Pet Carriers and Travel Arrangements

Find out how to transport your pet safely and legally to Malta…

Pets as Cargo

If pets are being flown as 'cargo' (and not listed as 'accompanied') from a country outside the EU, an import licence may be required and customs duty due. Contact the customs department by email for more details.

Pet Carriers

It is essential to ensure that the pet is eligible to travel not only to or from Malta but also any other countries it may pass through.

The animal will have to travel in an approved container. It must be big enough for the animal to stand, sit and turn during the journey. The container must allow adequate ventilation.

If the journey is longer than a few hours, food and drink may need to be supplied.

Several train companies, sea ferries and airlines carry caged animals across borders (normally a pet travelling by air will be in the hold). Consult the carrier for details.

Airlines such as Air Malta offer the facility to carry pets either as cargo, checked baggage or in a container and taken in the cabin. Restrictions apply such as the country of destination / departure, the size of the animal, size of container and the age of the animal.

Full description of the pet carriage services offered by some of the airlines serving Malta can be found via the links below:

Assistance / Guide Dogs

Although guide dogs are permitted on most airlines, the numbers that are allowed in the cabin are often limited. As a result many airlines work on a first-come-first-served basis and often stipulate certain rules. Check with the airline before travelling. Examples of the rules applied by some airlines serving Malta which carry guide dogs is available on the Air Malta and Lufthansa websites.

Dogs Banned in Malta

The following dog breeds are banned in Malta and may not be imported:

  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Tosa Inu
  • Dogo Argentino (Argentine Mastiff)
  • Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)