Sweden
Sweden lies on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe, bordering Norway and Finland, with coastlines along the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Bothnia. As an EU member state, it follows the EU’s harmonized framework for pet entry, with no breed restrictions and no parasite treatments required to enter.
At a Glance
Sweden, as an EU member state, requires an EU Health Certificate and rabies vaccination for pet entry. No blood test or quarantine is required for pets arriving from EU or low-risk rabies countries.
📋
Health Certificate
Required
🔬
Blood Test
High-risk origins only
📄
Import Permit
Not required
🐾
Min. Age
15 weeks (7 months if high-risk origin)
⏱
Min. Prep Time
3–4 weeks (longer if high-risk origin)
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
Minimum Age
Pets must be at least 15 weeks old to enter from EU or listed countries (12 weeks minimum for rabies vaccination, plus the 21-day wait). Pets from unlisted (high-risk) countries must be at least 7 months old, due to the additional titer test and waiting period.
Microchip Before Vaccination
The ISO-compliant microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination — a vaccine given first means revaccination is required. If the chip isn’t 15-digit, a compatible scanner must travel with the pet. Legible tattoos from before July 3, 2011 are also accepted.
Rabies Vaccination
Given by a licensed vet after 12 weeks of age, with a 21-day wait before travel for pets from EU or listed countries. Pets vaccinated with Nobivac specifically need a 30-day wait instead. Booster vaccinations skip the wait if continuity with the previous vaccination is proven.
Rabies Titer Test — High-Risk Origins Only
Required only for pets that have been in an unlisted (high-risk) country within 4 months of entering Sweden. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination, with a result greater than 0.5 IU/ml, and the pet can enter no sooner than 3 months after the sample is drawn. Pets only transiting an unlisted country without leaving the airport or transport vehicle are exempt, with an owner’s declaration confirming this.
EU Health Certificate
Required for pets entering the EU from outside. Must be stamped at a designated Entry Point — Arlanda Airport is Sweden’s Entry Point — within 10 days of issuance. Only once stamped there is it valid for further EU travel, for up to 4 months or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first. TRACES system tracking applies for pets being purchased from EU countries or travelling outside 5 days of their owner.
EU Pet Passport — For Onward Travel
Can substitute for the Health Certificate for non-commercial transport only if the pet’s current rabies vaccination was administered in the EU and remains valid. Otherwise, not used for the initial entry into the EU.
Customs Clearance
Required for all animals from all countries, handled at a designated “red point” in the customs area rather than through a formal broker. A customs broker isn’t required for non-commercial transport.
Vaccinations
Only rabies is mandatory. Other vaccinations are optional, though a Bordetella vaccination is recommended if the pet will be around other animals during transit or kenneling.
Number of Pets
A maximum of 5 pets per person under the non-commercial route. Travelling with 6 or more pets, or without the owner travelling within 5 days of the pet, classifies the move as commercial and requires the commercial health certificate and TRACES registration instead.
🐛 No tick or tapeworm treatment is required to enter Sweden itself — but dogs continuing on to neighbouring Norway will need a tapeworm treatment for that leg of the trip.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
This is the standard timeline for most origins. Pets travelling from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test step and a longer overall timeline — see Key Requirements above.
1
Microchip Implanted
Before rabies vaccination
2
Rabies Vaccination
At least 21 days before travel (30 if Nobivac)
3
Titer Test (high-risk origins only)
30 days after vaccination; 3-month wait before entry
4
EU Health Certificate Stamped
Within 10 days at Arlanda Entry Point
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats and dogs need a tapeworm treatment for Sweden?
No — Sweden doesn’t require tick or tapeworm treatment for entry. This only becomes relevant if your dog is continuing on to Norway, which has its own treatment requirement.
Do I need an EU Pet Passport to travel to Sweden?
Not for the initial trip from outside the EU — you need an EU Health Certificate instead. A Pet Passport can substitute only if your pet’s rabies vaccination was already given in the EU and is still valid.
Are there breed restrictions in Sweden?
No — Sweden has no breed-specific legislation.
Is there quarantine in Sweden?
No quarantine required for compliant pets travelling within the EU framework.
Do I need a blood test for my pet to enter Sweden?
Only if your pet has been in an unlisted (high-risk) country within 4 months of entering Sweden. In that case, a rabies titer test is mandatory, with entry only possible at least 3 months after the blood sample is drawn. A certified agent can confirm your origin country’s status →
Do requirements differ depending on where my pet is travelling from?
Yes. Pets from EU or listed countries only need standard vaccination and a health certificate, with no blood test and no quarantine. Pets that have been in an unlisted (high-risk) country within 4 months of entry need an additional titer test at least 30 days after vaccination, plus a 3-month wait before entry, and must be at least 7 months old.
Which major airports have direct flights to Sweden?
Stockholm Arlanda is the main entry point and Sweden’s designated Entry Point for pets arriving from outside the EU. Direct flight availability depends on your departure country — check with a certified agent for your specific route.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet to Sweden?
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⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.