Dog & Pets
The dog travels on the SuperSpeed 2 in the car or in a dog box. Here's what Norway requires on entry and how it works on board.
- Tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before arrival
- Dog in the car or in a dog box
- Declared in the red lane at customs
Table of Contents
What Norway requires
Norway is not in the EU and sets its own entry rules for dogs from the EU. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority, Mattilsynet, requires for dogs from Germany or Denmark:
- An ISO-standard microchip.
- A rabies vaccination, no earlier than twelve weeks of age; after the first vaccination, a 21-day waiting period applies before entry.
- An EU pet passport with the chip number, vaccination and treatments.
- A tapeworm treatment, carried out by a vet 24 to 120 hours before arrival in Norway and recorded in the pet passport.
- A maximum of five dogs as private pets.
Some dog breeds are not allowed to enter Norway at all. If you have a breed on a restricted list, check with Mattilsynet before booking.
Getting the tapeworm treatment timing right
This is the rule that catches most travellers out, because the window is tight. It's counted back from arrival in Larvik, not departure from Hirtshals. On the midday ferry you're in Norway in the late afternoon; on the late sailing it's after midnight, so already the next calendar day. Book a vet appointment in the days before you leave and work out the hours to your planned arrival. If the sailing changes, check whether the window still fits.
On board the SuperSpeed 2
On the SuperSpeed 2 there are two options. The dog stays in your own vehicle on the car deck, or you book a dog box in the dog area. The boxes come in various sizes, the largest measuring 100 by 75 centimetres and one metre high; for very large dogs, the car is the better choice. Bowls are provided. Because the car deck is closed during the crossing, you arrange visiting times with reception.
Both options cost a fixed surcharge per crossing; amounts are on the Prices & fares page. Only assistance dogs may enter the passenger areas; they travel free and are registered with Color Line by phone.
Customs on arrival
Anyone entering Norway with a dog takes the red lane at customs in Larvik and shows the pet passport. This applies even if you have nothing else to declare. The process at the terminal is on the Check-in page, the terminal itself on the Larvik ferry port page.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about travelling with a dog
Can the dog come into the passenger areas? +
No. On the SuperSpeed 2 it stays in the vehicle or in a dog box in the dog area. Only assistance dogs may enter the passenger areas.
When does the tapeworm treatment need to happen? +
No earlier than 120 and no later than 24 hours before arrival in Norway, carried out by a vet and recorded in the pet passport. On the late sailing from Hirtshals, you arrive in Larvik after midnight.
Can I bring the dog as a foot passenger? +
Without a car, the dog needs a dog box in the dog area. Add it at booking so the box is reserved.
What does the dog cost? +
Color Line charges a fixed surcharge per crossing, depending on whether the dog stays in the car or gets a box. Amounts are on the Prices & fares page.
Bringing a dog to Norway
Add the dog when you book to reserve its place in the car or a dog box.