Pet import requirements for Malta
What Malta asks for before a dog or cat can enter — the microchip, the rabies work, the permit and the paperwork — and how far ahead you need to start. We handle all of it on a move we arrange.
Import rules change, and they change without notice. Last verified 2026-02-23 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2026-02-23. Confirm every requirement with the authority named below, or with us on (424) 421-1650, before you book a flight or start any vet work.
Malta at a glance
| Requirement | For Malta |
|---|---|
| Microchip | An ISO identification - 15 digit microchip, or clearly readable tattoo |
| Rabies | MALTA is Rabies Free for over 100 years |
| Import permit Not required | It is not required import permit, but you need to submit a notification of arrival |
| Quarantine | If any of the requirements is not met pet will be put into quarantine or returned to origin at owner`s expense |
| Minimum age to travel | 15 weeks (12 weeks to get rabies vaccine plus 21 days waiting period) |
| EU rules that also apply | This destination is grouped with the European Union; confirm whether EU pet-movement rules apply |
| Customs clearance | Strongly advised |
| Agent at destination | Strongly advised |
Where this fits in the timeline. The order matters more than the effort: a rabies vaccination given before the microchip was implanted does not count in most regimes, and a titer test drawn too early restarts a waiting period. On a move we handle, we check your pet's existing dates against these rules on the free consultation before anything is booked.
The detail
MLA is on the arrival list for pets heading to Malta. Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. 15 weeks (12 weeks to get rabies vaccine plus 21 days waiting period).
Import requirements
15 weeks
(12 weeks to get rabies vaccine plus 21 days waiting period)
Movement of Pet Animals into Malta
Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 regulates the non-commercial movement of pet animals which accompanies its owner where its owner moves and is under his direct responsibility. The non-commercial movement of the pet animal may take place up to five days before or after the movement of the owner, in which case the non-commercial movement of the pet animal is carried out under the responsibility of a natural person who has authorization in writing from the owner to carry out the non-commercial movement of the pet animal on his behalf.
The maximum number of pet animals (dogs, cats or ferrets) which may be moved for non-commercial purposes is up to 5.
Exceptionally, the maximum number may exceed 5 only when all of the following conditions are met:
- The movement is for the purpose of participating in competitions, exhibitions or sporting events (or in training for such events)
- Written evidence is provided that the animals are registered either to attend an event or with an organization organizing such events
- The animals are more than six months old.
The movement of pet animals younger than 15 weeks of age (105 days old) is not permissible.
Health requirements for pet animals entering the Malta from another EU Country
Pets animals of the species Dogs, Cats and Ferrets are in need of the following health requirements:
- An ISO identification - 15 digit microchip, or clearly readable tattoo. The animal must be identified before the rabies vaccination.
- A rabies vaccine at 12 weeks of age
- A valid EU passport
- 21 days have to pass from the date of the rabies vaccination
- De-worming treatment between 24 hrs to 120 hrs prior entering into Malta (only applies for dogs). Dogs moving directly between Norway, Finland, or Ireland to Malta are exempted from the treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis.
- The on line pre notification needs to be submitted: https://nldmalta.gov.mt/MaltaPetArrivals/
Health requirements for pet animals entering Malta from Non-EU Countries
Pets animals of the species Dogs, Cats and Ferrets are in need of the following health requirements:
- An ISO identification - 15 digit microchip, or clearly readable tattoo. The animal must be identified before the rabies vaccination.
- A rabies vaccine at 12 weeks of age - it will also need a blood test if you are travelling from an ‘unlisted country’. The test must be carried out on a sample collected by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the date of vaccination and not less than three months before the date of movement, the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum equal to or greater than 0,5 IU/ml, the test must be performed in an approved laboratory.
- An Official Health Certificate issued by the country of departure either ‘listed’ or ‘unlisted country’
- 21 days have to pass from the date of the rabies vaccination, and 3 months after the rabies neutralizing antibody test if you are travelling from an ‘unlisted country’
- De-worming treatment between 24 hrs to 120 hrs prior entering into Malta (only applies for dogs).
- The on line pre notification needs to be submitted: https://nldmalta.gov.mt/MaltaPetArrivals/
Countries that Malta accepts pet passports from: As well as all countries in the EU, Malta also accepts pet passports from:
- Andorra
- Azores and Madeira
- Canary Islands
- French Guiana
- Gibraltar
- Greenland and the Faroe Islands
- Guadeloupe
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Martinique
- Monaco
- Northern Ireland
- Norway
- San Marino
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
Listed countries
The listed countries are:
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Ascension Island, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Bermuda, BES Islands (Bonair, Saint Eustatius and Saba), Bosnia-Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Curaçao, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Russian Federation, Saint Maarten, Singapore, St Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (GB), USA (in cludes American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US virgin Islands), Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.
Unlisted countries
The unlisted countries are the remaining countries other than the ‘listed’.
Not applicable
Import Licence to be applied for before entry. Licenced Import agent to cater for this.
Identification and microchip
An ISO identification - 15 digit microchip, or clearly readable tattoo. The animal must be identified before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies and vaccinations
MALTA is Rabies Free for over 100 years.
- A rabies vaccine at 12 weeks of age
- A valid EU passport (from another EU Country)
- 21 days have to pass from the date of the rabies vaccination
Only Rabies Required.
Tests and treatments
Titre test from listed countries is required.
The listed countries are:
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Ascension Island, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, BES Islands (Bonair, Saint Eustatius and Saba), Bosnia-Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Curaçao, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Saint Maarten, Singapore, St Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (GB), USA (in cludes American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US virgin Islands), Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.
The unlisted countries are the remaining countries other than the ‘listed’.
De-worming treatment between 24 hrs to 120 hrs prior entering into Malta (only applies for dogs). Dogs moving directly between Norway, Finland, or Ireland to Malta are exempted from the treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis.
Health certificate and permits
Cats and Dogs, needed upon import from Non-EU countries. EU Countries import with EU Pet Passport.
It is not required import permit, but you need to submit a notification of arrival.
The on line pre notification needs to be submitted HERE.
( In case this link is not working, kindly send all in formation of pet and travel details to petstravel.mafa@gov.mt )
Customs documentation and payment to customs upon entry.
Quarantine
If any of the requirements is not met pet will be put into quarantine or returned to origin at owner`s expense.
Restrictions and banned breeds
The breeding and selling of non-pedigree or mixed bully breed dogs is now illegal.
The law also defines bully breed dogs, and the following breeds fall under the new law: American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Bull Terrier, American Bully, American Pitbull Terrier, Old English Bulldog, American Bulldog, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Miniature Bull terrier, Cane Corso, Dogue De Bordeaux, Presa Canario, Neapolitan Mastiff, Boston Terrier, Tibetan Mastiff and South African Boerboel.
People who come to live in Malta from overseas will only be allowed to remain in possession of their non-pedigree or mixed bully breed dog if they have been in possession of it for a period of more than six months, and it should also be registered to their name.
Customs, agents, and airports
Highly Recommended
Best Airport:
MALTA AIRPORT.
CODE: MLA by Airfreight or accompanied luggage.
Sea travel possible by ferry from Pozzallo Sicily and other ports with pet friendly vessels.
Airports listed on this destination file: MLA.
Import agent to handle customs clearance with per-clearance system.
Export notes
Export to EU on Pet Passport.
No customs docs needed.
Requirements to mirror requirements of importing country.
Clinical Examination is always required.
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
YES, catered for by agent.
Export to EU on Pet Passport.
No customs docs needed.
Requirements to mirror requirements of importing country.
Clinical Examination is always required.
Official contacts
Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment & Climate Change
Veterinary Regulation Division
CUSTOMS DEPARTMENTCustoms
Tel: +356 25685120/123/128
malta.customs@gov.mt
PARCEL POST OFFICE
Tel: +356 2123-6795
parcelpost.customs@gov.mt
CEFO COURIER SERVICE
Tel: +356 2125-7028
courier.customs@gov.mt
Contact Customs at Malta International Airport
Customs at the Malta International Airport (MIA) strive to provide the necessary in formation and guidance to travelers, while visiting the Maltese islands. Travelers may choose to contact Customs at MIA by e-mail or by phone. On their part, Customs at MIA are committed to answer any query raised by the traveler. Answers to questions raised via e-mail will be answered in the least possible time, but will endeavor to respond in not more than 12 hours after the question is received. Whereas, questions raised by phone will be answered in real time.
Office: +356 2124-8044/9868 (during office hours only, from 08:00 to 17:00 CET)
Duty Officer: +356 2369-6119 (round the clock service 24/7)
Duty Inspector: +356 7974-5556 (round the clock service 24/7)
Email: mia.customs@gov.mt
Intra trade phone numbers: +356 2292-5162, +356 2292-5172
BIP phone numbers: +356 2165-3013
24/7 phone number: +356 9917-0532
Current as of December 2024
Disclaimer
Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2026-02-23.
Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.
Other destinations: Albania · Andorra · Austria · all destinations
Official sources for Malta
- HERE nldmalta.gov.mt
- Administration culture.gov.mt
- Contacts agriculture.gov.mt
- Travel with your Pets agriculture.gov.mt
Questions about moving a pet to Malta
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for Malta?
An ISO identification - 15 digit microchip, or clearly readable tattoo
From the country profile, last verified 2026-02-23.
What rabies vaccination does Malta require?
MALTA is Rabies Free for over 100 years
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into Malta?
It is not required import permit, but you need to submit a notification of arrival
Will my pet be quarantined on arrival in Malta?
If any of the requirements is not met pet will be put into quarantine or returned to origin at owner`s expense
How old does a puppy or kitten have to be to travel to Malta?
15 weeks (12 weeks to get rabies vaccine plus 21 days waiting period)