At a glance
- Typical timeline: 20-26 weeks from start to arrival
- Complexity: Moderate — plan well ahead
- Quarantine: No routine quarantine for compliant pets. Penalty quarantine applies if documentation is non-compliant
If you’re relocating from Malta to Cyprus and taking your pet, the good news is thousands of families do this every year.
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. Cyprus restricts certain breeds. Check the breed restriction section below before making any travel arrangements.
Getting the timing right is critical. Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer.
The Journey, Step by Step
What Cyprus Requires
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
Titre Test
Required for: Pets from non-listed countries. Not required for: EU/listed countries. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant pets. Penalty quarantine applies if documentation is non-compliant
Import Permit
Not required
Health Certificate
Required. EU Pet Passport or AHC. Issued by: Official vet. Valid for 10 days from issue
What to Budget For
- 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)
Before You Leave Malta
Show export requirements from Malta
Export permit: {'required': False}
Health certificate: {'required': True, 'name': 'EU Pet Passport or AHC', 'issued_by': 'Veterinary Regulation Directorate-authorised vet'}
Breed restrictions: Cyprus
Cyprus restricts or prohibits entry for the following breeds:
Mixed breeds that visually resemble restricted breeds may also be refused. Confirm with us before booking.
Things to Know Before You Book
Why this route needs early planning
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Malta to Cyprus is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
EU member island nation. Cyprus has a large British expat community and significant pet transport traffic. EU standard rules plus tick treatment for dogs.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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