Pet Transport from Thailand to Netherlands: EU Titre Test and KLM Cargo
Relocating a pet from Thailand to Netherlands follows a clear path once you understand what Netherlands asks for. Set aside roughly 20-28 weeks for this route and keep a close eye on the sequencing. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Thailand to Netherlands
typically takes around 20-28 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Thailand to Netherlands import process
01
Before first rabies vaccination.
Implant ISO microchip in Thailand.
Responsible: Vet in Thailand
02
After microchip. At least 30 days before titre test blood draw.
Rabies vaccination primary course.
Responsible: Vet in Thailand
03
At least 30 days after final vaccination. 90-day wait starts from this date.
FAVN titre test blood draw at an EU-approved laboratory.
Responsible: Vet and EU-approved laboratory
04
Cannot be shortened.
90-day wait from the blood draw date.
Responsible: Owner to track
05
2-3 weeks before departure.
Apply for DLD export permit.
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
06
Within 10 days of Netherlands entry.
Obtain EU-format AHC from DLD-authorised vet, endorsed by DLD.
Responsible: DLD-authorised official vet
07
After 90-day wait has elapsed.
Fly to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). Dutch customs inspection on arrival.
Responsible: Airline, Dutch customs
Requirements
Netherlands entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must be implanted before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required. Primary course complete. 21-day wait from initial vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. Thailand is not on the EU Annex II approved third-country list. FAVN or ELISA titre test at an EU-approved laboratory. Minimum 0.5 IU/ml. Blood draw at least 30 days after final vaccination. Mandatory 90-day wait from blood draw date before EU entry. Source: EU pet travel regulations, ec.europa.eu.
Quarantine
No quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Import permit
No formal import permit required. AHC serves as the entry document.
Health certificate
EU-format Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from DLD-authorised official vet in Thailand, endorsed by DLD. Valid 10 days from examination to Netherlands entry.
Leaving Thailand
Export requirements
Export permit
DLD export permit required. Apply to DLD office. Allow 2-3 weeks. Approved departure airports: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK).
Health certificate
Official health certificate in EU AHC format, issued by a DLD-authorised official vet, endorsed by DLD. Issued within 10 days of Netherlands entry. Source: DLD, dld.go.th.
Costs
What this route typically costs
DLD export permit and health certificate endorsement: approximately THB 2,000-6,000
Titre test at EU-approved laboratory: approximately EUR 250-500 or THB 9,000-18,000
Cargo fees Thailand to Netherlands (direct KLM or via hub): approximately EUR 800-2,300 depending on pet size
Pet transport agent fee: EUR 400-1,000 if used
Realistic total: EUR 2,000-5,000
Critical points
The 90-day wait from titre test blood draw date is mandatory. Plan at least 5 months before your intended Netherlands arrival date.
Thailand is EU-unlisted: titre test required regardless of vaccination history.
KLM operates direct cargo from Bangkok (BKK) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), making the Netherlands one of the most directly accessible EU destinations from Thailand.
Start the DLD export permit application during the 90-day titre test wait, not after. This avoids extending the overall preparation timeline.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
KLM Cargo
KLM operates direct cargo services from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). This is the most direct routing for Thailand-to-Netherlands live animal cargo.
Cargo Only
Thai Airways
Thai Airways connects BKK to Amsterdam. Cargo services to AMS. Confirm live animal acceptance and documentation requirements with Thai Airways Cargo.
Cargo Only
Air France Cargo
Via Paris CDG to Amsterdam AMS. If routing via France, CDG becomes the EU entry airport for documentation purposes.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo
Via Frankfurt FRA to Amsterdam AMS or other Dutch delivery points. Frankfurt would be the EU entry point if this routing is used.
Cargo Only
Netherlands import rules, explained
Netherlands has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.
Practical tips for this move
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Yes. Thailand is not on the EU Annex II approved list. FAVN or ELISA titre test at an EU-approved laboratory is required, with a mandatory 90-day wait from the blood draw date. Source: EU pet travel regulations, ec.europa.eu.
No. There is no quarantine for compliant pets on arrival in the Netherlands. All requirements (microchip, vaccination, titre test, 90-day wait, EU-format AHC) must be met, but no mandatory holding period applies.
Yes. KLM and Thai Airways both operate services from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). This is the most direct routing for Thailand-to-Netherlands.
Allow 20-28 weeks total. The titre test drives the timeline: at least 30 days post-vaccination before blood draw, then the 90-day wait. Start the DLD export permit concurrently during the wait.
Both routes have identical EU requirements: titre test, 90-day wait, DLD health certificate in EU AHC format. Routing differences: Netherlands via KLM direct BKK-AMS; Germany via Lufthansa connections. No difference in documentation requirements or preparation time.
Airline guides
KLM Cargo
Thai Airways
Air France Cargo
Lufthansa Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.