If you are planning to travel to Cyprus with a dog or cat and you do not want to, or cannot, fly by plane, the ferry between Greece and Cyprus can be a convenient alternative. This option is especially relevant for owners of brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs, Pekingese, Persian cats, as well as for those whose pet is too large to travel in the aircraft cabin or does not tolerate air travel well.
In 2026, the ferry season between Cyprus and Greece starts on 29 May and will continue until 1 September. The ferry operates between Limassol and Piraeus, and the journey takes approximately 31 hours.
In 2026, the ferry season between Cyprus and Greece starts on 29 May and will continue until 1 September. The ferry operates between Limassol and Piraeus, and the journey takes approximately 31 hours.
This season, the route is operated by the vessel AF Marina, and the company has introduced several changes for passengers travelling with pets. Dogs weighing up to 40 kg can now travel with their owners in a pet-friendly cabin. Previously, they had to stay in a special kennel area in the vehicle deck, and owners could only visit them when accompanied by a crew member. Now, such pets can travel next to their owners.
The ferry operator has also increased the number of pet-friendly cabins from 2 to 8 per sailing and has kept one fixed price regardless of the animal’s size: €50 one way and €100 for a return trip.
At the same time, the conditions state that a maximum of 2 pets are allowed in one cabin, while another rule says “1 pet per passenger”. Therefore, if you are travelling with two animals, it is better to clarify this point with the ferry operator in advance when booking.
The ferry operator has also increased the number of pet-friendly cabins from 2 to 8 per sailing and has kept one fixed price regardless of the animal’s size: €50 one way and €100 for a return trip.
At the same time, the conditions state that a maximum of 2 pets are allowed in one cabin, while another rule says “1 pet per passenger”. Therefore, if you are travelling with two animals, it is better to clarify this point with the ferry operator in advance when booking.
Unfortunately, there is also one unpleasant change for Doberman owners: this breed has been added to the list of dogs prohibited from travelling. In the updated conditions of the ferry operator, the Doberman is now listed alongside the Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier and American Pit Bull.
The other rules have generally remained unchanged. Only dogs and cats are still allowed on this route, and travelling with a pet should be planned in advance, as accommodation is only possible in specially designated pet-friendly cabins and their number is limited.
What is important to know?
During the sailing, animals are not allowed to stay inside vehicles. Pets are not permitted in the common areas of the vessel, but a special outdoor walking area is provided for dogs. In this area, dogs must be kept on a leash and, if necessary, wear a muzzle.
Owners should prepare everything their pet may need for the journey in advance: food, water, bowls, puppy pads or other care items for the duration of the trip. The owner is responsible for the animal’s safety, cleanliness and behaviour during the journey.
If your pet has any health problems, you must inform the ferry operator at the time of booking. In cases of serious illness, the company may refuse boarding. Pregnant animals are also not accepted for travel, and neither are females if less than 40 days have passed since giving birth..
The other rules have generally remained unchanged. Only dogs and cats are still allowed on this route, and travelling with a pet should be planned in advance, as accommodation is only possible in specially designated pet-friendly cabins and their number is limited.
What is important to know?
During the sailing, animals are not allowed to stay inside vehicles. Pets are not permitted in the common areas of the vessel, but a special outdoor walking area is provided for dogs. In this area, dogs must be kept on a leash and, if necessary, wear a muzzle.
Owners should prepare everything their pet may need for the journey in advance: food, water, bowls, puppy pads or other care items for the duration of the trip. The owner is responsible for the animal’s safety, cleanliness and behaviour during the journey.
If your pet has any health problems, you must inform the ferry operator at the time of booking. In cases of serious illness, the company may refuse boarding. Pregnant animals are also not accepted for travel, and neither are females if less than 40 days have passed since giving birth..
Do not forget to prepare the necessary documents confirming your pet’s identification.
If the animal is travelling within the European Union, the main document is the EU pet passport, which contains the pet’s details, microchip information and rabies vaccination records.
If the pet arrives from a third country or has documents issued by a non-EU country, an official animal health certificate is required in accordance with Annex IV to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013. In addition, for animals arriving from countries that are not included in the EU list of countries with simplified rabies requirements, a rabies antibody titre test is required.
Before buying tickets and before travelling, be sure to check the current requirements in the official conditions of the ferry operator, as well as on the official resources of Cyprus and the European Union.
If the animal is travelling within the European Union, the main document is the EU pet passport, which contains the pet’s details, microchip information and rabies vaccination records.
If the pet arrives from a third country or has documents issued by a non-EU country, an official animal health certificate is required in accordance with Annex IV to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013. In addition, for animals arriving from countries that are not included in the EU list of countries with simplified rabies requirements, a rabies antibody titre test is required.
Before buying tickets and before travelling, be sure to check the current requirements in the official conditions of the ferry operator, as well as on the official resources of Cyprus and the European Union.
We hope this information will help you prepare more calmly for your ferry trip on the Greece — Cyprus route. And if you need to get to the port or continue your journey after arrival, a pre-booked pet-friendly Kiwitaxi transfer can help you reach your destination comfortably with your pet, luggage and carrier — without unnecessary stress or unexpected costs. When booking, do not forget to use the promo code ANILOGISTIC5 to receive an additional discount on your transfer.
