That is good to hear they are making the vaccs FREE - it is a horrible disease and it's no wonder that the countries that are 'Rabies Free' go to draconian lengths to try to make sure they stay that way.

Cyprus is rabies free too but I still have to get the jabs. I believe Ireland is the only rabies free country that the UK allows dogs to come in from without the requirement for the jab.

*and I did spot that you are not in UK, but in SA, so realised that's why you answered as you did. I'm not in the UK (any more) but am up to date on what the UK rules regs and requirements are as I travel there often and anyway like to keep myself up to date!

Iceland is also rabies free and are not required a rabies shot to go to the uk.
But here you cant import a dog without it going through a month in quarantine.

For pets coming into the UK from the EU or an approved non-EU country:


1) Pets must be microchipped- Always check that your pet's microchip works whenever you go to the vet!.

2) Pets must be vaccinated against rabies after the microchip and hold a current rabies vaccination.

3) 21 days must have passed after the rabies vaccination.

4) Pets must travel with an EU Pet Passport or an Official Health Certificate. If you are getting a 3rd country certificate completed, then it must be endorsed by the necessary authority (this is not the same vet that completes the paperwork).

5) Pets must travel on an approved route with an approved airline.

- This means that there is no longer the requirement for a blood test or for 6 months to pass after the blood test before the pet enters the UK.

6) Dogs only: Must be treated for tapeworms between 24 and 120 hours prior to arrival in the UK. The treatment must be with a licenced product containing praziquantel.

PLEASE NOTE: Pets must travel with supporting documentation- this means:

Proof of microchipping: certificate of registration/ patient notes/ letter from vet.

Proof of rabies vaccination: Vaccination card/ Rabies vaccination certificate - these MUST have the microchip number on or there will be delays.

My dogs for the past 30 + years have gone to dog shows(including Crufts), dog clubs etc etc etc with no ill effects. I can see no reason to compromise my dogs immune systems. My late father followed the vets directions for many years, until one of his dogs, a previously healthy 8 tear old, had a lepto booster(against serovars not in this country)& within 3 hours was dead from the reaction to the vaccine