New regulations for pet entry into Finland from Russia and Belarus require rabies antibody testing

Starting September 16, dogs, cats, and ferrets arriving from Russia and Belarus will be required to undergo rabies antibody testing in addition to the standard rabies vaccination, according to the Customs Authority. Previously, a rabies vaccination alone was sufficient for entry.

This new requirement also applies to animals from EU countries that have visited Russia or Belarus before returning to the EU. Russia and Belarus are classified as high-risk countries for rabies, and the new entry requirements are aimed at preventing the spread of dangerous diseases like rabies among animals and humans in Finland.

The Finnish Food Authority and Customs will be monitoring compliance with these import regulations at border crossing points.