How to Move to Spain with a Parrot: Zoe & Iain’s Step-by-Step Journey with George

When Zoe and Iain made the decision to start a new life in Spain, they knew they couldn’t leave George behind. George is no ordinary pet — he’s their 25-year-old African Grey parrot, a long-standing member of the family who they rehomed years ago from an elderly lady struggling with health issues. Making sure George travelled safely and legally to Spain became one of the most important parts of their move.

The process of relocating a parrot from the UK to Spain isn’t particularly well-known — or well advertised. But with time, research, and help from the right professionals, Zoe and Iain discovered that it’s absolutely possible. The journey began with a mountain of paperwork and official processes. Because George is a CITES-listed species (under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), they needed a special licence from the UK government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Alongside this, they had to apply for an Export Health Certificate (EHC), which must be issued within 48 hours of travel by an Official Vet (OV).

They turned to PassPets, a pet travel agency that specialises in navigating these requirements. The team there supported them through the paperwork, appointments and even the quarantine period — which required George to be isolated from all other birds for 30 days before departure. Zoe and Iain filmed weekly videos of his set-up to satisfy the quarantine requirements, and while it might sound daunting, they say the process was actually straightforward once they understood what was needed.

Identification was another key part of the journey. George didn’t have a leg ring, which is usually required, but because he had been microchipped years ago — and they still had the original paperwork — that was accepted for both the CITES and EHC documents.

Rather than fly, Zoe and Iain opted to take the ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo in France, allowing them to avoid the fully-booked pet-friendly cabins on routes directly to Spain. George travelled in the car during the crossing. His documents were checked before boarding at Portsmouth, but surprisingly, not again in France — although they were well aware that checks can happen at any point and were fully prepared.

In total, the costs came to around £400, covering vet fees, licences, and the help from PassPets. Zoe and Iain say the investment was well worth it for the peace of mind it gave them — and George.

Now happily settled in Spain, George is thriving in his new environment. For anyone thinking of relocating with a parrot or exotic bird, Zoe and Iain’s story proves that, with a bit of preparation and the right guidance, it’s entirely doable.

Need the Full Process? Here’s Everything in 5 Simple Steps
If you’re planning to bring a parrot or exotic bird to Spain, we’ve summarised the entire process below into five clear steps. From official permits to quarantine requirements and travel logistics, this guide includes all the key authorities, links, timelines and typical costs — just as Zoe and Iain experienced. Scroll down to get everything you need to start your journey with confidence.

🦜 Five Steps to Bring Your Parrot to Spain

Step 1: Check Species & Identification
Confirm your bird’s Latin name and whether it’s listed under CITES via Species+. Most parrots are. Your bird must also have a permanent ID — either a microchip or a leg ring with an alphanumeric code.

Step 2: Apply for the Necessary Permits

• Apply for a CITES Export Permit via APHA (UK CITES Authority)

• Apply for an EU CITES Import Permit via Spanish authorities (check with the consulate)

• Apply for an Export Health Certificate (EHC) through DEFRA

• Find a local Official Vet (OV) using this DEFRA list (PDF)

Step 3: Complete a 30-Day Quarantine
Start a 30-day quarantine period where your bird is kept completely isolated from other birds (including wild ones). You’ll need to submit weekly videos or photos of the set-up to your OV or pet travel agency (like PassPets).

Step 4: Book Your Vet Appointment Within 48 Hours of Travel
Your EHC must be signed by your Official Vet no more than 48 hours before departure. Book this well in advance and ensure your quarantine videos are accepted. Zoe and Iain used PassPets for this process.

Step 5: Travel with the Correct Documents
On travel day, carry all paperwork:

• CITES Export and Import Permits

• Export Health Certificate (EHC)

• Microchip or leg ring proof

• Quarantine evidence

• Travel route and carrier details
  You may be checked at departure or on arrival — Zoe and Iain were only checked at Portsmouth, but it’s best to be fully prepared.

💷 Approximate Costs

• CITES Export Permit (UK): £74

• CITES Import Permit (EU): €50–€100

• EHC Appointment with OV: ~£250

• Microchip (if needed): £40–£80

• Ferry or travel costs: £100–£500+

🔁 Planning to Return to the UK?

• Apply for a GB Pet Bird Certificate

• Get a UK Import Licence

• Complete a 30-day vet-supervised quarantine
  📞 For advice, contact DEFRA Pet Travel Helpline on 0370 241 1710

This is just one of many real-life stories we’ve shared to help make your move to Spain smoother. From visa advice and healthcare to bringing pets, cars and even caravans — our YouTube channel is packed with helpful weekly videos. Subscribe to stay up to date and hear from others who’ve made the move, just like Zoe and Iain did with George.