Official Import Rules
Slovakia follows EU pet regulations, with requirements varying by country of origin:
- From EU 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, followed by a 3-month wait before travel.
Pets arriving by air from non-EU third countries are not limited to Bratislava and Košice. According to Slovak veterinary authority documentation, approved entry airports also include Poprad, Žilina, Piešťany, and Sliač.
Only these listed points of entry are authorized for document and identity checks of pets coming from outside the EU. Travellers should confirm the current designated list with ŠVPS SR before booking flights.
Regulatory Update — April 2026
The EU's legacy pet movement regulation (No 576/2013) remained applicable through 21 April 2026. The new framework — Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 and related implementing rules — takes effect the following day, on 22 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.
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Medical Roadmap
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination (21-day wait)
EU Pet Passport or third-country veterinary certificate
Tapeworm treatment NOT required for cats
Maximum 5 pets per person
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for EU/listed countries
City & Housing Tips
Bratislava and Košice are the main cities. Bratislava is just an hour from Vienna, making it popular with expats seeking lower costs. Vet care is good and affordable. Most apartments allow cats.
Vets & Common Parasites
Good veterinary care at affordable prices. Bratislava has several modern clinics. Košice has the University of Veterinary Medicine, one of the oldest in Europe. Emergency services available in both cities.
Find Vets in SlovakiaExit Rules — Leaving Slovakia
EU Pet Passport for EU travel. Health certificate from an Official Veterinarian for non-EU destinations. ŠVPS endorses export certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially for its proximity to Vienna (1 hour). Lower living costs than Austria with EU membership and good infrastructure.
Yes, significantly cheaper than Austria or Germany. A routine vet visit costs €15–30. Slovakia uses the Euro, making cost comparison easy.
No breed restrictions for cats in Slovakia.
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 Slovakia 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.