Travelling with a Dog
Taking a Dog to Algeria
How your dog travels on the ferry to Algeria - and back: titre test, papers and onboard accommodation
- Important: without a rabies titre test, your dog won't be allowed back into the EU
- Outward journey with an EU pet passport, microchip, rabies vaccination and health certificate
- Accommodation varies by operator: pet cabin or onboard kennel
Entry & Return
What Your Dog Needs for Algeria
Algeria is a non-EU country with no recognised rabies-free status. The real bottleneck isn't the outward journey but the return to the EU.
ISO Microchip
Rabies Vaccination
Passport & Certificate
Titre Test
Taking a dog to Algeria is doable, but it needs more lead time than a trip within the EU. Algeria is a non-EU country with no recognised rabies-free status. For the outward journey you need the usual paperwork and a health certificate; the real bottleneck is the return to the EU: without a timely rabies titre test, your dog won't be allowed back. On this page you'll find the rules for the outward and return journeys, which route works best with a dog, and how your pet travels on board. If you're travelling by camper, vehicle dimensions, visas and customs also come into play - covered in our guide Taking a Motorhome to Algeria.
The Return Journey Is the Real Challenge
The most important step is preparing for the return to the EU. Because Algeria isn't listed as rabies-free, the EU requires a rabies antibody test (titre test):
- The blood sample may be taken no earlier than 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
- It must be taken by an authorised vet and tested at an EU-approved laboratory; the titre must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
- Normally a three-month waiting period then applies before re-entry.
Entering Algeria
The requirements for the outward journey are manageable:
- EU pet passport with the chip and a valid rabies vaccination recorded.
- ISO microchip (standard 11784/11785), implanted before the rabies vaccination.
- Valid rabies vaccination, recorded in the pet passport.
- Official health certificate in French confirming the rabies vaccination, generally valid for only a few days.
As requirements can change, check them with the Algerian consulate or the relevant authority before departure.
Which Route Works Best with a Dog?
For your dog, time on board matters most. The shortest crossings are the Spanish ones from Almería to Ghazaouet and Oran. Considerably longer, but without the long drive through France and Spain, are the overnight ferries from France: Marseille - Algiers with Corsica Linea, and Sète - Algiers and Sète - Béjaïa with GNV. From Spain, Barcelona - Algiers and Valencia - Mostaganem run with Balearia. On the long crossings, your dog travels in a pet cabin or onboard kennel.
Where Your Dog Travels On Board
How your dog is accommodated varies by operator:
- Corsica Linea: a secure, ventilated onboard kennel with access to water; your dog travels in an individual box and stays there for the crossing. Guide and assistance dogs may join you in the cabin free of charge. Category 2 dogs must be on a lead and muzzled and travel in the kennel.
- GNV: pet-friendly cabins with their own deck exercise area on many ships; otherwise the onboard kennel in individual boxes. Leads and muzzles are required in public indoor areas.
- Balearia: pet cabins for up to two animals (up to 30 kg each) with bowls provided, plus set deck exercise times; without an available pet cabin, your animal travels in boxes in the designated area.
On most ferries the vehicle deck is closed during the crossing, so your dog doesn't stay in the car. Pet cabins and kennel spaces are limited, so register your pet at the time of booking, not just at the port. Bring food, water, a lead, muzzle and waste bags up to the passenger deck.
Checklist for Travelling with a Dog
- Titre test done in good time before leaving the EU and recorded in the pet passport.
- EU pet passport, microchip and rabies vaccination complete and valid.
- Health certificate in French, dated recently.
- Ferry booking with your dog registered and a pet cabin or kennel reserved where needed.
- Plan a toilet break before departure and keep your paperwork ready for check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ - Taking a Dog to Algeria
The key questions about travelling with a dog to Algeria, answered concisely.
What do I need to know about the return journey with a dog from Algeria to the EU?+
This is the most important point. Algeria is a non-EU country with no recognised rabies-free status, so the EU requires a rabies antibody (titre) test for re-entry. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and tested at an EU-approved laboratory; the titre must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. If you have the test done in the EU before departure and your vet records the result in the pet passport, the usual three-month waiting period before returning doesn't apply. Without a valid titre test, your dog won't be allowed back in.
What paperwork does my dog need to enter Algeria?+
For the outward journey you need an EU pet passport, an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an official health certificate confirming the rabies vaccination, in French and generally only a few days old. Check the current requirements with the Algerian consulate before departure, as they can change.
Where is my dog kept during the crossing?+
It depends on the operator. With Corsica Linea, your dog travels in a secure, ventilated onboard kennel in an individual box and stays there for the crossing; guide and assistance dogs may join you in the cabin. GNV offers pet-friendly cabins with their own deck exercise area on many ships, otherwise the onboard kennel. Balearia offers pet cabins for up to two animals (up to 30 kg each) and set deck exercise times. Register your pet at the time of booking, as spaces are limited.
Which route is best with a dog?+
For your dog, time on board matters most. The shortest crossings are the Spanish ones from Almería to Ghazaouet and Oran. The overnight ferries from France (Marseille - Algiers, Sète - Algiers, Sète - Béjaïa) and from Barcelona or Valencia take longer, but your dog sleeps through part of the journey in the cabin or kennel.
Does my dog travel in the motorhome?+
On most ferries the vehicle deck is closed during the crossing, so your dog doesn't stay in the motorhome but travels in a cabin or kennel instead. Everything on vehicle dimensions, customs, visas and insurance is in our guide Taking a Motorhome to Algeria.
Ready to Travel with Your Dog to Algeria?
Check the routes, plan the titre test in good time, and register your dog when you book.