Pet import requirements for Norway
What Norway 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 2025-06-09 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.
Norway at a glance
| Requirement | For Norway |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Microchip and EU-health certificate |
| Rabies | Rabies shots are required |
| Rabies antibody test | Animal from some countries, see [EUR-Lex - 02021R0404-20210420 - EN - EUR-Lex… |
| Import permit Required | You must notify the Norwegian District Office about the time and place of arrival at least 48 hours… |
| Quarantine | Not required |
| Minimum age to travel | 15 weeks |
| 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
OSL and AES are on the arrival list for pets heading to Norway. Norway is located in Scandinavia – but are not an EU member. 15 weeks.
Import requirements
15 weeks
Traveling with dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU-countries to Norway
Traveling with dogs, cats, and ferrets from Non EU-countries to Norway
Traveling to Norway with caged birds, rodents, and rabbits
Dogs: Rabies shots + treated for Dvergbendelorm (Echinococcus multilcularis) EU Health Certificate / EU-Passport
Cats: Rabies shots, EU Health Certificate / EU-Passport
Ferrets: Rabies shots, EU Health Certificate / EU-Passport
It’s only allowed 5 pets per owner.
You need to arrive no earlier than 5 days before or 5 days after the pet in order for it to be a non-commercial import.
If you arrive earlier or later it will be considered a commercial import.
It is very important that you follow the rules. Failure to do so could have serious
consequences.
If you have not followed these rules, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority may decide
that your pets must be:
• returned to their country of origin, or
• quarantined until the conditions of importation have been met, or
• destroyed – while this is a last resort, it is a real possibility if it the violations are
serious enough.
As a pet owner, you are financially liable for all rule violations.
You need to arrive no earlier than 5 days before or 5 days after the pet in order for it to be a non-commercial import.
If you arrive earlier or later it will be considered a commercial import.
If the import is commercial the following will apply – in addition to the vaccines and treatments mentioned above.
The business that the animal comes from needs to meet the following standards:
The animal must come from a business that is registered in line with EU’s legislation and is subject to control from the authorities in the nation of origin.
The business must comply with the country of origins provisions on the notification and control of certain diseases, and only export animals that do not show signs of disease.
The business must comply with the origin country’s regulation on animal protection.
You need to be able to document that the business is registered and it must be possible to check this registration when your bring the animal into Norway. The Norwegian border veterinary has to be able to verify this.
The animal must come from a business and an area that is not covered by animal health restrictions.
The importer and first receiver of the animal(s) must be registered with the Norwegian Food Safety Authorities before the animal is imported.
From EU: https://www.mattilsynet.no/language/english/animals/travelling_with_pets/travelling_with_dogs_cats_and_ferrets_from_eucountries_to_norway.23686
From Non-EU: https://www.mattilsynet.no/language/english/animals/travelling_with_pets/travelling_with_dogs_cats_and_ferrets_from_third_countries_and_territories_to_norway.23949
You need to arrive no earlier than 5 days before or 5 days after the pet in order for it to be a non-commercial import.
If you arrive earlier or later, it will be considered a commercial import
More than 5 animals in one shipment are always considered a commercial move.
There are exceptions for competitions, exhibitions, and sports events. You can bring more than five animals and still follow the rules of non-commercial import if:
The import takes place to participate in competitions, exhibitions, and sports events or training for such events.
Written proof is provided that the animal is registered wither to participate in an event mentioned or in an organization that organize such events, and the animals are more than six months old.
Commercial import of pets is very strict regulated, and permission from the Norwegian Food Safety Authorities is needed. The clearance must be done by the owner as there will be VAT to be paid. All enquiries should be addressed to the Border Inspection at Oslo Airport which is a part of the Norwegian Food Safety authorities BIP.Oslo.Lufthavn@mattilsynet.no
Travelling with more than five animals:
The maximum number of dogs, cats or ferrets which may accompany the owner or an authorized person during a single non-commercial movement shall not exceed five. Otherwise, the movement is considered commercial.
The maximum number may only exceed five if the purpose of the trip is to attend a competition, show, sporting event or training related to these types of events. The owner or the authorized person has to provide written evidence that the animals are registered either to attend such an event or with an association organizing such events and the animals must be over six months old.
A licensed veterinarian in the originating country must complete the Commercial Health Certificate. The certificate must be issued and endorsed within 48 hours of travel.
The forms must be endorsed by the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals. This form is good for transports of 5 or less animals. The form is good for 4 months of travel within the EU as long as the rabies vaccination documented on it does not expire.
Your pet must enter through an approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) at Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Notice must be given 24 hours prior to arrival.
No specific in formation here – other than our general rule to not handle shipments to / from areas that the government have in troduced sanctions
Travelers’ point of entry
Animals from Andorra, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City State may be brought into Norway through all border crossings. It is not necessary to contact the Norwegian Food Safety Authority when entering the country. The owner or the authorized must nevertheless be prepared to show the animals and present the necessary documentation for checking.
Animals from other third countries or territories must be brought into Norway only through Oslo Airport or Storskog. Animals from Svalbard may additionally enter through Tromsø Airport, Port of Tromsø or Port of Bodø. The owner or the authorized person must contact the Norwegian Food Safety Authority at the point of entry and present the animals and the necessary documentation for checking. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority should be notified at least 48 hours before arrival in order to avoid a long waiting time before the check can be carried out.
Gardermoen (Oslo) (airport)
Tel.: (+ 47) 22 77 79 00
BIP.Oslo.Lufthavn@mattilsynet.no
Storskog (Kirkenes) (road)
Tel.: (+ 47) 78 97 00 40 / (+ 47) 95 77 91 21
BIP-Storskog@mattilsynet.no
Tromsø (port and airport) and Bodø (port)
Tel.: (+ 47) 22 40 00 00
postmottak@mattilsynet.no
Pets from Ukraine | The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (mattilsynet.no)
If your pet is entering Norway from peninsular Malaysia, the following conditions must be met:
- Your pet has had no contact with pigs during at least the past 60 days prior to export.
- Your pet has not lived in a place where cases of Nipah disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days.
- Your pet has been tested with negative a result to an IgG capture ELISA test carried out in a laboratory approved for testing for Nipah disease viruses within 10 days of export.
Cats may only enter Norway from Australia under the condition that they have not lived in areas where cases of Hendra disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days.
Identification and microchip
Microchip and EU-health certificate.
The animal must be shipped before rabies vaccine is given.
As an alternative for EU-health certificate, EU-pet passport can be accepted. In order for this to be a valid alternative – the passport must be issued by an authorized veterinary in Norway or a EU/EØS country.
Rabies and vaccinations
Rabies shots are required.
The animal must be at least 12 weeks old before they get the shot.
The shot must be approved and you have to wait 21 days before the vaccination is valid.
- Vaccine must be documented in EU-pet passport or EU-health certificate.
Rabies shots are required.
The animal must be at least 12 weeks old before they get the shot.
The shot must be approved and you have to wait 21 days before the vaccination is valid.
Vaccine must be documented in EU-pet passport or EU-health certificate.
Tests and treatments
Animal from some countries, see EUR-Lex - 02021R0404-20210420 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu) must have undergone a valid rabies antibody test, in an EU-approved lab.
The test must have been carried out on a blood sample collected at least 30 days after the date of vaccination and not less than three months prior to entering Norway.
The collection of the blood sample must be carried out and documented by an authorized veterinarian in the appropriate section of the health certificate and/or the pet passport.
The test must measure a level of neutralizing antibody to rabies virus in serum equal to or greater than 0,5 IU/ml and using a method prescribed in the relevant part of the Chapter concerning rabies in the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals of the World Organization for Animal Health.
The test must be performed by an approved laboratory.
Animals transiting thru non listed countries, countries not listed on Listing of territories and non-EU countries (europa.eu)
Can be transited provided that the owner or authorized person provides a signed declaration that during such transit the pet animals have had no contact with animals susceptible to rabies and remain secured within a means of transport or within the perimeter of an in ternational airport.
More about anti-echinococcosis treatment of dogs imported to Norway
Dogs has to be treated for Dvergbendelorm (Echinococcus multilcularis) before arrival Norway.
Must be given 24-120 hours before the dog arrives Norway.
Must be given by authorized veterinary.
Must be documented in the EU-pet passport or EU health certificate.
Health certificate and permits
From EU:
Pet Passport.
From Non-EU:
Health Certificate Required.
All pets should have a pet passport if at all possible or have your vet complete the Veterinary Certificate.
You will also need a Third Country Certificate available from the EU Food Safety Department or the Norwegian Department of Agriculture.
You must notify the Norwegian District Office about the time and place of arrival at least 48 hours prior.
No permit needed – but if you are moving to Norway with your pet – a declaration of importof removal goods must be filled out.
When you arrive in Norway with your dog, follow the red 'Goods to Declare' line at customs. Norwegian customs personnel will help you with the process and will check the dog's (or cat's) papers.
Animals from Andorra, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City State may be brought into Norway through all border crossings. It is not necessary to contact the Norwegian Food Safety Authority when entering the country from these countries. The owner or the authorized transporter must nevertheless be prepared to show the animals and present the necessary documentation for checking when asked.
Animals from other third countries or territories must be brought into Norway only through Oslo Airport or Storskog. Animals from Svalbard may additionally enter through Tromsø Airport, Port of Tromsø or Port of Bodø. The owner or the authorised person must contact the Norwegian Food Safety Authority at the point of entry and present the animals and the necessary documentation for checking. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority should be notified at least 48 hours before arrival in order to avoid a long waiting time before the check can be carried out.
Gardermoen (Oslo) (airport)
Tel.: (+ 47) 22 77 79 00
BIP.Oslo.Lufthavn@mattilsynet.no
Storskog (Kirkenes) (road)
Tel.: (+ 47) 78 97 00 40 / (+ 47) 95 77 91 21
BIP-Storskog@mattilsynet.no
Tromsø (port and airport) and Bodø (port)
Tel.: (+ 47) 22 40 00 00
postmottak@mattilsynet.no
This form must be filled out and follow the pet. All questions to be answered with “no.”
- Owners authorization to carry out a non-commercial movement of pets, [Owner's permission and declaration if dogs, cats or ferrets travel separately from their owner from countries within the EEA | Norwegian Food Safety Authority (mattilsynet.no)](https://www.mattilsynet.no/skjemaer/eierens-tillatelse-og-erklaering-dersom-hunder-katter-eller-ildere-reiser-atskilt-fra-eieren-fra-land-in nenfor-eos)
- Declaration of transit, Declaration for the transit of dogs, cats or ferrets in non-listed countries and territories outside the EEA | Norwegian Food Safety Authority (mattilsynet.no)
-
Quarantine
Not applicable.
Restrictions and banned breeds
Restricted Breeds: It is illegal to breed or import these dogs, or import semen or embryos from these breeds into Norway:
• The Pit Bull Terrier
• The American Staffordshire Terrier
• The Fila Brasilerio
• The Toso Inu
• The Dogo Argentino
• The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Any hybrids of these breeds are also restricted.
Wolf-dog hybrids are also considered dangerous.
No matter the breed, it is against the law to own, breed or import dogs which have been trained to attack or defend the mselves or the dog owner from other people or dogs. Also, it is illegal to own, breed or import any dog which is particularly aggressive, combative or has other highly undesirable qualities or behavior which make them a potential danger for humans or animals.
If there is suspicion that an animal is of a dangerous breed of dog, the police and customs authorities can require the dog owner to document its breed or type in accordance with the law. If there is doubt about the breed, the police can have the dog killed or require that the dog be sent out of the country.
Import Restrictions on Rescue animals:
It is also illegal to import rescue dogs to Norway, the exemption is if the owner in Norway has been living with the dog for at least 6 months before the travel (and been the owner of the dog for at least 6 months).
You cannot import rescue dogs to Norway commercially.
The maximum number of dogs, cats or ferrets which may accompany the owner or an authorized person during a single non-commercial movement shall not exceed five. Otherwise, the movement is considered commercial.
The maximum number may only exceed five if the purpose of the trip is to attend a competition, show, sporting event or training related to these types of events. The owner or the authorized person has to provide written evidence that the animals are registered either to attend such an event or with an association organizing such events and the animals must be over six months old.
Customs, agents, and airports
Highly Recommended
*Oslo Airport* (Norwegian: *Oslo lufthavn*) (IATA: OSL, ICAO: ENGM)
Airports listed on this destination file: OSL, AES.
If you are on the same flight as the pet / animal you have to go to the red zone at the airport, and to the clearance there yourselves.
If you are not on the same flight, we will do the customs clearance electronically. If you are moving to Norway – a declaration of import of removal goods must be filled out.
If it’s a commercial import the animal most likely must be in spected by the border veterinary and we need their reference from approved in spection in order to the customs clearance.
Pets should not arrive during weekends or late evening if shipped as cargo (the cargo terminals close at 17:00 hrs)
If the move is non-commercial there will be no VAT or duties. If it’s a commercial move, 25% VAT will be charged from customs.
The animal will stay in the crate at terminal until customs clearance is approved.
Non-commercial pets must arrive between 5 days before or after the owner.
When pets are travelling from countries in the EU/EEA, the animal and necessary documentation must be presented to the Norwegian Customs for checking. Walk/drive through the red zone in the Customs area. When travelling to Norway from Sweden, the animal and documentation need not be shown to the Norwegian Customs if the animal has been kept legally in Sweden and meets all requirements for entry.
Note that there are special regulations for banned dogs, which may not be imported.
If you are bringing more than five animals into Norway, or if you are importing animals for sale or transfer to another owner, read the in formation on the Norwegian Food Safety Authority website about commercial import. If you are bringing more than five animals from the EU/EEA to participate in a competition, and you have documentation to prove this, the animals must satisfy some specific requirements that apply for import of more than five animals for a show or other events.
https://www.toll.no/en/services/forms/importation-of-removal-goods---declaration/
Export notes
Nothing special depend of the receiving country
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
Same as other Countries.
Traveling to Norway with Exotic Animals
https://cites.org/eng/parties/country-profiles/no/domestic-measures
Traveling to Norway with Exotic Animals
Traveling to Norway with caged birds, rodents, and rabbits
Maximum height on domestic flights are 86 cm, which means #700 crates are not loadable. Ground transport can be arranged to several domestic destinations.
No specific requirement from specific areas in Norway
Official contacts
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority
Mattilsynet,
Felles postmottak,
Postboks 383,
2381 Brumunddal, Norway
Tel +47 2240-0000
Fax: +47 2321-6801
E-mail: postmottak@mattilsynet.no
Border in spection post Oslo Airport
Tel +47 6482-0400
Fax +47 6482-0401
E-mail: BIP.Oslo.Lufthavn@mattilsynet.no
Current as of June 2025*For most up to date info see/contact Mattilsynet or the Oslo Border veterinarian as per above.*
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 2025-06-09.
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 Norway
- EUR-Lex - 02021R0404-20210420 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu) eur-lex.europa.eu
- EU-approved lab ec.europa.eu
- Listing of territories and non-EU countries (europa.eu) food.ec.europa.eu
- Veterinary Certificate ec.europa.eu
Questions about moving a pet to Norway
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for Norway?
Microchip and EU-health certificate
From the country profile, last verified 2025-06-09.
What rabies vaccination does Norway require?
Rabies shots are required
Is a rabies antibody (titer) test needed for Norway?
Animal from some countries, see [EUR-Lex - 02021R0404-20210420 - EN - EUR-Lex…
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 Norway?
You must notify the Norwegian District Office about the time and place of arrival at least 48 hours…
Will my pet be quarantined on arrival in Norway?
Not required