Pet import requirements for North Macedonia
What North Macedonia 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 2025-06-02 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2025-09-15. 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.
North Macedonia at a glance
| Requirement | For North Macedonia |
|---|---|
| Microchip Required | Pets must be micro-chipped prior to being vaccinated |
| Rabies | Rabies vaccine should be given at 12 weeks minimum (import is possible 3 weeks after rabies vaccine) Pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before entering North… |
| Rabies antibody test Required | RNATT is needed for countries not listed on the Appendix II of the EU Statute EC/998/2003 |
| Import permit | Owner’s Statement addressed to Airport Customs (Carinarnica Aerodrom) that the pet is not in tended for trade or transfer to third parties |
| Minimum age to travel | 15 weeks |
| Customs clearance | A customs broker is not typically required for Macedonia, North |
| Agent at destination | A destination agent is not typically required for Macedonia, North |
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
For Macedonia, North, start with this checkpoint: 15 weeks. Greece to the south, Albania to the west, Bulgaria to the east, Kosovo to the northwest and Serbia to the north. Cargo and passenger-pet routings commonly use SKP.
Import requirements
15 weeks
Documents requirements for import customs clearance of dogs, cats and ferrets If originating from EU or a country which is listed on the Appendix II of the EU Statute EC/998/2003:
- Pet's passport / vaccination history - in cluding up to date vaccines
- Health certificate endorsed by Government vet at the country of origin issued not more then 10 days before arrival
- Microchip / in dividual identification in the form of a clearly legible tattoo or any other permanent mean of identification or an electronic identification system
- Should be clinically examined and treated for Echinococcosis and tick in festation by an of ficial veterinarian followed by an appropriate confirmation noted in the passport or the veterinary health certificate.
- Owner’s Statement addressed to Airport Customs (Carinarnica Aerodrom) that the pet is not in tended for trade or transfer to third parties
- Copy of owner’s passport
………………………………………………………………………………………
Documents requirements for import customs clearance of dogs, cats and ferrets If originating from EU or a country which is NOT listed on Appendix II EU Statute EC/998/2003:
- Pet's passport / vaccination history - in cluding up to date vaccines
- Health certificate endorsed by Government vet at the country of origin issued not more then 10 days before arrival
- Microchip / in dividual identification in the form of a clearly legible tattoo or any other permanent mean of identification or an electronic identification system
- Should be clinically examined and treated for Echinococcosis and tick in festation by an of ficial veterinarian followed by an appropriate confirmation noted in the passport or the veterinary health certificate.
- RNAT test with a satisfactory result done in an EU approved laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months prior to departure
(the test must be carried out on a sample collected by an Authorized 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 neutralizing antibody to rabies virus in serum equal to or greater than 0,5 IU/ml; the test must be performed in an approved laboratory.)
- Owner’s Statement addressed to Airport Customs (Carinarnica Aerodrom) that the pet is not in tended for trade or transfer to third parties
- Copy of owner’s passport
Note
Tax of 18% of pet's value apply in case the importer bought the pet. For relocating household pet from a previous residence to Macedonia taxes do not apply.
Pet animals from the species dogs, cats and ferrets younger than 3 months of age which are not yet vaccinated against rabies, can be imported or allowed to transit across the territory of the Republic of Macedonia if they have a passport and have resided only at their place of birth, during which time they were not in contact with wild animals that have been exposed or are susceptible to an in fectious disease, or are accompanied by their mothers on whom they are still dependent and which have already been vaccinated against rabies.
Identification and microchip
Pets must be micro-chipped prior to being vaccinated.
Rabies and vaccinations
Rabies vaccine should be given at 12 weeks minimum (import is possible 3 weeks after rabies vaccine) Pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before entering North Macedonia
All regular vaccines need to be up to date.Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies and other diseases at least 6 months prior to entering Northern Macedonia.
Tests and treatments
RNATT is needed for countries not listed on the Appendix II of the EU Statute EC/998/2003. When entering from a country other then the EU, the rabies titer test must be administered at least 30 days after rabies vaccinations and not less then 3 months prior to traveling to North Macedonia.
Not required but recommended in ternal and external deworming
Health certificate and permits
Health certificate endorsed by Government vet at the country of origin issued not more then 10 days before arrival.
FOR USA: VEHCS Help | VEHCS Guide | VEHCS Login
Owner’s Statement addressed to Airport Customs (Carinarnica Aerodrom) that the pet is not in tended for trade or transfer to third parties.
An import permit is not needed when entering Macedonia with a personal pet, however, either permits for visitors or permits for transfer of residency will be issued when entering Northern Macedonia. Owners entering the country on a visitor’s permit must leave with their pet. In addition to the veterinary certificate, the owner must provide a written statement confirming the non-commercial purposes of the movement of the pet.
Health Certificate
Restrictions and banned breeds
AT THE PRESENT TIME THERE IS NOT ANY LIST OF RESTRICTED BREEDS
Customs, agents, and airports
A customs broker is not typically required for Macedonia, North.
A destination agent is not typically required for Macedonia, North.
- Skopje International Airport, Skopje, Macedonia (IATA: SKP, ICAO: LWSK)
- Athens International Airport, Athen, Greece (IATA: ATH, ICAO: LGAV) - Fly into Greece and transport by road to North Macedonia.
Airports listed on this destination file: SKP.
Pets may enter Northern Macedonia via SKP, Skopje International Airport. Pets can arrive in the cabin, as checked baggage or as air cargo. When arriving in Northern Macedonia the pet must be muzzled and on a leash. Owners must attest that they are importing their pet to Northern Macedonia for reasons other than trade or commercial activity.
Export notes
Documents requirements for export customs clearance of dogs and cats:
- Pet's passport / vaccination history - in cluding up to date vaccines
- Microchip
- Health certificate endorsed by the Government vet not more than 10 days old at time of departure
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
Official contacts
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy
St. Aminta Third number 2
1000 Skopje
Republic of Macedonia
Tel: +389 02 3134-477
Fax: +389 02 3230-429
Email: info@mzsv.gov.mk
Food And Veterinary Agency
3ta Makedonska brigada 20
1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
Tel: +389 2 2457 895; +389 2 2457 873
Fax: +389 2 2457 893; +389 2 2457 871
Email: info@fva.gov.mk
Current as of May 2025
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 2025-06-02.
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 North Macedonia
- VEHCS Help aphis.usda.gov
- VEHCS Guide aphis.usda.gov
- VEHCS Login pcit.aphis.usda.gov
- Animal Welfare Regulations fva.gov.mk
- Website mzsv.gov.mk
- Website fva.gov.mk
Questions about moving a pet to North Macedonia
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for North Macedonia?
Pets must be micro-chipped prior to being vaccinated
From the country profile, last verified 2025-06-02.
What rabies vaccination does North Macedonia require?
Rabies vaccine should be given at 12 weeks minimum (import is possible 3 weeks after rabies vaccine) Pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before entering North…
Is a rabies antibody (titer) test needed for North Macedonia?
RNATT is needed for countries not listed on the Appendix II of the EU Statute EC/998/2003
A titer test is the single most common reason a move takes months rather than weeks, because the waiting period runs from the blood draw.
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into North Macedonia?
Owner’s Statement addressed to Airport Customs (Carinarnica Aerodrom) that the pet is not in tended for trade or transfer to third parties
How old does a puppy or kitten have to be to travel to North Macedonia?
15 weeks