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

Dr Gemma Nash
Feb 3
4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Taking a dog from the UK to Turkey is very achievable, but it’s one of the destinations where timing and documentation really matter. Turkey requires a UK Government Export Health Certificate (EHC 3818) issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV), and you’ll also need a rabies vaccination within 12 months plus a rabies blood test (RNATT) completed correctly.

At PassPets, we regularly help owners travel to Turkey and can guide you through the process and issue the required certification. Below is a step-by-step overview of what’s typically involved.

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 If you spot any incorrect or out of date information, please let us know.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 dog meets Turkey’s age rules

Dogs 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 the age requirement needs to be considered early in your planning.

Step 2: Microchip

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

The microchip must:

be in place before any rabies vaccination used for travel
match all documentation exactly

Step 3: Rabies vaccination (within 12 months of export)

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

Your rabies vaccination evidence must clearly show:

the dog’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 of a rabies vaccination certificate.

Step 4: Rabies blood test (RNATT)

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

Key rules:

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 typically take around 20 working days to return

Important timing point: the “90-day” expectation

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

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 taking multiple days to travel to Turkey, you are responsible for checking with the border you are entering through that they will accept the EHC within the timeframe you plan to travel.

Transit routes matter because additional documentation may be required depending on the countries you pass through.

Step 6: Export Health Certificate (EHC 3818)

Turkey requires a UK government-issued Export Health Certificate (EHC 3818) issued by an Official Veterinarian.

The EHC appointment must be 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 with your airline whether they require a Fit to Fly certificate in addition to the EHC.

Airlines may also apply additional rules, particularly around:

brachycephalic breeds
crate specifications
number of pets travelling 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 will be required
Flying and transiting through the EU: you must check with both the airline and the transit airport whether an EU AHC is required
Transiting through non-EU countries such as Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia or Albania: each country has its own rules
- Serbia and Montenegro each require different Export Health Certificates
- North Macedonia and Albania do not have EHC agreements with the UK, so the owner must confirm what is required

Where possible, we can issue additional certificates at your EHC appointment.

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 RNATT timing.

If you have not waited 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 consider this early and check the latest guidance before you travel.

Step 10: Other important considerations

Before travelling, owners should also check:

Banned dog breeds (including American Pitbull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American Staffordshire Terrier and American Bully)
Pet limit: 2 pets per person unless permission is obtained from Turkish authorities
Owners are generally expected to travel on the same flight as their pet
Minimum entry age: 4 months

How PassPets can help

Turkey travel involves multiple moving parts — microchip, strict rabies rules, RNATT timing, and a last-minute EHC appointment window.

At PassPets, we:

review your documents in advance
check your rabies vaccination and RNATT timing
advise on route and transit certificate considerations
issue the Export Health Certificate (EHC 3818) following a clinical examination of your dog