Practical guide
Taking a dog on the ferry to Corsica
Check the operator and vessel first, then book the animal and any pet cabin
Checked 11 August 2026
Entering France from another EU country
Corsica is part of France. The applicable document depends on where your journey begins; these points cover non-commercial travel within the EU.
EU pet passport
Microchip
Rabies vaccination
No tapeworm treatment
Pet rules by ferry operator
The onboard rule depends on the ferry operator and sometimes the vessel. Neither “the dog always stays in the vehicle” nor “the dog must always use a kennel” is reliable advice for every ferry to Corsica.
Compare the operator rules
| Operator | Where the pet stays according to the current operator information | What to check before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Corsica Ferries | Dogs stay with their accompanying person in approved areas; follow the current lead and muzzle requirements. Cats and small pets use a suitable carrier. The vehicle is excluded. | Add the pet to the booking and check accessible areas and any pet cabin on the sailing. |
| Moby | Designated pet cabins, open decks and, where available, suitable animal areas. Standard cabins, reserved-seat rooms, communal indoor areas and the vehicle are excluded. | Check the animal ticket and confirmed pet cabin or other accommodation; carry a lead and muzzle. |
| Corsica Linea | The operator uses an onboard kennel. Passenger areas and the vehicle are excluded. | Confirm kennel availability, documents and the requirements for the specific crossing. |
| La Méridionale | Depending on the vessel, the operator describes either the vehicle or an air-conditioned kennel. | Check the vessel and booked accommodation; do not copy the rule from a different ship. |
| Cors'Express or Ichnusa Lines | Our current primary-source set does not establish a sufficiently clear general onboard policy. | Obtain written confirmation from the operator before booking that the pet can travel and where it will stay. |
The operator pages are the primary source: Corsica Ferries, Moby, Corsica Linea and La Méridionale. Check again if the vessel or sailing changes.
Pet passport and rabies vaccination
For private travel between EU countries, follow the EU pet travel rules. Dogs, cats and ferrets need valid identification, and the pet passport must document rabies protection. The sequence matters: the microchip must have been implanted before the rabies vaccination, unless an earlier identification date is clearly recorded.
You must normally wait at least 21 days after the first valid rabies vaccination before travelling. A booster given before the previous vaccination expires may be treated differently; ask a vet to check any gap or unclear record. France is not among the countries for which the EU requires the specific tapeworm treatment.
Travelling from Great Britain or another non-EU country is a different case. A pet passport issued in Great Britain is no longer valid for entry into the EU, and an EU animal health certificate and an approved point of entry may be required. Use the EU country-of-departure tool rather than applying the intra-EU checklist.
Book without surprises
Add the animal at the start of the booking. Do not stop at “pets accepted”: confirm whether the animal uses a designated cabin, accessible deck area or kennel. This is especially important on an overnight crossing.
If the confirmation does not show a clear pet service, ask the ferry operator before departure. General website information is not a substitute for confirmation for the vessel in service.
Pack these items in hand luggage
Bring the original travel document, lead, muzzle, suitable carrier for small pets, water, bowl, food, waste bags and medication. The vehicle deck is inaccessible during many crossings. Before a Mediterranean trip, consider veterinary advice about heat, ticks and insect protection.
Our motorhome guide covers preparation for larger vehicles, while current departure planning is available in the ferry timetable to Corsica.
Pet travel FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers about accommodation, documents and the vehicle deck.
Can my dog travel on a ferry to Corsica?+
Several operators accept pets, but accommodation and accessible areas differ. Add the animal during booking and check the rule for your operator and sailing in the table below.
Can my dog stay in the car during the crossing?+
There is no universal Corsica rule. Corsica Ferries, Moby and Corsica Linea exclude the vehicle under their current policies. La Méridionale describes either the vehicle or an air-conditioned kennel depending on the vessel. Your confirmed sailing is decisive.
Which documents does my pet need for Corsica?+
For non-commercial travel between EU countries, a dog, cat or ferret normally needs an EU pet passport, valid identification and rabies vaccination. After a first vaccination, the usual minimum wait is 21 days. Travellers arriving from Great Britain or another non-EU country must check the additional certificate and entry rules in the EU guidance.
Does my dog need tapeworm treatment for France?+
The EU does not list France among the destinations requiring this treatment for entry from another EU country. Medical advice from your vet may still be appropriate.
Must I book a pet cabin?+
A pet cabin is not required or available on every sailing. Moby offers designated pet cabins, while Corsica Ferries allows pets in approved areas. Other operators may use kennels. Book only an arrangement expressly shown in your confirmation.
Check the route and pet arrangement together
Start with the relevant route and add your pet during booking. The operator's rule for the specific sailing remains authoritative.