If you are planning to travel to Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta with your dog, there’s one small but essential detail that can mess up your plans if you overlook it: the tapeworm treatment. As experienced travellers, we’ve put together this clear guide to help you get it right.
Why tapeworm treatment for dogs travel is required in some EU countries
Some EU countries, like Ireland, Finland, Norway, and Malta, have stayed free from a dangerous parasite called Echinococcus multilocularis. This type of tapeworm may be harmless to dogs, but if it spreads in wildlife or gets into the environment, it can pose a serious risk to humans and other animals. That’s why these countries have strict rules in place to prevent its introduction.
To keep things safe for everyone — from local wildlife to other travellers — dogs traveling to these specific countries must be treated with a specific worming medication shortly before arrival.
Which countries require Echinococcus treatment for dogs
Some EU countries have taken extra precautions to stay free of Echinococcus multilocularis, a dangerous tapeworm that can affect wildlife and even humans. To protect their ecosystems, these countries require dogs to receive a certified deworming treatment before entering their borders — no matter where you’re coming from.
Current list of countries that require tapeworm treatment 2025
- Finland
- Ireland
- Malta
- Norway
Timing of the Echinococcus treatment for dogs
To meet the requirements, the tapeworm treatment must be given no earlier than 120 hours and no later than 24 hours before entering the country — that’s within a 1 to 5 day window.
It’s a small time frame, so it’s worth planning your vet visit and travel date carefully. The exact time and date of treatment will need to be recorded by the vet in your dog’s EU pet passport or animal health certificate
What medication is accepted
Most vets will use a standard deworming tablet that’s approved for travel — usually one that contains praziquantel, which is commonly used for tapeworm prevention. You don’t need to worry about choosing the right product yourself — just let your vet know you’re preparing for travel and they’ll take care of it.
What matters is that the product name is clearly written in your dog’s passport or certificate, along with the date, time, and vet’s stamp.
Can I give my dog the worming tablet myself before travel?
Even if you’ve got experience giving your dog tablets at home, the tapeworm treatment for travel needs to be done and recorded by a vet. That’s not just a recommendation — it’s part of the official entry requirements.
The vet will not only give the treatment, but also document the exact time and date, the name of the product, and their signature and stamp in your dog’s EU pet passport or animal health certificate.
🐾 — All about pet travel documents here —
Common mistakes to avoid
We’ve made some of these ourselves — and seen others run into them too, so we are bringing you some tips and things to pay attention to:
- Bad timing – treatment must be given 1 to 5 days before arrival.
- Missing vet stamp or product name – without it, the passport entry isn’t valid.
- Doing it yourself – only a vet can administer and record it for travel.
- Forgetting it’s needed every time – not just the first trip.
🐾 — Step by step: How to book a flight with pet —
FAQs about dog worming travel EU
Which countries require tapeworm treatment for dogs?
Dogs entering Ireland, Finland, Norway, and Malta must be treated against Echinococcus multilocularis before arrival. This is a mandatory requirement to prevent the spread of the tapeworm.
Do I need to go to the vet for tapeworms?
Yes, the treatment must be administered and recorded by a licensed vet. You cannot give the tablet yourself if you want to meet travel requirements.
When should my dog get the tapeworm treatment?
The treatment must be given not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1–5 days) before entering the destination country.
What medication is accepted for the tapeworm treatment?
The treatment must contain praziquantel or an equivalent product that is proven effective against Echinococcus multilocularis.
Does the tapeworm treatment need to be recorded in the passport?
Yes. Your vet must record the treatment in your EU pet passport or animal health certificate, including the date, time, product name, and vet’s signature.
Is tapeworm treatment required for every trip?
Yes – if you’re traveling to Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta, the treatment is required every time you enter, even from another EU country.
Does the tapeworm treatment apply to cats or other pets?
No, the tapeworm treatment requirement only applies to dogs. Cats, ferrets, and other companion animals are not required to undergo this treatment when traveling to Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta.