With dog in the Balkans 2026: vaccinations and rules per country
Chip, ID, rabies and blood test: per country, what your dog needs.
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Is the dog coming along? Then you want to be sure the paperwork is in order before you cross the border. We have looked it up for you, country by country.
By Arjan Zuur · 20 October 2026 · About this page
In short, your dog needs a chip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination for every country in the Balkans; the first vaccination must have been carried out at least 21 days before departure. For Albania and Kosovo, the return to the EU also requires a blood test (titre determination) before departure. (source): LICG: entry requirements per country (Europe, NL))
This article belongs to our Camping guides. The information is provided by the Dutch LICG Information Centre and applies to animals travelling from the Netherlands; if you travel from Germany, ask your veterinarian if in doubt. According to LICG, not only the rules of the destination country apply, but also those of all transit countries. (source): LICG: entry requirements per country (Europe, NL)) So check the whole distance, for example, at Balkan-Roadtrip.
What does your dog always need?
Always necessary: chip, EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination. The chip must be placed before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination. An initial vaccination is valid after 21 days, a timely revaccination immediately. (source): NVWA: dog or cat on holiday (NL))
Rules per country
In the EU (Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria) is easy; outside the EU, it varies by country. The table shows the rules according to LICG for animals from the Netherlands. (source): LICG: entry requirements per country (Europe, NL))
| Country | EU? | Clinical examination recorded in the pet passport | Legalisation via the NVWA | Blood test for return travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slovenia | Yes | not necessary | No | not applicable (EU) |
| Croatia | Yes | not necessary | No | not applicable (EU) |
| Hungary | Yes | not necessary | No | not applicable (EU) |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | No | max. 14 days before departure | No | Not necessary (exempt) |
| Montenegro | No | Health certificate + examination, max. 5 days before the trip | Yes | Not necessary (exempt) |
| Serbia | No | No health certificate required | No | Not necessary (exempt) |
| Albania | No | max. 10 days before departure | Yes | Yes, before departure |
| Kosovo | No | max. 10 days before departure | No | Yes, before departure |
| Nordmazedonien | No | max. 30 days before travel | Yes | LICG does not mention a blood test; check beforehand |
Croatia: pit bull terriers that are not in the FCI register, and their crosses, may not enter the country. In many places, including Zagreb, dogs must be kept on a lead, and some breeds must also wear a muzzle. (source): LICG: entry requirements per country (Europe, NL)) Austria and Hungary: animals under 15 weeks old may not come along. (source): LICG: entry requirements per country (Europe, NL)) Montenegro: dogs need a treatment against fox tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) mandatory. (source): LICG: entry requirements per country (Europe, NL))
Return trip: mind the blood test
If you come back from a country outside the EU, you need a declaration of ownership, and for some countries a blood test in advance. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, the blood test is not necessary according to the LICG; for Albania and Kosovo, before departure. (source): LICG: entry requirements per country (Europe, NL)) For North Macedonia, according to the LICG, the return trip requires a chip, ID, owner's declaration and a rabies vaccination at least 21 days old. (source): LICG: entry requirements per country (Europe, NL))
This is how the blood test works: The blood is taken at the earliest 30 days after the rabies vaccination and examined in an approved laboratory. (source): NVWA: Is a blood test mandatory? (NL)) The value must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. (source): NVWA: requirements for titre testing (Regulation (EU) 576/2013, Annex IV)) If the test is done outside the EU, you have to wait 3 months before your animal is allowed back. (source): LICG: entry requirements per country (Europe, NL)) After a good result, the test does not have to be repeated as long as the vaccination is renewed in time. (source): NVWA: requirements for titre testing (Regulation (EU) 576/2013, Annex IV))
On the road and at the campsite
According to the LICG, dog liability insurance is compulsory in many European countries; without it you risk a fine. (source): LICG: entry requirements per country (Europe, NL)) Read also per country Campingregeln and the Verkehrsregeln, and below Health, water and ticks explains how to check for ticks after a hike. You can find live waiting times at the borders at Borders and roaming.
Frequently asked questions
What documents does my dog need for Croatia or Slovenia?
chip, EU pet passport and a valid anti-rabies vaccination; the initial vaccination at least 21 days before departure. A health certificate is not necessary according to LICG.
Do I need a blood test when I go to Albania with my dog?
Yes. According to LICG, a blood test (titre determination) before departure is necessary for the return to the EU. If it is made outside the EU, a waiting period of 3 months applies.
Do I need a blood test for Montenegro, Bosnia or Serbia?
No. According to the LICG, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia are exempt from the blood test on return. You still need a chip, ID, rabies vaccination and owner’s declaration.
Sources
- LICG: entry requirements per country (Europe, NL)
- NVWA: dog or cat on holiday (NL)
- NVWA: Is a blood test mandatory? (NL)
- NVWA: requirements for titre testing (Regulation (EU) 576/2013, Annex IV)
All sources read on 20 October 2026. Rules change; ask your veterinarian and check just before departure.