step plan
Get a free checklist, timeline and cost estimate built around this destination.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination (21-day wait for first-time)
EU Pet Passport or third-country health certificate
Tapeworm treatment NOT required for cats
Arrive via any port of entry
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for EU/listed countries
City & Housing Tips
Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and Madeira are all highly cat-friendly. Portugal has a strong culture of caring for community cats with many TNR programs. Vet care is affordable compared to Northern Europe. Many rental properties accept cats, especially outside Lisbon city centre.
Vets & Common Parasites
Good veterinary infrastructure across mainland Portugal. 24-hour emergency clinics in Lisbon and Porto. The Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários maintains a register of licensed vets. Costs are significantly lower than UK/Germany.
Find Vets in PortugalExit Rules — Leaving Portugal
Exit with an EU Pet Passport for travel to other EU states. For non-EU destinations, a health certificate from an Official Veterinarian endorsed by DGAV is required. Processing takes 3–5 working days. DGAV offices are available in Lisbon, Porto, and regional centres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Very easy from the EU — just an EU Pet Passport with valid rabies. From the US or other listed countries, you need a health certificate and rabies vaccine but no titer test.
Yes. Portugal has a strong cat culture, particularly in Lisbon where community cat colonies are protected and cared for by local organizations.
Yes, significantly cheaper than Northern Europe. A routine vet visit costs €30–50, and most medications are very affordable.
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 Portugal 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.