Bringing your dog to Norway
Travelling to Norway with your dog from Denmark or another EU/EEA country? With a little preparation the journey is both easy and safe – but it's important to know Norway's own entry requirements, which are slightly stricter than EU regulations. Here we've gathered everything you need to know so you and your dog can travel with confidence.
What you need before entering Norway
When travelling to Norway with a dog from Denmark or another EU/EEA country, the following requirements must be met:
- Microchip – your dog must be ID-tagged with a microchip (ISO standard 11784/11785)
- EU pet passport – issued and signed by an authorised vet
- Valid rabies vaccination – recorded in the pet passport. If your dog is being vaccinated for the first time, at least 21 days must have passed before entry
- Worming treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis – must be administered by an authorised vet in the country you're travelling from. The treatment must be given no earlier than 120 hours (5 days) and no later than 24 hours before entry into Norway, and confirmed in the pet passport
Please note that the worming treatment cannot be given after arriving in Norway – it must be administered in the country where your dog has been staying, and documented by a vet there.
Worming treatment for dogs entering Norway
The worming treatment is the requirement that many travellers are not aware of – and overlooking it can have serious consequences. Your dog must be treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis by an authorised vet in Denmark or the EU/EEA country you're travelling from.
How it works in practice:
- Book an appointment with a vet in Denmark no later than 5 days before departure to Norway
- Bring your pet passport so the treatment can be confirmed there
- The treatment must be given no earlier than 120 hours and no later than 24 hours before entry into Norway
- The vet's confirmation in the pet passport is required – verbal documentation is not sufficient
Customs control on arrival in Norway
Your dog and all accompanying documents must be checked by Norwegian customs (Tolletaten) at the border. You must therefore take the red lane when arriving in Norway with your dog. If everything is in order, this is quick and straightforward.
The consequences of breaking the rules
We know that regulations can feel overwhelming – but here it really is worth taking a little extra time to prepare. If the requirements are not met at the border, Mattilsynet (the Norwegian Food Safety Authority) can decide that your dog must be:
- returned to the country of origin
- isolated until the entry conditions are met
- euthanised – this is a last resort, but a real possibility in serious cases
As a dog owner you are also financially responsible for any rule violations:
- Missing worming treatment – minimum NOK 7,000. Your dog will be held for a minimum of 24 hours
- Missing rabies vaccination, microchip or pet passport – your dog will be held for several weeks. Cost: NOK 8,700–30,000 depending on the violation and the decision by Mattilsynet
Checklist before entering Norway
Before you board – check that you have:
✓ Valid pet passport with all documents in order
✓ Worming treatment administered by a vet in the country you're travelling from, 24–120 hours before entry
✓ Confirmation of worming treatment recorded in the pet passport
✓ Valid rabies vaccination
✓ Microchip confirmed as readable
For more information and current regulations, see Mattilsynet's website and Mattilsynet's checklist for travelling to Norway with pets.
Accommodation with your dog in Norway
Finding accommodation when travelling to Norway with your dog is straightforward. There are many dog-friendly options available:
- Campsites
- Cabins and holiday cottages
- Hotels
Many places also offer special facilities and areas for dogs.
Exploring Norwegian nature with your dog
Norway offers fantastic nature experiences for both you and your dog – but it's important to know the local rules before heading out.
Throughout Norway, dogs must be kept on a lead from 1 April to 20 August. In addition, there may be local rules requiring leads in national parks and nature reserves at other times of year. Always pay attention to signs in the area and make sure you're familiar with the specific rules when out in nature with your dog.
Ready for the journey?
With your documents in order and the worming treatment arranged, you're all set for a comfortable journey to Norway. Choose Fjord Line for a relaxed crossing – and enjoy the ferry ride before you arrive.
