BG
Bulgaria
✈️
TW
Taiwan

Pet Transport from Bulgaria to Taiwan

26-32 weeks
Typical preparation
None
No quarantine required
Very High
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
Regulations verified

Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →

Overview

Shipping your dog from Bulgaria to Taiwan is a process that rewards early planning.

This route is one of the most demanding international pet transport routes. Start preparations at least 26 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. Taiwan requires mandatory quarantine for all arriving pets. This is the part of the process most owners find hardest to plan around. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up.

We’ve laid out every step below so you know exactly what to prepare and when.

Step by step

The Bulgaria to Taiwan process

1
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
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

4
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Taiwan

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
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)

6
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

7
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

8
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Quarantine on arrival (varies days)

Responsible: Taiwan quarantine authority

Checklist

Taiwan: entry requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipRequired (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccinationRequired. Current rabies vaccination mandatory.
Rabies titre testRequired for: Pets from non-approved countries (Group 3 and 4 countries per BAPHIQ classification). Not required for: Pets from approved Group 1 or 2 countries (includes US, UK, Australia, most EU, Japan, etc.). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 180-day wait from test date before entry
QuarantineMandatory quarantine. Facility: BAPHIQ-designated Animal Quarantine Station, Taoyuan Airport. Quarantine duration depends on country of origin classification. Group 1 countries (US, UK, most EU, Japan, Australia, NZ, Singapore, etc.) = 7-day quarantine. Check current BAPHIQ country list.
Import permitRequired. Permit required before booking flights. Must specify flight details.
Health certificateRequired. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government vet in origin country. Must include microchip, vaccinations, titre test (if applicable), and declare freedom from infectious disease.
Leaving Bulgaria

Export requirements

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

What this route typically costs

1Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
2IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
3Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
4Rabies titre test laboratory fee
5Import permit application fee (Taiwan)
6Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
7Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.
⚠ Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
⚠ Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

Air China
Small pets allowed in cabin on domestic China routes. International: cargo only via Air China Cargo. Strict crate size and documentation requirements. China-specific import/export permits required. Advance booking of cargo space essential.
Cabin and Cargo
Emirates
Cargo: 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
Lufthansa
Small 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-round
Cabin and Cargo
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Korean Air
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Larger pets in hold as checked baggage or Korean Air Cargo. Seasonal temperature restrictions apply
Cabin and Cargo

Key requirements for moving your pet to Taiwan

This is one of the more demanding international pet transport corridors. Taiwan runs a strict biosecurity programme and there are no shortcuts through it.

All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in Taiwan (at BAPHIQ-designated Animal Quarantine Station, Taoyuan Airport). This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.

Taiwan is rabies-free for dogs/cats and has strict biosecurity requirements. Dogs and cats from approved low-risk countries face shorter quarantine. Allow 3-6 months.

Practical advice for shipping your pet from Bulgaria

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

Allow at least 26 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.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in Taiwan. Your pet will stay at BAPHIQ-designated Animal Quarantine Station, Taoyuan Airport on arrival. This is non-negotiable and the cost is paid by the owner.
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 Taiwan. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from Taiwan’s authority (the relevant government body). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
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 Taiwan’s authority for the exact format required.
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

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