by Cenap Turgut 
How to Bring Pets to Northern Cyprus – Top 5 Tips
How to Bring Pets to Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus belongs to one of the largest islands of the Mediterranean, which lies between the intersection of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Many people prefer to move to Cyprus due to its suitable weather conditions the whole year and great working opportunities for the young people.
However, relocating to an entirely new country and setting up everything from scratch is very difficult. Things become even more challenging if you have a little companions who are as dear to you as your family member.
Thus, I hope this content is helpful for you if you are planning to move to Cyprus shortly with a pet. Go through the article below for advice on the requirements and rules to bring pets into Northern Cyprus.
Can I take my dog and Cat to Northern Cyprus?
According to the TRNC Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, pets such as dogs can enter Northern Cyprus with proper documentation. The required documents include:
- A valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.
- Proof of rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before entry.
- An import permit obtained from the TRNC Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
It is important to note that the TRNC authorities may conduct a visual inspection and health examination of the animal upon arrival. Additionally, there may be additional requirements or restrictions depending on the country of origin and the breed of the dog.
Therefore, it is recommended that you check with the relevant authorities, such as the TRNC Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources or the embassy of Northern Cyprus in your country, to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information before traveling with your dog to Northern Cyprus.
Requirements to Bring Pets to Northern Cyprus
As the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is not part of the EU it cannot be included in the Pet Passport Travel Scheme (P.E.T.S.) therefore alternative documents are required.
It is important that you ensure you are completing the correct documentation for the TRNC which is very different from what is required for the Republic of Cyprus (Cyprus).
Basic Obligations for Cats and Dogs
- Every cat or dog owner who wishes to import their pet to North Cyprus must individually identify them with a 15 digit microchip. This must be administered by your vet prior to obtaining the Rabies Serology Titre Test so that the test is unique to your cat or dog.
- Your pet must own a ‘pet passport’ or veterinary vaccination book with a Rabies vaccination. The vaccination must be done 30 days before entry to Cyprus. However, it must not be old as 12 months.
- The pet must also have a Rabies Serology Titre Test PASS Certificate regardless of the country of origin if it is entering the TRNC.
- The cat or dog must also have been vaccinated and had the booster doses of the following vaccinations to certify they are safe for traveling and entering Northern Cyprus:
For Dogs:
- Parvo
- Hepatitis
- Leptospira
- Distemper
For Cats:
- Feline Influenza
- Feline Enteritis
- Pets should have a health examination 48 hours prior to export and will need a Health Certificate issued by DEFRA or by the authority in the Country of departure. Your own vet can help you with this. However, if you are entering Northern Cyprus through the sea route, the official might increase the certificate’s validity time to ensure it is still valid when you reach Cyprus. Please check this before departure from your country.
- A TRNC issued Import License is also required.
Any cat or dog arriving who does not comply with all of the entry requirements will be subject to TRNC quarantine (at the owners expense) and the owner may be fined.
What if the Documentation is not Completed?
If you have landed in North Cyprus with your pet but fail to satisfy the TRNC government with the pet papers, you can be in trouble.
The authorities reserve all the rights to send the pet back to the respective country and all the expenses will be charged to the transportation company.
However, if the pet owner doesn’t want to send it back, they have to complete a three-month quarantine period at the owner’s expense. The Veterinary Service Director will define the place for the quarantine.
The pet owner will pay for food, vaccinations, and medical tests. In addition, the owner will be obliged to pay the quarantine fee.
How to bring your pet to Northern Cyprus
From some countries you will be allowed to take your pet in the cabin of the plane with you.
You will need to check with the airline to ensure you meet their regulations and restrictions.
Alternatively they can travel in the hold of the plane when you travel to the TRNC, or you can send them via cargo handling.
Turkish Airlines are the most popular airline for pet travel to the TRNC, and are very helpful with regards to booking your pet onto the flight.
Kyrenia Animal Rescue (KAR) have a specialised Pet Travel Department who can offer advice and even assist with the booking and paperwork.
They have a LOT of experience with pets traveling to and from North Cyprus and can advise on the latest rules and regulations. Their advice is not limited to cats and dogs but also to more exotic pets or larger animals such as horses.
It is essential that if you are bringing an animal into the TRNC you take advice from qualified people and not from a friend of a friend. Some people are not aware of all the rules and it could be a very costly and heartbreaking mistake if you do not have the correct paperwork etc… An example of this was someone who was told their dogs needed rabies vaccinations but did not tell them they should also have the Rabies Serology Titre Test. Thinking they were ready to travel, at the last minute they found out they did not have the correct paperwork and would have to wait for the Titre Test result.
Boarding your Pet
Another area to consider is boarding your pet when it arrives in the TRNC.
Will you be able to take your pet straight to your accommodation? Will it be ready to move in? If not, or if there is building work ongoing, then you need to consider boarding facilities for your pet until such time as it is safe to take them to your new home. Again, KAR Pet Travel department can help as they have a list of reputable boarding facilities and can assist with booking them in. There are many more boarding facilities now and also several pet sitters who can assist. It is important to ensure they are kept in a safe and secure environment because they will be nervous, and new to this country so could easily get lost if they manage to escape. If possible contact the boarding facilities before you book, and ask to see photos of the place. See if they are recommended on local forums. Remember this is a member of your family and you want the best for them.
Registering with a local vet
We are blessed with many more veterinary clinics these days and much more advanced technology.
Girne District has probably the most veterinary clinics but there are also excellent facilities in Lefkosa (Nicosia), Famagusta, and even the Near East Animal Hospital.
Ensure you register your pet with your local vet as soon as possible. If you are unsure of which vet to use, again local forums are a good place to start as recommendation is usually a good sign.
Google search will list most of the popular clinics in your area.
Bottom Line- How to Bring Pets to Northern Cyprus
Carrying pets to northern Cyprus is not a difficult option if you have completed all the requirements and documentation. However, it might take time for the pets to adjust to new weather and place.
Emigrating to a new destination with a pet is equally challenging for both the pet and its owner as they have to bear all the changes and adjust accordingly. But if you have made your decision, you can go through it. May you and your little companion stay safe in Northern Cyprus!
Useful Contact Links
The following links are to organizations who can advise you on current rules and regulations and assist with paperwork.
Please be very careful about using private individuals who claim to be able to assist with importing or exporting animals to the TRNC, they are often not qualified to do this and can create a LOT of problems for you when you arrive.
Kyrenia Animal Rescue Pet Travel Department
https://www.kartrnc.org/pet-travel/
Turkish Airlines
https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/any-questions/traveling-with-pets/fees-for-carrying-pets/
KKTC Veteriner Dairesi (TRNC Veterinary Department)
https://www.facebook.com/KKTC-Veteriner-Dairesi-1414502215438440/
Written by Yasmin
North Cyprus dog and pet rescue
There are several animal shelters and rescue organizations in Northern Cyprus that focus on rescuing, caring for, and rehoming dogs. Here are a few names and places where you can find them:
- KAR – Kyrenia Animal Rescue: KAR is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs and other animals in the Kyrenia area of Northern Cyprus. They operate a shelter, which houses dogs and cats, and offer adoption services. Website: https://kyreniaanimalrescue.org/
- Lapta Belediyesi Hayvan Barınağı: This is a municipal animal shelter located in Lapta, a town in Northern Cyprus. They rescue and care for stray dogs and other animals in the area. Website: http://www.laptabelediyesihayvanbarinagi.org/
- Girne Belediyesi Hayvan Barınağı: This is another municipal animal shelter located in Girne, a city in Northern Cyprus. They rescue and care for stray dogs and other animals in the area. Website: https://www.girnebelediyesihayvanbarinagi.com/
- Famagusta Animal Shelter: This is a non-profit animal shelter located in Famagusta, a city in Northern Cyprus. They rescue and care for abandoned and abused dogs and other animals in the area. Website: https://famagustaanimalshelter.com/
- Nicosia Dog Shelter: This is a privately run dog shelter located in Nicosia, the capital city of Northern Cyprus. They rescue and care for abandoned and abused dogs and offer adoption services. Website: https://www.facebook.com/nicosiadogshelter/
It’s important to note that there may be other smaller shelters and rescues in Northern Cyprus that are not listed here. If you are interested in supporting or volunteering with an animal rescue organization in Northern Cyprus, it’s recommended that you do some research and contact the organizations directly to find out how you can help.
