Bringing your animals to the Algarve

Make sure your pet is correctly identified before travelling. For dogs, cats and ferrets, the microchip must be in place before—or on the same date as—the rabies vaccination. Done the other way round, the vaccination doesn't count and has to be repeated.

A first rabies vaccination normally requires a 21-day wait before travel. Your animal must be microchipped before the rabies vaccination.

EU moves generally require a valid rabies vaccination, identification and an EU Pet Passport. Arrivals from outside the EU may also need an official health certificate, and some countries require a rabies antibody test and additional waiting period.

Meeting Portugal's entry requirements does not automatically meet your airline, ferry or other transport provider's rules. Check carrier requirements for animals, including booking, carriers, weight limits and cabin or other travel arrangements, well before departure. Road and ferry routes suit nervous animals, horses and large groups.

For non-commercial arrivals from outside the EU, DGAV* currently requires the owner/authorised person to contact the relevant Travellers' Point of Entry, with the contact made as early as possible and at least 48 hours before arrival.

*DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária) is Portugal’s government authority responsible for animal health and welfare, veterinary matters, food safety and related regulations.

After arrival, give your pet time to adjust, find a local veterinarian and ask about SIAC registration. Dogs and cats arriving from abroad generally need to be registered in SIAC if they remain in Portugal for 120 days or more.