Pet Transport from Kenya to Turkey
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
The Kenya to Turkey route is one many expats and returning families use each year with their pets.
This route is moderately involved, with a clear checklist to follow. Start preparations at least 20 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up. Turkey restricts certain breeds. Check the breed restriction section below before making any travel arrangements.
We’ve laid out every step below so you know exactly what to prepare and when.
The Kenya to Turkey process
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Turkey: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted and readable at time of travel |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. Rabies vaccination must be current (within 12 months). For puppies/kittens minimum 3 months old at time of vaccination. |
| Rabies titre test | Required for: Generally not required for standard companion animals from most countries. Not required for: Most origin countries |
| Quarantine | No routine quarantine for dogs and cats arriving with correct documentation. Inspection on arrival by veterinary officer. |
| Import permit | No pre-travel import permit required for dogs and cats (up to 5 animals per person). |
| Health certificate | Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official veterinarian in country of origin. Valid for 10 days from issue. Certificate must state microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and confirm animal is healthy. Must be in English or Turkish or accompanied by translation. |
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | {'required': False} |
| Health certificate | {'required': True, 'issued_by': 'DVS-authorised official vet'} |
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 | Rabies titre test laboratory fee |
| 5 | Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes) |
Read before you book
Turkey breed rules
Airlines on this route
Key requirements for moving your pet to Turkey
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Kenya to Turkey is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
Not EU member. Turkey (officially Turkiye) has a large expat community, especially in Istanbul and coastal areas. Import requirements are more relaxed than many countries but documentation is required.
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.
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.
Common questions
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