What do you need to bring a dog or cat to Finland?
The documents, vaccination and the Finnish tapeworm rule for dogs.
Short answer
From an EU country, a dog, cat or ferret needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport. Dogs must also be treated against the Echinococcus tapeworm by a vet 24 to 120 hours, that is 1 to 5 days, before crossing into Finland, and the vet marks it in the passport. Cats and ferrets do not need the treatment.
Why
- The Finnish Food Authority says the anti-echinococcus treatment is only required of dogs.
- According to the Food Authority, the medicine must be given 24 to 120 hours before crossing the Finnish border.
- Dogs travelling directly from Norway, Ireland or Malta are exempt from the treatment, the Food Authority says.
Details
The treatment cannot be given at the border just before crossing. Pets from Norway and Switzerland need a third-country pet passport, and there are no breed import restrictions in Finland.
Tip
Book the vet visit for the tapeworm treatment before you book the ferry. Arriving too early or too late after the treatment means the dog does not meet the rule.
What may differ
Pets from outside the EU need a health certificate and, depending on the country, a rabies antibody test. Check the Food Authority search engine for your country.
Common misconception
Pets coming to Finland have to go into quarantine.
What actually happens
There is no quarantine if the papers, chip, vaccination and treatment are in order.
People also ask
- Does my dog need a tapeworm treatment for Finland?
- Can I bring my cat to Finland from Sweden?
- Is there pet quarantine in Finland?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Animal import rules can change, so check the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) before you travel.
Visas and Entry Regulations (Schengen)Related questions
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How much money do you need to show to enter Finland?
For a Finnish Schengen visa, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs sets the minimum funds at 50 euros per day of stay.
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Do you need travel insurance for Finland?
For visa applicants it is mandatory.
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Are there border checks between Finland, Sweden and Norway?
Normally there are no checks.
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Do you need a passport for the ferry between Helsinki and Tallinn?
Yes, you need a valid travel document even though there is usually no border check.