How to Bring a Pet Bird from the USA to Europe: What You Need to Know

Moving a pet bird from the USA to Europe requires more preparation than a dog or cat move. You will need a USDA health certificate issued within 48 hours of departure, APHIS endorsement, and one of four EU-approved preparation methods (most involving isolation or avian influenza testing). For parrots and other CITES-listed species, you will also need an export permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Here is how the process works.

Requirements at a Glance

The Four EU Preparation Options for Pet Birds

The EU requires pet birds (traveling in groups of 5 or fewer) to meet one of four preparation options before entry. Each option has a different timeline and testing requirement.

Option 1: 30-day pre-departure isolation. Your bird must be isolated from all other birds under your USDA-accredited veterinarian's supervision for at least 30 days before leaving the United States. No avian influenza test is required under this option, but 30 days of documented isolation is a significant commitment.

Option 2: 14-day isolation plus avian influenza testing. Your bird must be isolated from other birds for at least 14 days before departure. At least 7 days after isolation begins (day 0 is the start of isolation), your USDA-accredited veterinarian must collect both a cloacal swab and an oropharyngeal swab and test for Avian Influenza H5 and H7 antigens or genomes using virus isolation or RT-PCR. Testing must be performed at a NVSL or NAHLN-approved laboratory.

Option 3: 30-day post-arrival quarantine in the EU. You arrange in advance for your bird to be quarantined for at least 30 days at an approved quarantine establishment in the destination EU country. You must provide documentary evidence that these arrangements have been made before departure. Under this option, a physical description of the bird is sufficient for identification (no band or chip required), but APHIS must seal the bird in its container and record the seal number on the health certificate.

Option 4: Derogation from the destination country. You request and receive special permission from the government of the destination EU country to deviate from the standard requirements above. This permission must come from the destination country's government, not USDA. You must provide documentary evidence that the derogation has been granted.

Health Certificate and APHIS Endorsement

For all four options, your USDA-accredited veterinarian must examine your bird and issue the appropriate EU pet bird health certificate within 48 hours of travel (or on the last working day before departure). After your vet issues the certificate, USDA APHIS must endorse it before your bird travels.

Each preparation option has its own health certificate form. Your vet must use the correct form for the option you chose. The forms are available on the APHIS website for your destination country.

CITES and US Fish and Wildlife Requirements

Many parrot and exotic bird species are listed under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which may require an export permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service before your bird can leave the United States. Requirements vary by species.

Before making any plans, check your bird's CITES status and current permit requirements directly with the US Fish and Wildlife Service International Affairs division. Processing timelines and documentation requirements vary and change. Do not rely on third-party summaries for this step.

If Your Bird Is Returning to the United States

If you plan to bring your bird back to the US after your time in Europe, some requirements for the return may need to be met before you leave. Check APHIS import requirements for pet birds returning to the United States before your departure.

Timeline

Start planning at least 6 months before your travel date. Bird moves to Europe have more steps than dog or cat moves, and the isolation or testing requirements under Options 1-2 add weeks to the process. CITES permit processing (for parrots) can take additional months.

A rough timeline working backward from departure:

6 months out: Apply for CITES permit (if required for your species)

2 months out: Confirm preparation option with your vet; book quarantine facility if using Option 3

30-14 days out: Begin isolation period (Option 1 or 2)

7+ days into isolation: Avian influenza testing (Option 2 only)

48 hours before departure: Vet examination and health certificate issuance

After vet issues certificate: APHIS endorsement

How PetRelocation Can Help

Ready to start planning your bird's move to Europe? Get a free quote from PetRelocation and a relocation manager will walk you through every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which EU preparation option is best for my pet bird?
Option 2 (14-day isolation plus AI testing) is the most common choice for pet bird owners because it has the shortest isolation period. Option 1 (30-day isolation) avoids testing but requires twice as long. Option 3 (post-arrival quarantine) means your bird spends its first month in Europe in a facility, not with you.

Do I need a CITES permit for my parrot?
Most parrot species are CITES-listed and require an export permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Check your bird's CITES status and current permit requirements directly with the US Fish and Wildlife Service International Affairs division, as processing timelines and documentation requirements vary.

Can my bird fly in the cabin?
Most airlines do not allow birds in the cabin on international flights. Pet birds typically travel as checked baggage or cargo. Confirm your airline's policy before booking.

Are the requirements the same for every EU country?
The four preparation options and health certificate requirements are standardized across the EU. However, individual countries may grant derogations (Option 4) with different conditions. If you have a specific destination in mind, check the APHIS page for that country.

For official requirements, visit the USDA APHIS pet travel page for your destination country. You can also review EU pet import requirements.