Can Dogs Enter Malta Airport?

Malta is a dog-friendly country, with plenty of dog-friendly beaches, bars and restaurants. However, there are several requirements that must be met before travelling to Malta with a dog. These include obtaining the necessary paperwork, such as an EU pet passport or health certificate, ensuring your dog has had the necessary vaccinations and treatments, and following the rules of the specific airline you are travelling with. It is also important to be aware of the rules and guidelines that must be followed once in Malta, such as keeping your dog on a leash at all times.

Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and cannot be left unattended

When visiting Malta with your dog, it's important to keep them on a leash at all times and never leave them unattended. This rule applies to all areas of the airport terminal, so you'll need to keep your dog by your side and supervise them throughout your time there.

Malta International Airport is a dog-friendly terminal, but it's important to follow the rules to ensure the safety and comfort of your dog and other travellers. Keeping your dog on a leash is a crucial part of this, as it ensures your dog doesn't wander off and get lost, or approach other dogs or travellers without permission.

Leaving your dog unattended could be stressful for them and cause them to become anxious or agitated. It could also be dangerous, as airports are busy places with lots of people and luggage moving around, and your dog could get hurt or cause an obstruction. Keeping your dog on a leash and by your side will ensure they are safe and secure, and it will give you peace of mind too.

In addition to keeping your dog on a leash and supervised, there are several other important steps you must take before and during your travel to Malta with your dog. Firstly, you'll need to ensure your dog has had all the necessary tests, treatments and vaccinations, including a rabies vaccination and a tapeworm treatment. You'll also need to obtain the correct paperwork, such as an EU Pet Passport or a health certificate, and make sure your dog is microchipped.

When booking your travel, be sure to inform the airline that you'll be travelling with your dog, and check that they accept pets. Some airlines have specific requirements for pets, such as maximum weight limits and carrier dimensions. It's also important to note that pet fees are often non-refundable.

Once you've arrived in Malta, there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches, bars and restaurants to explore with your furry friend. Just remember to keep them on that leash and clean up after them!

Dogs must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies

When travelling with a dog to Malta, it is important to ensure that your dog is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. This is a requirement for obtaining a pet passport or health certificate, which is necessary for travelling with your dog.

A microchip is important as it ties your dog to its documentation when entering a foreign country. Additionally, if your dog is lost or separated from you during travel, a microchip significantly increases the chances of being reunited with your pet. The microchip must be a non-encrypted, 15-digit pet microchip that complies with International Standards Organization (ISO) standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785. It should be implanted by a veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or a trained nurse, who will provide documentation and instructions on how to register your dog's microchip.

Rabies vaccination is required for dogs over 12 weeks of age entering Malta and must be administered at the same time or after the microchip is implanted. If entering Malta from another EU Member State, your dog must wait 21 days after the rabies vaccination before travelling, unless a booster vaccination was just administered. If entering Malta from an unlisted third country, dogs must wait for 30 days after the rabies vaccination before a licensed veterinarian can administer a rabies titer test. This test measures the rabies antibodies in your dog's blood and must be conducted at an approved laboratory. Assuming the test results are within acceptable limits, your dog can enter Malta three calendar months after the date the blood was drawn for the test and avoid quarantine.

It is important to note that the rabies titer test is not required if your dog is entering Malta from another EU Member State, part 1 or 2 listed third country. However, if your dog has entered an unlisted third country within the past four months, the test may be necessary.

To obtain a pet passport or health certificate, contact your local vet and inform them of your plans to travel abroad with your dog. They will guide you through the necessary tests and procedures. The cost of a dog passport in the UK ranges from £80 to £150, excluding any additional vaccination costs.

A vet inspection is required on arrival

When travelling with dogs to Malta, one of the key things to be aware of is that a vet inspection is required upon arrival at the airport. This mandatory check is an important step to ensure the health and safety of all animals entering the country and should be factored into your travel plans. Here's what you need to know about the process:

Upon landing at Malta International Airport with your dog, you will need to present your pet to a veterinary official for inspection. This inspection is a standard procedure and is designed to protect the health of both animals and humans in Malta. The vet will check your dog's health and ensure it is free from any diseases or pests that could pose a risk to Malta's animal population. It is important that you cooperate with the veterinary officials and have your dog readily accessible for examination.

To facilitate a smooth process, ensure you have all the necessary documentation for your dog readily available. This includes a valid EU pet passport or equivalent, which details your dog's vaccination history and any relevant health information. The passport should be up to date and reflect any recent treatments or check-ups. Additionally, your dog should be microchipped, and the chip should be scanned during the inspection to confirm the identity of your pet and ensure all information is correct and matches the records.

The veterinary inspection will focus on several key aspects of your dog's health. The vet will check for visible signs of illness or injury, including examining your dog's eyes, ears, nose, and coat for any abnormalities. They will also check your dog's microchip to ensure it is functional and properly implanted. A crucial part of the inspection is verifying that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies and that the vaccination is still valid. Other vaccinations may also be checked to ensure your dog is protected against common canine diseases.

It is important to note that if your dog is found to have any health issues or lacks the necessary vaccinations, you may be asked to take corrective actions. This could include providing additional treatments, vaccinations, or even a period of quarantine for your dog. These measures are in place to safeguard the health of all animals and prevent the spread of diseases. Therefore, it is essential that you ensure your dog is in good health and has all the required vaccinations up to date before your arrival in Malta.

Dogs must be treated for tapeworm 1-5 days before arrival

If you're travelling to Malta with a dog, there are a few important things to know. Firstly, Malta is a dog-friendly country, with many dog-friendly beaches, bars, and restaurants. However, there are some specific requirements that must be met before your dog can enter the country.

One of the most important things to note is that dogs must be treated for tapeworm between one and five days before entering Malta. This treatment must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and recorded on your dog's health certificate or passport. If you are travelling from the United Kingdom, Finland, Ireland, or Norway, this tapeworm treatment is not required.

In addition to the tapeworm treatment, there are several other tests and vaccinations that your dog must have before travelling to Malta. These include a primary or booster vaccination for rabies, which must be administered at least 21 days before entering the country. If your dog is from a high-rabies country, a rabies titer test must also be performed at least 30 days after the primary or booster vaccination. This test measures the rabies antibodies in your dog's blood and must be conducted by an approved laboratory.

Your dog must also be microchipped before travelling to Malta. This is important for identifying your dog and can increase the chances of being reunited if your dog is lost during travel. The microchip should be a non-encrypted, 15-digit microchip that complies with International Standards Organization (ISO) standards.

To enter Malta, your dog will need a health certificate or an EU Pet Passport, depending on your country of origin. The health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and include all the necessary tests and vaccinations. It is recommended to contact your local vet to enquire about the specific requirements and costs for obtaining these documents.

Certain dog breeds are banned in Malta

Yes, dogs are allowed in Malta International Airport. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times and must not be left unattended.

While Malta is a dog-friendly country, there are certain dog breeds that are banned in the country due to safety concerns. Here is a list of dog breeds that are restricted in Malta:

• American Bandogge/Bandogge Mastiff
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Bull Terrier (Miniature)
• Cane Corso/Neapolitan Mastiff
• Dogo Argentino/Cordoba Fighting Dog
• Fila Brasileiro/Brazilian Mastiff
• Perro de Presa Canario/Canary Dog/Presa Canarios
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

These breeds are banned to ensure the safety of the public and to provide a safe environment for other dogs. It is important to note that this policy may inconvenience some dog owners, but it is implemented to maintain public safety and well-being. Malta has a high population density, so measures like this are taken to prevent incidents and promote peaceful coexistence between dogs and people.

Additionally, when travelling to Malta with a dog, there are specific requirements that need to be met. These include an EU pet passport or equivalent paperwork, proof of rabies vaccination, and a vet inspection upon arrival. It is also mandatory to notify the authorities at least three working days before arrival, and the dog must be wormed by a vet between five days and 24 hours before entering the country. These requirements are in place to ensure the health and safety of all animals and people in Malta.

Frequently asked questions