🐾 Travelling to Norway with a pet: what documents are required and how to prepare

Travelling with a pet is not only pleasant company, but also additional hassle. Entry into Norway with an animal is strictly regulated: you must prepare a specific set of documents in advance and comply with vaccination and treatment requirements. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the documents and procedures required for travelling with a pet to Norway, answer the 10 most frequently asked questions from pet owners and provide links to sections of our blog: ‘Useful tips for tourists’, ‘Medicine & insurance’, ‘Transport, roads, car rental’ and other categories.

❓10 FAQs about travelling to Norway with pets

1. What documents are required to enter Norway with an animal?

To travel to Norway with a dog or cat, you must prepare the following documents:

• International veterinary passport of the established form.
• Microchipping of the animal (microchip standard ISO 11784/11785).
• Rabies vaccination, given no earlier than 21 days before the trip.
• EU veterinary certificate (issued by a veterinarian no earlier than 5 days before crossing the border).
• Dogs must also be treated for worms (echinococcosis) 24–120 hours before entering Norway.

Please note that all entries must be made by a veterinarian and certified with a stamp. You can also take out insurance for your pet, which is recommended for travelling abroad. For more information about the documents, see the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

2. Do I need to microchip my pet before travelling to Norway?

Yes, microchipping is a mandatory requirement for entry into Norway and other European Union countries. An ISO 11784/11785 microchip is implanted under the pet's skin. The microchipping procedure can be performed at any veterinary clinic. The chip is required for animal identification and must be indicated in the international veterinary passport and veterinary certificate. Without a chip, border guards will not allow your pet to enter the country. Be sure to check that the chip details are entered correctly in your pet's passport before you travel. For more information on microchipping and other documents, see the ‘Useful tips for travellers’ section.

3. How to prepare for a trip to Norway with an animal?

Start preparing for your trip with your pet 1–2 months before departure. The main steps are as follows:

• Check or microchip your pet (if it does not already have one).
• Get your pet vaccinated against rabies (at least 21 days before departure).
• Obtain an international veterinary passport.
• Book pet-friendly accommodation and check the conditions for staying with your pet.
• Obtain an EU veterinary certificate (issued by a veterinarian) 5 days before your trip.
• If you have a dog, have it treated for worms 1–5 days before crossing the border.

You can find useful tips for travelling with animals in the ‘Useful tips for travellers’ section.

4. Can I take my pet on a ferry or plane to Norway?

Yes, animals can travel to Norway by ferry and plane, but you must comply with the carrier's rules.

Small animals (up to 8 kg including the carrier) are often allowed to travel in the cabin on planes, while larger pets are only allowed in the cargo hold. Carriers require advance booking of a place for the animal and payment of a special fee. Ferries usually have special areas and cabins for travellers with animals. Always check the carrier's rules in advance and book seats for pets as early as possible. For more information on transport with animals, see the section ‘Transport, roads, car rental’.

5. Is there a quarantine for animals when entering Norway?

There is no quarantine for pets from the EU and other European countries when entering Norway, provided that all veterinary requirements (microchipping, vaccinations, certificates, deworming) are met. However, if any violations are found in the documents at the border, the animal may be sent back or placed in quarantine at your expense. Therefore, carefully check all documents before travelling and follow the recommendations of veterinarians. For detailed information on the rules for importing animals, please refer to the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

6. Where can I stay with my pet in Norway?

Many hotels, campsites and apartments in Norway accept travellers with pets. There is usually an additional charge for pets. Popular pet-friendly hotel chains include Scandic, Radisson Blu and Clarion, as well as campsites and rorbu cabins, which often allow pets. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, indicating that you have a pet to avoid problems on arrival. For tips on booking accommodation, see the section ‘Accommodation and lodging’.

7. What vaccinations are required for animals entering Norway?

A rabies vaccination is mandatory for entry into Norway and must be administered no later than 21 days before crossing the border. Other vaccinations (e.g. against distemper, canine hepatitis and other diseases) are recommended but not officially required for entry. However, for the safety of your pet, it is better to follow the recommendations of veterinarians and have all standard vaccinations done. For useful tips on vaccinating pets, see the section ‘Medicine & Insurance’.

8. What should I do if my pet falls ill in Norway?

If your pet falls ill during your trip, contact the nearest veterinary clinic. Medical care for animals in Norway is of a high standard, but it is not free. To avoid high costs, it is advisable to take out insurance for your pet before travelling. This will cover a significant part of the veterinary costs. For more information on pet insurance, see the section on ‘Medicine & Insurance’.

9. Can I walk my dog freely in Norway?

Yes, you can, but there are rules: from 1 April to 20 August, dogs must be kept on a leash in public places and natural areas due to the breeding season for wild animals. In cities, you must clean up after your pet.

For more details, see the section ‘Safety, sustainable tourism and accessibility’.

10. What should I do if I lose my pet's documents in Norway?

Contact your vet for a duplicate of the documents and inform your country's consulate about the situation. For more information, see the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

With the right preparation, you can travel around Norway with your pet in peace and enjoy the country's magnificent nature and hospitality.