EU rules for traveling with dogs and cats
Entry with a dog from Sweden to Norway:
Private travel
When you travel between Sweden and Norway with a dog, whether it is often or as a holiday, weekend, day or shopping trip, it is important to follow the current rules. Here is an overview of what is required for entry into Norway with a dog from Sweden. The rules cover private travel, also known as "non-commercial movement of pets," and apply to all types of border crossings.
Table of contents
Microchip, passport and number of dogs
The dog must be ID marked with an approved microchip.
It must have an EU pet passport, issued by an authorized veterinarian in Norway or another EU/EEA country. The passport must be signed by you as the owner. Dogs that have only been to Sweden do not need a rabies vaccine.
You can bring up to five dogs on your trip, and they must be your own animals. If you are traveling with more than five animals, or cannot travel with your dog yourself, different rules apply.
Deworming – General rule
The dog must be treated against the parasite *fox dwarf tapeworm* (Echinococcus multilocularis) before entering Norway:
- The treatment must take place between 24 and 120 hours before entry.
- It must be carried out by an authorized veterinarian in the EU/EEA, and documented in the EU pet passport.
- The treatment must be with a preparation containing praziquantel or epsiprantel.
Although it is not a requirement, in some cases the Norwegian Food Safety Authority recommends that the dog receive additional treatment after it is back in Norway. This applies in those cases where the dog has been treated more than 24 hours before it arrives in Norway, and it has also stayed in forest and fields after the treatment.
Deworming during a day trip or weekend trip
If you are going on a day trip or weekend trip to Sweden, three treatments against fox tapeworm are required:
1. Two treatments at an authorized veterinarian in Norway or Sweden, with a maximum of 28 days between each treatment.
2. A third treatment no later than 28 days after the second, when you are back in Norway.
The vet must document all treatments in the EU passport, including the time of each treatment.
Deworming for frequent travelers – the 28-day rule
For those who cross the border frequently, you can use the 28-day rule.
This involves:
- Two treatments on different dates within 28 days.
- Further treatment must take place at least every 28 days to maintain the effect.
- All treatments must be documented in the EU pet passport.
This is a solution for frequent travelers, e.g. those who have a cabin in another EU/EEA country.
Border control
If the dog meets the requirements, you can pass through the green zone at the border control. When traveling by air, you must always go to the red zone. The green zone can only be used if the dog:
- Has a valid ID microchip.
- Has an EU pet passport.
- Has documented treatment against the fox's dwarf tapeworm.
Even if the requirements are met, customs officials may ask to see the dog and its documents.
Exceptions to border control
You must use the red zone if:
You arrive by plane, as customs officials cannot know which country you are from.
You have been to countries other than Sweden before entering Norway.
Travel by bus or train
When traveling by bus or train, the dog must only have been in Sweden before entering Norway. This is because the red zone at the border crossing is not available on buses or trains.
For more detailed guidelines, it is recommended to consult the regulations at The Norwegian Food Safety Authority og Jordbruksverket.
Rules for entry into Sweden
If you are traveling from Norway to Sweden with a dog, you must follow the Swedish rules found in the guide *Travel guide for dogs and cats to Sweden* on the Swedish Agency for Agriculture's website.
Entry with a dog from Denmark to Norway:
Passport, chip and worming:
The dog must be ID-tagged with an approved microchip, have a valid EU pet passport issued by an authorized veterinarian, and it must be treated against fox tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) between 24 and 120 hours before entry to Norway. The treatment must be documented in the passport.
Rabies vaccine
All dogs must have a valid rabies vaccine before entering Norway.
Age: The animal must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccine.
ID marking: The animal must be ID marked with a microchip before the rabies vaccine can be given.
Validity of the vaccine: When the dog receives its first rabies vaccine, you must wait 21 days before the vaccine is considered valid.
Revaccination: If you vaccinate the dog again while the previous rabies vaccine is still valid, the new vaccine takes effect immediately without waiting.
Expired vaccine: If the previous vaccination has expired, you must again wait 21 days after revaccination before entry is permitted.
Documentation: The rabies vaccine must be documented in the dog's EU pet passport or in an EU health certificate, and it must be administered by an authorized veterinarian who follows the manufacturer's recommendations for vaccination.
Countries with exceptions to the deworming rule
Dogs traveling directly to Norway from Finland, Malta or Ireland are exempt from the requirement for treatment against the parasite *fox dwarf tapeworm* (Echinococcus multilocularis).
This exception applies because the parasite is not found in Finland, Malta or Ireland, and thus there is no risk of the dog becoming infected in these countries. However, it is important that the dog has received the necessary treatment before traveling into countries where the parasite may be present.