Ferry travel with your pet in Greece: complete guide
New rules by the ferry companies
We know you love traveling by ferry. And with your pet’s company, you can enjoy the ride even more! On Ferryhopper, we want to help you plan the perfect trip and travel smoothly and comfortably with your furry friend!
In this page, you can check all conditions in force and documents you need to travel with your pet, and find out how to include it in your reservation when booking ferry tickets on Ferryhopper.
Note: the implementation of the new regulations by the ferry companies is still in progress. You can always refer to this page to see all the latest news on pet ferry travel in Greece.
Cute dog sunbathing on the ferry deck
New rule for the registration of companion animals traveling on passenger vessels
In accordance with Law 4830/2021 and as of 23/09/2002, passengers traveling with pets are obligated to register them when booking / issuing their ferry tickets. Greek ferry companies must register pets in their electronic reservation systems, and issue free tickets for pets on board.
This means that you normally can’t book ferry tickets for you and your pet on board, but you need to make a timely reservation including your pet before the ferry trip.
Declaring your pet’s details
To book ferry tickets for your pet, you need to fill out some details (online or on a paper form) relating to its ID, health and characteristics. These details might slightly vary from one ferry operator to another:
- Animal health book number or Animal identification number
- Animal marking number (microchip number)
- Animal category, e.g. companion, assistance, therapy
- Animal size: Large > 10 kg or Small-medium <= 10 kg
Important: normally, for a pet to be allowed on board, it must have received all core vaccines (appearing on its health book) and be microchipped.
Moreover, when traveling with your pet, you should have its health certificates with you (recently updated), and be responsible for its safety and hygiene during the journey.
How to register your pet when booking on Ferryhopper
On Ferryhopper, you can now book ferry tickets for your pet online. However, registering your pet when making your online reservation is currently available only for certain ferry operators, such as Blue Star Ferries and Anek Lines. We are gradually integrating this option for more ferry companies.
To book ferry tickets and register your pet on Ferryhopper:
1. When reaching the “Tickets” step, add the number of pets you want to travel with on the ferry. In the “Pets” section, choose the pet size, the adult passenger accompanying it, and a travel option for the pet (pet carrier / on lead, kennel, pet-friendly cabin).
Important: unaccompanied animals are not allowed on board.
2. In the next step (“Passengers”), fill out your pet’s identification number, meaning its microchip number (electronic ID).
In case the option to register your pet’s details is not yet available for the ferry company you want to travel with on Ferryhopper, you can:
- Download the pet registration form from the ferry company’s website and fill it out, so you can present it when boarding the ferry.
- Get the pet registration form from the ferry ticket office at the port of departure and fill it out before the trip.
On board the ferry with a pet in Greece: FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about pet ferry travel in Greece:
Where can my pet stay during the ferry trip?
Each ferry company has a pet policy of its own. However, some basic rules about pet accommodation are usually similar from one operator to another.
For hygiene reasons, pets are normally not allowed in interior spaces of the ferry, such as the lounges and the cabins (passenger-only), as well as the bars and the restaurants. Pets can travel:
- On the deck, as long as they remain inside a carrier or stay outside accompanied and on a leash. Larger-sized pets might also need to wear a muzzle.
- Inside a kennel. In this case, it’s highly recommended to book in advance along with your ferry tickets, as the kennel number is limited.
- In a pet-friendly cabin.
On conventional vessels, it is very likely that there are also special areas for pet hygiene care.
Note: on high-speed ferries (flying dolphins, etc.), only small/medium-sized pets (<10 kg) that can travel in a carrier are usually allowed.
Happy kitty ready for a ferry ride
How much does a pet ticket cost?
Normally, you can bring your pet on Greek ferries free of charge. However, it’s essential that you register your pet when booking your ferry tickets.
Note: as the regulation on the registration of companion animals has been integrated in Greece recently, it is possible that some ferry companies have not yet implemented all of its rules. Therefore, it is likely that some operators remain more flexible when it comes to pet transportation and registration rules.
How many pets am allowed to bring on the ferry?
According to Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council, a passenger can travel with up to 5 pets. Pets must be sufficiently immunized, and passengers-guardians must carry health certificates with specific information about each pet.
Next station: playing at the beach with your furry friend
Book online ferry tickets in Greece with your pet
Prepare for endless walks, games and happy moments by the sea with your dog or cat! Pack the carrier, the leash, health documents and pet tickets, and travel with your best friend with tickets on Ferryhopper, no hidden fees included!
