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Download Application for Import License

FACT SHEET ON IMPORTING PETS FROM THE UK TO NORTH CYPRUS
(INCLUDES OTHER EU COUNTRIES)

The following are the procedures involved in bringing a pet cat or dog to North Cyprus from the United Kingdom, to the best of our knowledge.  In order to keep our information up to date, we would welcome feedback from pet owners who have gone through the process – we would be very interested in any advice or additional information you have.

We would also be very grateful for any pet travel boxes you no longer need, and  are always happy to accept donations to support our work with the animals of North Cyprus.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

1)     Export Health Certificate issued by DEFRA UK

Accompanies all dogs and cats exported from the UK.  Contact the Animal Health Divisional Office (AHDO) that covers your area, for an application form. When you return it they will send out a certificate to your nominated “official veterinarian” who will complete the certification. 

NB. Only an “official veterinarian” can issue the Export Health Certificate. Your local AHDO can advise on who they are. Any registered veterinary can carry out the following four procedures or you can apply for a Pet Passport. (It is not a requirement of entry to hold a Pet Passport but it is advisable for future legal amendments or travel).

2)     Microchipping

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This is done at the same time as or before the rabies vaccination. It provides positive proof of your pet’s identity and medical record.

3)     Rabies Vaccination

A rabies vaccination must be given not more than twelve months prior to export, and a Rabies Vaccination Certificate completed by the veterinary surgeon.

Make sure you arrange the vaccination early enough to allow time to complete the rest of the procedures (a minimum of two months before departure).

4)     Blood Test

Must be done one month after the rabies vaccination.  A “pass” means the vaccination has given sufficient protection against rabies, and a Rabies Diagnostic Test Report will be issued.  Allow at least a month for these results to come back. In a small number of cases, the animal will “fail” the test, which means both vaccination and test will have to be repeated.

5)     Examination by a Vet 48 Hours Before Travel

Required by the airline to confirm that your pet is fit to travel

6)      Import License for North Cyprus

This must be obtained from the North Cyprus Veterinary Authorities, and accompany the animal.

Upon request an information sheet produced by the Veterinary Authorities
‘IMPORT CONDITIONS OF NON COMMERCIAL PET ANIMALS FROM UK TO TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS’ and an application form ‘APPLICATION FOR IMPORT LICENCE FOR IMPORTING NON COMMERCIAL PET ANIMALS FROM UK TO TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS’
will be sent to you or you can download a copy from the top of this page.

This form lists the information required and requests that it should be posted or faxed to the Veterinary Department to reach them at least one month before the date of export.
 

7)      Statutory Declaration

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Owner’s declaration stating that the animals are intended for export from the UK and have not been imported into the UK during the past six months.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

You will need to obtain a travel box, the size and construction of which must conform to IATA standards.  Seek advice from your airline or the official veterinarian.

Contact Turkish Airlines or Cyprus Turkish Airlines regarding air freight of your animals.  All flights to North Cyprus arrive at Ercan Airport. 

QUARANTINE IN NORTH CYPRUS

Currently North Cyprus is now recognising Pet Passports under Import control.
When you arrive at Ercan Airport or Kyrenia Harbour, Customs will contact the Government Veterinary Dept and they will send an official to escort your animal to the quarantine kennels in Lefkosa. They have staff on duty 24 hours but you will need to be prepared to wait for their arrival. You may accompany your pet to the kennels. The authorities will check your pets paperwork and if everything is in order (ie Current Pet Passport and Import Licence) then after asking questions regarding where you will be living, may offer home quarantine. The quarantine period is for four weeks. Home checks may be made by the Veterinary Dept. during that period. If your pet’s paperwork does not comply with the regulations then it will be accommodated at the quarantine premises for up to four weeks. Owners are advised that they will have to provide all food and bedding for their animals and visit daily. Dogs may be taken out for exercise within the quarantine area

COSTS IN NORTH CYPRUS

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As of December 2009, the costs within North Cyprus are as follows:

-           Veterinary Department Transport to Quarantine Premises  - 20 TL
-           Quarantine charge per daily rate – 3TL per animal
-           Home Quarantine charge – 90 TL per animal
All charges will be in TL.

HAVING SOMEONE ORGANISE IT FOR YOU

Companies in the UK which specialise in pet travel, such as Airpets, will make some of the arrangements for you, primarily UK documentation and travel arrangements. However you will still have to arrange the veterinary procedures yourself.  Costs vary according to animal, location and so on, but you can expect to pay a minimum of £400 - £500 for this service.  Always get a personalised quote which clearly shows which activities will be carried out by the company.

THE PET TRAVEL SCHEME (PETS)

MOVING TO NORTH CYPRUS

Although the quarantine situation is not ideal, many people moving here do bring their pets with them and experience no problems.  (Some new residents have commented that if you are having building work done, it may be better for your pets to be in the quarantine kennels during this time).

If you are moving to North Cyprus but intend spending some of the year in the UK, you will need to think about how your pets are going to be cared for during your absence.  Several small private boarding kennels are available for dogs for around  £5.00 per day but places may be limited at popular times.  Only limited short-term accommodation for cats is available at the moment, however a purpose built cattery will shortly be under construction.  Various “housesitting” services are available which may include pet feeding, and many residents rely on family members or friends.

NOTE: It is now illegal for any animal to cross the border from South to North Cyprus and from North to South Cyprus.

CONTACTS

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

1A Page Street, London SW1P 4PQ

Tel:  + 44 (0) 207 904 6000

www.defra.gov.uk

 

For general information on the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)

PETS Helpline 0870 241 1710

www.dip.demon.co.uk

For tips on animals travelling and welfare issues see the IATA website

www.iata.org/cargooperations/liveanimals/pets/htm

www.iata.org/cargooperations/liveanimals/shippingpet.htm
Pet Passport Petition – Click on ‘Poison Alert!!!’
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/PetPassports/

 

Airpets

Pet travel services, also supply travel boxes

Located in Staines, Middlesex, near Heathrow Airport

Tel: + 44 (0) 1753 685571 Freephone (in UK) 0800 371554

 

Veterinary Services

North Cyprus Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

Mr Mehmet Isfendioglu

Tel: +90 392 2253751  Fax: +90 392 2253536

Kyrenia Department ( Opposite Hospital )
Tel +90 392 8152110

 

Kyrenia Animal Rescue

PO Box 450, Girne, Mersin 10, Turkey

Telephone: + 90 (0) 533 8694098

Email:  kar@kyreniaanimalrescue.org

 

KAR rely solely on donations for funding, please help us to help the animals of
Northern Cyprus.

UK Bank Account Details for your kind Donations:

Bank: HSBC plc, Market Street, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3AA, UK
Sort Code: 40-21-02
 Account Number: 11364812

or you can post your donation to us address details on Contact Page, cheques made payable to:
KYRENIA ANIMAL RESCUE

Also look out for the highly decorated collection boxes in restaurants and holiday complexes when in North Cyprus.

Please email kar@kyreniaanimalrescue.org with any comments or suggestions for our web site.