What do I need to bring my dog or cat to Norway?
Microchip, rabies, tapeworm treatment, customs and stricter rules from outside the EU.
Short answer
Dogs and cats from EU/EEA countries need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a pet passport, and dogs also need tapeworm treatment by a vet 24–120 hours before arrival. Cats need no tapeworm treatment. Animals from outside the EU/EEA may also need a rabies antibody test. At customs you normally use the red channel.
Why
- Mattilsynet requires the rabies vaccine to be given when the animal is at least 12 weeks old, and the vaccination is valid from 21 days after it is completed.
- The tapeworm treatment must contain praziquantel and be recorded by the vet in the pet passport, but dogs coming directly from Finland, Malta, Ireland or Northern Ireland are exempt.
- Tolletaten says you must go through the red channel with a pet, except when you travel directly from Sweden with your papers in order.
Details
Animals that travel only between Norway and Sweden need no rabies vaccination, but dogs still need the tapeworm treatment, even for a day trip. Dogs that cross often can follow the 28-day rule: at least two treatments before travelling, at most 28 days apart, and then regular treatments no more than 28 days apart. One person can bring up to five dogs, cats or ferrets on a non-commercial trip. Animals from unlisted countries outside the EU/EEA can enter only through Oslo Airport or Storskog, and Mattilsynet should be notified at least 48 hours before arrival.
Tip
Book the vet visit for the tapeworm treatment around your arrival time, because a treatment given less than 24 or more than 120 hours before you enter Norway does not count.
What may differ
Rules are stricter from countries outside the EU/EEA, including Great Britain: the animal usually needs an animal health certificate, and from unlisted countries a rabies antibody test taken at least three months before entry. Some dog breeds are classed as dangerous and need a special permit from the police.
Common misconception
A dog on a short trip to Sweden needs no tapeworm treatment when it comes back.
What actually happens
Tolletaten says your dog must be treated against the fox dwarf tapeworm by a vet even if you are only going on a day trip or a weekend stay.
People also ask
- What are the rules for bringing a dog to Norway?
- What are the rules for bringing a cat to Norway?
- Does a dog need tapeworm treatment before entering Norway?
- Does my dog need tapeworm treatment before entering Norway?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) before you travel.
Travelling to Norway with a petRelated questions
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Does Norway have a working holiday visa?
Norway gives working holiday permits only to young citizens of six countries: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Andorra and Canada.
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Do I need to stop at customs when driving into Norway from Sweden?
When you drive into Norway from Sweden, you only need to stop at customs if you have goods over the quota or value limit to declare.
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What happens if I bring more than the duty-free quota into Norway?
If you declare the goods over the quota and pay the duty, you keep them, but undeclared goods found by customs lead to a fine and are confiscated.
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How do I declare goods at Norwegian customs?
You declare goods either in Tolletaten's Kvoteappen before you reach the border or in the red channel at a staffed customs office, where you pay the duty.