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


Taking a cat from the UK to Turkey is very achievable, but it requires careful advance planning. Turkey has strict rabies and blood-testing rules, and the final Export Health Certificate must be issued within 24 hours of departure.


At PassPets, we regularly assist owners travelling to Turkey and can issue the required UK Government Export Health Certificate (EHC 3818) through our Official Veterinarians. Below is a clear, step-by-step overview of what’s typically required.


Please note, our vets regularly monitor these guides to ensure they are up to date. If you spot any incorrect or out of date information, please let us know.


Step 1: Check your cat meets Turkey’s age requirements


Cats must be at least 4 months old at the time of export to Turkey.


Rabies vaccination cannot be administered before 90 days of age, so age and timing need to be considered early when planning travel.


Step 2: Microchip


Your cat must be microchipped with a 15-digit, ISO-compliant microchip.


The microchip must:

  • be implanted before any rabies vaccination used for travel

  • match all documentation exactly


Any mismatch between paperwork can cause problems at certification or on arrival.


Step 3: Rabies vaccination (within 12 months)


Your cat must have a rabies vaccination administered within 12 months of the export date, even if a 3-year rabies vaccine was used.


The rabies vaccination certificate must clearly show:

  • your cat’s details including microchip number

  • date of vaccination

  • validity period

  • vaccine brand and batch number

  • owner details matching the exporter details on the EHC


A valid EU pet passport can also be used instead.


Step 4: Rabies blood test (RNATT)


Turkey requires a rabies blood test (rabies serology / RNATT).


Key points:

  • the blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination

  • the test must be run at a government-approved laboratory

  • the result must show antibody levels of 0.5 IU/ml or higher

  • results usually take around 20 working days


Important timing consideration


The blood sample is expected to be taken more than 90 days before entry to Turkey.


This 90-day period is not written into the Export Health Certificate wording, so it may still be possible for us to issue the EHC without it being met. If this applies, it is the owner’s responsibility to confirm with the border they are entering Turkey through that their cat will be accepted without the 90-day waiting period.


Step 5: Plan your export date and route


Before booking your certification appointment, confirm:

  • your intended export date

  • your full travel route, including any transit countries


If you are travelling over multiple days before entering Turkey, you must check with the border you are entering through that they will accept the EHC within your planned timeframe.


Transit routes are important, as additional documentation may be required depending on the countries involved.


Step 6: Export Health Certificate (EHC 3818)


Turkey requires a UK government-issued Export Health Certificate (EHC 3818) issued by an Official Veterinarian within 24 hours (1 day) of export


At the EHC appointment, our OV will:

  • perform a clinical examination

  • check the microchip

  • review the rabies vaccination certificate, RNATT result and clinical history

  • issue the completed Export Health Certificate (assuming all requirements are met)


Appointments are available at our Havant, Bristol and New Malden branches.


Step 7: Airline requirements and Fit to Fly (if applicable)


If flying, 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 have additional rules relating to:

  • carrier or crate specifications

  • limits on the number of pets per passenger


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


Step 8: Transit countries


If your route involves transiting through other countries, additional documentation may be required.


Common scenarios include:

  • Driving through the EU to Turkey: an EU Animal Health Certificate is required

  • Flying and transiting through the EU: confirmation is required from both the airline and the transit airport

  • Transiting through non-EU countries such as Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia or Albania: each country has its own rules

    • Serbia and Montenegro require different Export Health Certificates

    • North Macedonia and Albania do not have EHC agreements with the UK, so owners must confirm what is required


Where possible, we can issue additional certificates, but requirements must be confirmed in advance.


Step 9: Returning to the UK (if applicable)


If you plan to return to the UK from Turkey, additional steps may be required depending on your rabies blood test timing.


If you did not wait 90 days between the rabies blood test and entry into Turkey, you must check directly with APHA whether a 3-month waiting period applies before returning to the UK.


UK re-entry rules are strict, so this should be considered early in your planning. Check the latest guidance before you travel.


How PassPets can help


Turkey is a destination where rabies timing, blood testing and last-minute certification windows must line up correctly.


At PassPets, we:

  • review rabies vaccination and RNATT timing

  • advise on route and transit documentation

  • arrange the final appointment with one of our vets

  • issue EHC 3818 in line with Turkish requirements


For help on taking your cat to Turkey, contact us.



 
 
 
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