Greece and Scandinavia are among the longest and most complex destinations UK pet owners ask about after Brexit. The routes are possible by road, but they involve multiple days, sea crossings, and strict paperwork. This guide explains the practical options and the rules you need to follow, whether you book with PetVoyageUK or plan the trip yourself.
Pet Transport from the UK to Greece by Road
There are two practical ways to reach Greece with a pet:
- Adriatic ferry route: UK → France → Belgium/Germany → Austria → Italy → ferry from Bari, Ancona or Venice to Igoumenitsa or Patras. The pet usually stays in the vehicle or in an onboard pet cabin, depending on the operator. This is the lower-stress option because it avoids long Balkan driving days.
- Balkan overland route: UK → France → Germany → Slovenia → Croatia → Serbia/North Macedonia → Greece. This can be shorter on paper but involves many borders, varied road quality, and more complex animal health checks if the route passes non-EU countries.
London to Athens is roughly 2,500–2,800 miles depending on the route. With a single driver, overnight stops and ferry schedules, the journey usually takes 4–5 days.
Because every collection point, route choice and ferry cabin type changes the price, we do not publish a fixed figure for Greece. Request a free quote and we will price the exact trip based on your addresses, dates, and pet details.
Pet Travel to Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland
Scandinavia is closer than Greece but has its own complications. There is no longer a direct passenger ferry from the UK to Norway with pets. Most road journeys now route through France, Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany, then north through Denmark and into Sweden or Norway.
PetVoyageUK's core network covers the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. Longer journeys to Scandinavia may be possible on request, depending on driver availability and dates. If you are considering this, contact us early so we can confirm whether we can cover your route and help you plan the correct paperwork.
Scandinavia paperwork essentials
- Microchip and rabies vaccination, same as the EU
- Animal Health Certificate valid for EU and Norway entry
- Norway only: dogs need tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before entry, administered and recorded by a vet
- Some Nordic countries have breed-specific legislation; check ahead if you own a restricted breed
Why Road Transport Beats Flying for Long Destinations
For very long routes, door-to-door road transport has clear advantages over air cargo:
- No cargo hold, no baggage trolleys, no long terminal waits
- Owner can travel with the pet for reassurance
- Driver can manage medication, meals, and comfort stops on a fixed schedule
- Paperwork can be checked at each border with the transporter's support
- Large or brachycephalic breeds that airlines restrict can travel without issue
What PetVoyageUK Can Help With
- DEFRA Type 2 authorised for long international journeys
- Private vehicle: only your pets, no mixed loads
- Owner travel included at no extra charge
- Eurotunnel and ferry bookings handled as part of the service
- WhatsApp updates at every border, stop, and ferry check-in
- Quoted pricing based on your exact route, rather than generic figures
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog from the UK to Greece by road?
Yes, it is possible. The most common route is through France, Belgium, Germany, Austria and into Italy for an Adriatic ferry to Igoumenitsa or Patras, or continuing through the Balkans. It is a multi-day trip and works best as a private, door-to-door road journey so the pet stays with the owner and the driver can manage welfare stops.
Do pets need extra paperwork for Scandinavia after Brexit?
Pets travelling from the UK to Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland need an Animal Health Certificate issued within 10 days of travel, a valid rabies vaccination, and a microchip. Norway has additional tapeworm rules for dogs. The certificate is valid for onward travel within the EU and Norway for four months from the issue date.
How long does UK to Greece pet transport take by road?
London to Athens by road and ferry typically takes 4–5 days depending on the route, ferry schedules, and whether you choose the Adriatic crossing or drive through the Balkans. The Adriatic ferry from Italy to Greece usually saves driving distance but adds a sea leg that must be booked as pet-friendly.
Are there ferries that accept pets from the UK to Scandinavia?
There is no direct ferry from the UK to Norway or Sweden with pets in the same way as the old Newcastle–Bergen route. Most journeys now route through France, Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany, then continue by road. Some North Sea ferries accept pets in onboard kennels or in the car, but these usually connect from continental ports, not the UK.
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