Reptiles

The following rules apply to the non-commercial importation into Spain of pet reptiles exclusively from the United States or Canada. For shipments of reptiles from zoological institutions, click here.

Owner certification

Reptiles (e.g. turtles, lizzards, snakes, etc.) traveling to Spain as pet animals must be accompanied by their owners or their owners’ duly authorized representatives. In addition, the animal will be accompanied by a certificate, signed by the owner, stating the following:

The animals have been kept under their owners’ supervision for at least three months prior to their introduction in Spain or since birth in case of animals younger than three months.
The animals are not intended for trade, and the owner(s) or their representative(s) agree to the all veterinary checks deemed necessary by the Spanish Veterinary Services, to be performed at the consigned address( es), in accordance with the rules in force regarding animal health.
that the animal has remained isolated for the thirty days prior to departure to Spain, and has not had contact with another animal of the same species.

Click here to obtain the certificate form in PDF format.

(In order to print the certificate, you will need to install Acrobat Reader, available for free at Adobe's web site).

Health certification

The animals must be accompanied by a Certificate of Health and Origin signed by an official veterinarian from the country of origin, stating:

Identification and origin of the animals;
That no case of contagious disease affecting this species has been declared in a radius of 30 km. around the animal's residence, in the 6 months prior to export;
That the animal has been inspected 5 days or less prior to shipment, showing no sign of disease;

(In order to print the certificates, you will need to install Acrobat Reader, available for free at Adobe's web site).

Please note that the commercial importation into Spain of the following turtle species is not allowed, due to environmental concerns:

Macroclemys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle)
Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)

Finally, please be aware that if your animal belongs to an exotic species, it might be protected by international agreements. In the case of exotic species, it is advisable to check if the animal is listed by the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), in which case the animal's international travel may be restricted or even banned.

Please see also our frequently asked questions section.