Pet Transport Turkey to France: 2026 Guide
Turkey is not on the EU's listed country register, so pets travelling from Istanbul to Paris need the FAVN titre test and a 3-month wait from the blood sampling date. The full preparation takes approximately five months. Turkish Airlines and Air France both …
The Turkey to France import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Vet in Turkey
Responsible: Vet in Turkey
Responsible: Official vet and EU-approved laboratory
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Official vet plus Ministry endorsement
Responsible: Turkish Airlines Cargo and French customs
What your pet needs to enter France
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Turkey is not EU-listed: FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Start 5 months before travel.
The 3-month wait runs from the blood sampling date, not the date results arrive.
France's Category 1 breed ban covers Pit Bull type dogs without LOF or FCI pedigree. These cannot be imported.
Ministry-endorsed certificate must be in EU format and issued within 10 days of travel.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Turkey is non-listed: the titre test process explained step by step
The EU requires pets from non-listed countries to complete a rabies antibody titre test before they can enter any EU member state. Turkey is not on the EU’s list of countries with equivalent animal health standards, so the titre test applies to all pets moving from Turkey to France.
The process must follow a strict order. The microchip must be in place first, then the rabies vaccination, then after the vaccination is valid (21 days after primary vaccination), blood can be drawn. The laboratory must be EU-approved; your official vet in Turkey can advise which laboratories are currently approved for FAVN testing.
Once blood is drawn, the 3-month wait begins. This 3-month clock runs from the date blood was sampled, not from the date results are returned. Laboratory results typically take two to four weeks. The 3-month wait continues regardless of when results arrive. If blood is drawn on 1 February, the earliest travel date is 1 May.
After the 3-month wait, and provided the vaccination is still current and the titre test result is satisfactory, the pet is eligible for EU entry. Total preparation from start to travel day is approximately five months.
France breed rules: Category 1 and Category 2 explained
France restricts certain dog breeds at the border under its 1999 breed restriction law. Two categories apply.
Category 1 covers attack-type dogs, primarily Pit Bull Terrier and related types without an official breed pedigree from the Livre des Origines Francais (LOF) or an FCI-recognised breed association. Category 1 dogs cannot be imported into France. If you have a dog that looks like a Pit Bull type but lacks official breed papers, the risk of Category 1 classification at CDG is real. Verify breed status before booking.
Category 2 covers guard and defence dogs, including Rottweiler and American Staffordshire Terrier with official breed pedigree. These can enter France but face ongoing restrictions: muzzle and leash required in all public spaces, and the owner must hold civil liability insurance for the dog.
For most breeds common in Turkey, including German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and similar, no breed restriction applies. Turkish breeds like the Kangal and Akbash are not on France’s restricted lists.
Turkish Airlines and Air France: the direct options from Istanbul to Paris
Two airlines offer direct cargo service from Istanbul to Paris CDG. Turkish Airlines operates multiple daily flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to CDG, and Turkish Airlines Cargo accepts live animals on this route. The flight is approximately four hours, making it a short journey from a pet welfare perspective.
Air France Cargo is the second direct option, with Air France operating between IST and CDG and accepting live animals in the hold. Both airlines have established customs handling at CDG where French inspections take place on arrival.
The IST to CDG route has strong capacity due to high traffic between Turkey and France. Book cargo four to six weeks before travel and confirm live animal space on your specific flight number. Your relocation agent can advise on which carrier has better live animal handling history on this specific corridor for your pet’s size and breed.