Pet Transport from Costa Rica to Portugal
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
The Costa Rica to Portugal route is one many expats and returning families use each year with their pets.
This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international routes. Start preparations at least 4 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened.
The paperwork is the hard part. Once everything is in order, the journey itself is well-managed.
The Costa Rica to Portugal process
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Portugal: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Before rabies vaccination |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. EU requirement: 21 days between vaccination and travel. |
| Rabies titre test | Not required for pets from EU, UK, and certain third countries. |
| Quarantine | No quarantine for compliant pets from approved countries. |
| Import permit | EU pet passport or health certificate |
| Health certificate | Required. Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 10 days from issue. EU pet passport valid from EU; health certificate for non-EU origins. |
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | {'required': True, 'issued_by': 'SENASA Costa Rica'} |
| Health certificate | {'required': True} |
What this route typically costs
| 1 | Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate |
| 4 | Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes) |
Read before you book
Airlines on this route
Why this route needs early planning
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Costa Rica to Portugal is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
EU member state. EU pet travel rules apply. DGAV (General Directorate of Food and Veterinary) oversees imports.
Step-by-step: what to do first
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.
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.
Common questions
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