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Poland pet travel requirements
for dogs, cats, and ferrets

Poland applies EU pet travel rules and requires a bilingual AHC for pets from outside the EU/EEA. No tapeworm treatment required.

Rabies 21-day rule EU Pet Passport Bilingual cert (non-EU)

Last reviewed: April 2026

What your pet needs for Poland entry

  1. 1

    Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

    Must be implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination.

  2. 2

    Rabies vaccination — 21-day wait for primary vaccines

    Boosters given within validity have no wait. Lapsed boosters restart the 21-day clock.

  3. 3

    EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

    EU/EEA-origin pets need a valid EU Pet Passport; arrivals from other countries need a government-endorsed AHC issued within 10 days of travel.

Source: European Commission — Non-commercial movement of pet animals (EU Reg. 576/2013), last confirmed April 2026.

Check your compliance

Vaccination type

The date the rabies vaccine was administered

When you plan to cross the border with your pet

Pet type

Travelling to Poland with your pet

Poland is a large Central/Eastern European country with growing appeal as a travel destination — from Kraków's medieval architecture to the Tatra Mountains and the Masurian Lakes. Poland applies EU Regulation 576/2013 for non-commercial pet travel. For intra-EU travel, a valid EU Pet Passport with current rabies vaccination covers all requirements.

Pets from outside the EU/EEA need a government-endorsed AHC — and Poland requires a bilingual version (Polish and English). No tapeworm treatment, no pre-arrival notification for standard movements, and no quarantine for compliant pets. The Chief Veterinary Inspectorate (Główny Inspektorat Weterynarii) is the competent authority.

Poland's eastern borders (with Belarus and Ukraine) are designated EU external borders — documentary inspections are thorough at these crossings.

Frequently asked questions

Does Poland require tapeworm treatment for dogs?
No. Poland has no tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment requirement. Tapeworm treatment is only required at five European destinations: Great Britain, Ireland, Finland, Norway, and Malta.
What bilingual format does Poland require for the Animal Health Certificate?
Poland requires the AHC in Polish and English. UK pet owners applying through APHA should request the Poland-specific bilingual format. Your official vet submits via TRACES and should confirm the bilingual version is included before signing off.
Are there breed restrictions for dogs entering Poland?
Poland does not maintain a national ban list for imported dog breeds. Domestic Polish law classifies certain breeds as aggressive dogs (psy agresywne) requiring specific registration and insurance, but this applies to resident dogs — not visiting pets.

Related resources

Rabies 21-Day Rule Calculator

Standalone rabies timing check for all EU/UK destinations

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