BG
NO

Pet Transport from Bulgaria to Norway

Moving to Norway from Bulgaria with a dog or cat means starting the paperwork months before your flight. This route is moderately involved, with a clear checklist to follow. Start preparations at …

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20-26
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
0
Days quarantine on arrival
Moderate
Route complexity
7
Airlines on this route
Step by step

The Bulgaria to Norway import process

01
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

02
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

03
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

04
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

05
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

06
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

Requirements

Norway entry requirements

Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Before or on same day as first rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Same rules as EU. 21-day wait after first primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required for: Pets from non-listed countries. Not required for: Pets from EU member states and listed countries (UK, etc.). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for pets arriving with correct documents.
Import permit
No import permit needed for compliant pets from listed countries.
Health certificate
Required. EU Pet Passport or AHC. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 10 days from issue. EU pet passport or AHC accepted.
Leaving Bulgaria

Export requirements

Export permit
{'required': False}
Health certificate
{'required': True}
Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points

Breed restrictions apply at destination. Check if your dog is affected before booking.

Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

AirlineNotesType
British AirwaysCargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.Cargo Only
EmiratesCargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)Cargo Only
LufthansaSmall pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-roundCabin and Cargo
Singapore AirlinesCargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasonsCargo Only
Cathay PacificCargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be metCargo Only
Air FranceSmall pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoesCabin and Cargo
KLMSmall pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargoCabin and Cargo

Key requirements for moving your pet to Norway

Compared to some international pet transport routes, Bulgaria to Norway is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.

EEA/Schengen member but not EU. Norway follows EU pet travel rules for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Part 1 listed country for UK entry.

Things to sort before you book

Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.

Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.

Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.

If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

Allow at least 20 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in Norway for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Norway. Start this process as early as possible.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Bulgaria. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Norway’s authority for the exact format required.
Yes, Norway bans or restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier. If your dog is one of these types or a mix, contact the destination authority before making any travel arrangements.

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