How to bring a cat to Turkey? - briefly
To bring a cat to Turkey, ensure it has a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. Check specific airline and Turkish customs requirements before travel.
How to bring a cat to Turkey? - in detail
Bringing a cat to Turkey requires careful planning and adherence to specific regulations to ensure a smooth and legal process. First, ensure your cat has a microchip that complies with ISO standard 11784 or 11785. This is mandatory for identification purposes. Next, your cat must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, but not more than one year prior. The rabies vaccine must be administered after the microchip implantation. Obtain an official veterinary health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian in your country. This certificate should confirm your cat’s good health, microchip details, and vaccination records. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. If you are traveling from a country outside the European Union, the health certificate must also be endorsed by the relevant governmental authority responsible for animal health. For EU countries, the EU pet passport is sufficient. Check with your airline for specific pet travel policies, as they may have additional requirements, such as an appropriate travel crate and advance booking for your cat. Upon arrival in Turkey, customs officials may inspect your cat and its documentation. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in quarantine or denial of entry. It is advisable to contact the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry or the nearest Turkish consulate for the most up-to-date information and any additional requirements. Proper preparation ensures your cat’s safe and stress-free journey to Turkey.