Taking a Cat to Thailand from the UK in 2026: Everything you need to know

Dr Gemma Nash
Feb 9
4 min read

Moving or travelling with a cat from the UK to Thailand is very achievable, but it does require forward planning, the correct vaccinations, a Thai import permit, and a UK Government Export Health Certificate issued close to departure. Travel routes are also important, as Thai authorities require approval if your cat is not travelling directly.

At PassPets, we regularly help owners take cats to Thailand and can issue the required Export Health Certificate (EHC 2917) through our Official Veterinarians. Below is a clear, step-by-step overview of what’s typically required.

Step 1: Microchip

Your cat must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785).

The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination used for travel and it must match all documentation exactly.

If your cat has a non-ISO microchip, you must confirm directly with the Thai authorities whether this will be accepted.

Step 2: Age requirements

Cats must be at least 4 months old at the time of import into Thailand.

Rabies vaccination cannot be administered before 12 weeks of age, and we cannot issue the Export Health Certificate unless this age requirement has been met.

Step 3: Vaccinations

Rabies vaccination

Rabies vaccination is a key requirement for Thailand.

Must be administered at least 21 days before the export date
Must be given in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines (e.g. 1-year or 3-year vaccines)
Cats must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination

Rabies vaccination is mandatory if your cat has not been continuously resident in the UK for the past 6 months or since birth.

In limited circumstances, it may be possible to travel without rabies vaccination, but this must be confirmed directly with:

the Thai importing authorities
any transit country authorities
the airline

If travelling without rabies vaccination, your cat must have been continuously resident in the UK for at least 6 months or since birth. We would not routinely recommend travelling without rabies vaccination.

Other feline vaccinations (recommended)

Although not specifically listed on the Thai Export Health Certificate for cats, Thai import instructions require cats to be up to date with annual vaccinations. We therefore recommend ensuring your cat has received:

Feline Calicivirus (TriCat / RCP)
Feline Rhinotracheitis (TriCat / RCP)
Feline Panleukopenia (TriCat / RCP)
FeLV

These should generally be administered at least 21 days before export.

If any of these vaccinations have not been given in line with manufacturer instructions, you should confirm acceptance directly with the Thai authorities. Provided they confirm acceptance, we are still able to certify the EHC, as these vaccinations are not listed as mandatory requirements on the certificate for cats.

All vaccination certificates should clearly show:

pet details including microchip number
vaccination dates
vaccine names and batch numbers
validity periodsOwner details should match the exporter details on the Export Health Certificate.

Step 4: Thai import permit

An import permit is required for entry into Thailand.

Key points:

apply no less than 7 days and no more than 60 days before the export date
import permits usually take around 3 working days to be issued

A copy of the approved import permit must be provided to us before the Export Health Certificate appointment.

Step 5: Export Health Certificate (EHC 2917)

Thailand requires a UK government-issued Export Health Certificate (EHC 2917) issued by an Official Veterinarian.

Timing rules:

the EHC appointment must take place within 72 hours (3 days) of export
there is no timestamp on the certificate, so the appointment can be any time within this window
your cat must arrive in Thailand within 10 days of the EHC being issued

At the EHC appointment, our OV will:

perform a clinical examination
check the microchip
review the rabies vaccination certificate (and other vaccination records where available) and clinical history
issue the completed Export Health Certificate (assuming all requirements are met)

Appointments are available at our Havant, Bristol and London branches.

Step 6: Airline requirements and Fit to Fly (if applicable)

You must check directly with your airline whether they require a Fit to Fly certificate in addition to the Export Health Certificate.

Airlines may also apply additional rules relating to:

carrier specifications
limits on the number of pets travelling per passenger

If required, we can issue a Fit to Fly certificate alongside the EHC.

Step 7: Transit countries and indirect travel

If your route involves transiting through another country, additional documentation or approval may be required.

EU transit: an EU Animal Health Certificate or additional documentation may be required
Non-EU transit: each country has its own rules

Thai authorities require approval if your cat is not travelling directly to Thailand, so you must check with:

the airline
the authorities of any transit country
the Thai importing authorities

Step 8: Returning to the UK (if applicable)

If you plan to return to the UK from Thailand, additional steps are required.

This typically includes:

a rabies blood test taken more than 30 days after rabies vaccination
testing at a government-approved laboratory
confirmation with APHA whether a 3-month waiting period applies before re-entry to the UK (where the blood test is run in the UK prior to departure)

UK re-entry rules are strict and should be factored into planning early.

How PassPets can help

Travel to Thailand involves vaccination timing, an import permit with a narrow application window, and certification issued close to departure, with added complexity if travelling indirectly.

At PassPets, we:

review rabies and other vaccination records
check import permit timing
advise on routes and transit approvals
arrange the final OV appointment to issue EHC 2917 and any other required documentation