Bringing birds, rabbits and other small pets to Spain

Key rules

• Different rules: Birds, rabbits, rodents and reptiles are not covered by the dog and cat pet rules.
• Bird limit: You can bring no more than five pet birds per traveller, and they must travel with you.
• CITES permits: Listed animals, including many parrots and tortoises, need a permit issued by the exporting country.
• Invasive species: Animals on Spain's invasive species list cannot be imported or traded, and may be confiscated with a fine.

The short answer

Birds, rabbits, rodents, reptiles and amphibians do not follow the dog and cat pet rules. Each group has its own conditions. Some species need CITES permits, and some are banned in Spain as invasive. Check your exact species before you book anything.

Birds

Moving a pet bird between EU countries needs no border check. The bird must still meet EU animal health rules, including any avian influenza restrictions in force.

From outside the EU, the bird must:

• come from an approved country or territory;
• carry an official health certificate;
• travel with you, not separately;
• be identified.

You can bring no more than five birds per traveller. Some countries require quarantine, or 30 days of isolation before departure, especially where avian influenza is present. Avian influenza rules change often, so confirm the requirements shortly before you travel.

Many birds, including parrots, are CITES-listed. They then need a permit on top of the health paperwork.

Rabbits, rodents, reptiles and amphibians

These animals are outside the dog, cat and ferret regime. Moving them between EU countries is generally allowed if you meet normal animal health rules.

Entry from outside the EU is more restricted. You may need health certificates and veterinary checks. Authorities may also treat the move as a commercial import rather than a pet trip. Rules vary by species, so ask Sanidad Exterior or the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture before you travel.

CITES-listed animals

CITES is the international list of protected species. Listed animals include many parrots, tortoises and other reptiles, and some primates. They need a CITES permit to enter Spain. The exporting country issues the permit. On arrival, Spain's CITES office handles the import through customs and SOIVRE.

Banned invasive species

Spain keeps a catalogue of invasive alien species. Listed animals cannot be imported, traded or kept. Examples include the red-eared slider turtle, some squirrels and some snakes.

If you already legally own a listed animal, you may be allowed to keep it with registration. Penalties for breaking the rules include confiscation and fines.

What to do

1. Identify the exact species, including its Latin name.
2. Check whether it is on the CITES list or Spain's invasive species catalogue.
3. Ask Sanidad Exterior or the Ministry of Agriculture what your route and species need.
4. Get permits and certificates before you travel.

The questions below cover parrots, bird limits, red-eared sliders and non-EU rabbits or rodents.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my parrot to Spain?

Yes, you can bring a parrot, but many parrots are CITES-listed, so you need a CITES permit issued by the exporting country. Spain's import check runs through customs and the CITES office in the Ministry of Economy. Ask them before you travel.

How many pet birds can I bring into Spain?

You can bring up to five pet birds per traveller, and they must travel with you and be identified. From outside the EU, each bird also needs an official health certificate from an approved country.

Can I bring a red-eared slider turtle to Spain?

No, the red-eared slider is on Spain's invasive species list, so it cannot be imported, traded or kept. Existing legal owners may be allowed to keep one with registration. Penalties for others include confiscation and fines.

Can I bring a rabbit or rodent from outside the EU?

Entry from outside the EU is more restricted, and your rabbit or rodent may need health certificates and veterinary checks. It may even be treated as a commercial movement.