Pet Transport from Italy to India
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
Italy to India is one of the more procedurally complex pet transport routes for European owners. India requires a pre-approved import permit from its Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS), the health certificate must be endorsed by the Indian Embassy in Italy, and arrival must be through the specific port declared on the permit.
Start at least twelve weeks before your travel date. The permit application, embassy endorsement, and official health certificate all have fixed processing times that you cannot compress.
This route is manageable, but it rewards careful preparation. A pet transport agent is worth serious consideration if this is your first time.
The Italy to India process
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Responsible: Official veterinarian (Italian Ministry of Health authorised)
Responsible: You
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Responsible: You and airline cargo desk
India: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before rabies vaccination. |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. Current vaccination within the validity period. India's AQCS specifies acceptable vaccine types. |
| Rabies titre test | Not routinely required from Italy, but AQCS reserves the right to require testing. Verify current rules before travel. |
| Quarantine | Short quarantine possible on arrival at the designated Animal Quarantine Station. Duration is typically 24-48 hours for inspection, or up to 7 days if documentation is queried. |
| Import permit | Required. Apply to India's Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS). Permit specifies port of entry. Must arrive at the declared port. |
| Health certificate | Required. Issued by an Italian official vet. Must be endorsed by the Indian Embassy or consulate in Italy before travel. |
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | {'required': False} |
| Health certificate | Official veterinary health certificate required. Issued by an official vet (veterinario ufficiale) authorised by the Italian Ministry of Health. Must meet India's import requirements. |
What this route typically costs
| 1 | Airline cargo fee (based on pet weight plus crate, Rome or Milan to Indian cities) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant hard-sided crate |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: microchipping, vaccinations, official health certificate |
| 4 | AQCS import permit fee |
| 5 | Indian Embassy endorsement fee |
| 6 | Arrival quarantine facility charge (if applicable) |
| 7 | Pet transport agent fee (strongly recommended for this route) |
Read before you book
Airlines on this route
India AQCS import permit: how to apply
India’s Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) at aqcsindia.gov.in issues import permits for all pet animals. You must apply before travel and specify your port of entry. The permit is port-specific. If you later change your arrival airport, you need a new permit.
Applications typically take 4-6 weeks. Apply as early as possible. The permit will list the documentation your pet must arrive with.
Italian health certificate and embassy endorsement
Your pet’s health certificate must be issued by an official veterinarian (veterinario ufficiale) authorised by the Italian Ministry of Health. A regular private vet cannot issue the official certificate.
After the official vet signs the certificate, take it to the Indian Embassy in Rome or the Indian Consulate in Milan for endorsement. Allow a week for this and book an appointment rather than turning up.
Arrival process in India
On arrival, you will be directed to the AQCS animal health checkpoint at the declared port. Your pet and all documents will be inspected. A short arrival inspection period (24-48 hours) is normal. A longer stay (up to 7 days) is possible if documentation is queried.
Your agent or someone receiving the pet in India should be aware of the AQCS process and be ready to respond quickly to any queries.
Airlines flying Italy to India with pets
Most carriers fly Rome Fiumicino or Milan Malpensa to major Indian cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore). Direct Air India flights carry cargo pets. Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways all route via their hubs.
Pets travel as manifested cargo on nearly all Italy-India routes. Cabin pet acceptance is limited. Air India is the main carrier that sometimes permits small pets in cabin on India-origin flights.
Common questions
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