The essentials: do the test before leaving Spain
To enter Spain with an animal arriving from Morocco, Spain's Ministry of Agriculture requires, in addition to the microchip, the vaccine and the passport, a rabies antibody blood test with a result equal to or above 0.5 IU/ml, carried out in an authorised laboratory. The Spanish Consulate in Tangier confirms that these rules apply to animals coming from Morocco.
The blood sample is taken at least 30 days after vaccination, and the animal can only enter 90 days after the sample was drawn.
There is one exception that solves everything: if the test is done with a favourable result before the animal leaves the European Union and the vet records it in the passport, those 90 days do not apply. And if the vaccination schedule is kept up, the test is valid for the animal's whole life.
If you leave it until Morocco, your animal will not be able to return until three months after the blood sample was drawn.
Recommended timeline
Start at least two months before the trip.
- Microchip and valid rabies vaccination, recorded in the European pet passport. The vaccine is valid 21 days after the first dose.
- Thirty days after the vaccine, a blood sample for the antibody test. Results take between 15 and 20 days.
- A result equal to or above 0.5 IU/ml recorded in the passport by the vet, before you board.
- Keep boosters up to date: if one expires while you are in Morocco, it has to be certified there on the European form.
Entering Morocco
We could not verify the requirements with the Moroccan health authority. To board for Morocco, the ferry companies ask for a pet passport or animal health certificate, a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and the antibody test, and warn that the authorities may refuse entry if anything is missing.
The Ministry of Agriculture points out that each non-EU country sets its own conditions and recommends checking them with its embassy or consulate.
Coming back: only through an authorised port
Animals must enter Spain through an authorised Travellers' Point of Entry (Punto de Entrada de Viajeros) and be declared to the Guardia Civil's customs unit (Resguardo Fiscal), which reads the microchip and checks the documents.
The ministry's list updated in October 2026 includes, among others, the ports of Algeciras, Tarifa, Almería, Motril, Málaga and Barcelona, and the land borders of Ceuta (El Tarajal) and Melilla (Beni Enzar).
Look at the opening hours: Algeciras and Tarifa are staffed from 8:00 to 22:00, but Almería only Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 15:00, and Málaga and Motril Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00. A ferry that arrives at night or at the weekend in those ports can be a problem: phone ahead.
The maximum is five animals per traveller.
On board: each company has its own rules
Book the animal's place when you buy the ticket: places are limited.
- Baleària: pet-friendly cabin, pet-friendly seat (animal up to 8 kg, in a carrier) and kennel area, depending on the ship. It forbids leaving animals in the vehicle.
- DFDS: animals under 6 kg can travel in the lounge inside their carrier; heavier ones, in the luggage area, on the deck terrace or in the ship's cages, booked in advance. It lets them stay in the vehicle if the owner signs a liability waiver.
- AML: only in the dedicated outdoor areas, with the health documents.
- GNV: in a pet-friendly cabin, with a maximum of two animals, or in the on-board kennels; lead and muzzle in the communal areas.
Frequently asked questions
Does my dog need a rabies test to go to Morocco?
It needs it above all to come back. Do it before leaving Spain and have the vet record it in the passport: that way you will not have to wait 90 days to return.
What happens if I did not do the test before leaving?
You will have to do it in Morocco, and the animal will only be able to enter Spain three months after the blood sample was drawn, with a Moroccan health certificate.
Through which ports can I come back with my pet?
Through the Travellers' Points of Entry: they include Algeciras, Tarifa, Almería, Motril, Málaga and Barcelona. Check their opening hours.
Can the dog stay in the car during the crossing?
Not with Baleària: it is forbidden. DFDS allows it if you sign a liability waiver.
How many animals can I take?
A maximum of five on a non-commercial journey.
Sources (9)
Every figure on this page comes from a source consulted on the date shown.
- Ministerio de Agricultura · viajar con perros, gatos y hurones, 2026-11-11
- Consulado General de España en Tánger · viajar con animales de compañía, 2026-11-11
- Ministerio de Agricultura · lista de puntos de entrada de viajeros, 2026-11-11
- Your Europe · viajar con animales, 2026-11-11
- Baleària · viajar a Marruecos con mascotas, 2026-11-11
- Baleària · acomodaciones para mascotas, 2026-11-11
- DFDS · viajar con mascotas, 2026-11-11
- AML · viajar con animales, 2026-11-11
- GNV · viajar con mascotas, 2026-11-11
