Customs and Import Requirements for People and Pet
Travel Between Countries and Regions

For Specific US/Canada/Hawaii/Mexico Information please click here...

For pets entering Canada with their owners with them: Dogs must be accompanied by proof of a rabies shot that has not expired. Dogs under 3 months of age do not require a rabies vaccine.

For pets entering Canada without their owners with them: There is an inspection fee, but no quarantine period for pets coming into the country. Within 10 days of departure to Canada a current Canada Veterinary Certificate must accompany pets. Vaccination proof must include vaccination date, trade name/serial number of the vaccine, proof the vaccine was licensed by the dog’s country of origin, and signed by the veterinarian. 

A veterinary health certificate is usually only available by contacting CFIA's Export Contacts; however, a model veterinary health certificate may be provided under certain circumstances.

Import pet polices are at this site: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/imports/policies/live-animals/pet-imports/dogs/eng/1331876172009/1331876307796 

Export pet polices are at this site:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/exports/eng/1300388920375/1300388985791 

The following provides a list of International Health Certificate requirements for entry into Canada.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/exports/pets/eng/1321265624789/1321281361100 

http://portal.sre.gob.mx/was_eng/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=67&op=page&SubMenu 

Visitors are allowed to bring up to 2 dogs into the country. A Health Certificate, issued not more than 72 hours before the animal enters Mexico, must be obtained (in duplicate) by a licensed veterinarian or other official authority with the name, address of pet’s owner, the animal’s stats (breed, sex, age), and confirmation of a clean bill of health. Proof of inoculations against rabies and distemper at least 15 days before arriving in Mexico is also required.

It is also very important to confirm your country’s reentry procedures for your pet. Exit permits for pets are also required and can be obtained via SAGAPRA at: http://www.sagarpa.gob.mx/english/Pages/Introduction.aspx; this is a free service.

Entering The European Union (Continental Europe) 

Directorate-General Health & Consumers 
B - 1049 Brussels 
Belgium
0032 2 299 11 11

Pet Passport information for pet travel in Europe can be found on the European Commission’s website at: http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/qanda_en.htm

This link also provides several questions and answers regarding the EU and traveling in and out of various countries. The EU ID card for pets applies in all 27 member states of the European Union and certifies that the pet concerned has also been vaccinated against rabies.

The following link details rules that apply to movement of pets both between European Member States and from third countries into the EU:

http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/index_en.htm 

The following link provides information regarding movement of Pets (Non-Commercial Movement) within the EU: http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/nocomm_intra_en.htm

Visitors and immigrants to Europe with Pets from Canada and the US are non-EU listed countries and need to follow the policies below. non-EU listed countries are those where there is rabies but there is good control of rabies in domestic animals and pets. For people with pets entering from countries without this control then the policies and potential quarantines are listed here . You can also see this link for more details on the pet policies from any country.

Visitors entering European Union (EU) countries from non-EU listed countries must first have their pets micro-chipped, recorded in the pet’s vaccination record by the vet, and correctly recorded on the EU pet passport or the 3rd country’s official veterinary certificate at the time of issue. 

After being fitted for the micro-chip, pets must get a rabies vaccination (even if current); boosters must be kept up to date, and the waiting period before entering the EU is 21 days after the first vaccination date.

On 1 January 2012 the pet travel rules changed when the UK brought its procedures into line with the European Union. From this date on all pets can enter or re-enter the UK from any country in the world without quarantine provided they meet the rules of the scheme, which will be different depending on the country or territory the pet is coming from. Additional information can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel.

Directorate-General Health & Consumers 
B - 1049 Brussels 
Belgium
0032 2 299 11 11

Pet Passport information for pet travel in Europe can be found on the European Commission’s website at: http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/qanda_en.htm

This link also provides several questions and answers regarding the EU and traveling in and out of various countries. The EU ID card for pets applies in all 27 member states of the European Union and certifies that the pet concerned has also been vaccinated against rabies.

The following link details rules that apply to movement of pets both between European Member States and from third countries into the EU:

http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/index_en.htm 

The following link provides information regarding movement of Pets (Non-Commercial Movement) within the EU: http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/nocomm_intra_en.htm

Visitors and immigrants to Europe with Pets from Canada and the US are non-EU listed countries and need to follow the policies below. non-EU listed countries are those where there is rabies but there is good control of rabies in domestic animals and pets. For people with pets entering from countries without this control then the policies and potential quarantines are listed here . You can also see this link for more details on the pet policies from any country.

Visitors entering European Union (EU) countries from non-EU listed countries must first have their pets micro-chipped, recorded in the pet’s vaccination record by the vet, and correctly recorded on the EU pet passport or the 3rd country’s official veterinary certificate at the time of issue. 

After being fitted for the micro-chip, pets must get a rabies vaccination (even if current); boosters must be kept up to date, and the waiting period before entering the UK is 21 days after the first vaccination date.

To enter (or reenter) the UK the pet must also have an EU Pet Passport; information can be found at the following: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/documentation/.

All pet dogs must be treated for tapeworm and administered by a vet not less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before arrival in the UK.

Arrangements must also be made for your pet to travel with an approved pet transport company on an authorized route. Information is at the following: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/routes/.

Further important pet travel information regarding the above can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/#eu.

Entering Switzerland

http://www.bvet.admin.ch/index.html?lang=en&PHPSESSID=26c89994bf3eba429c823613c53ce49d 

http://geneva.angloinfo.com/countries/switzerland/pettravel.asp

Entering Russia

http://moscow.usembassy.gov/
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/countrydetail/RU/details.htm 

Dogs entering Russia must have a legal Health Certificate from the country of origins Board of Health and obtained 10 days or less prior to arrival stating the animal is healthy and has been vaccinated for rabies. Vaccinations must occur between 1 month and a year before arrival. Travelers from the US or Canada should acquire the rabies certificate and have it endorsed by the USDA or CFIA. If arriving by air, Moscow’s airports are the only entry points with customs clearance for pets. C.I.S. nationals may present a veterinary license instead, and an international Veterinary Passport is also accepted. There may also be a pet inspection fee upon entry.


Entering Ukraine

http://www.ukraine.alloexpat.com/ukraine_information/pets_to_bring_into_ukraine.php

http://www.ukrconsul.org/

Entering China

http://scaashanghai.org/china_pet_import_procedure.shtml

Only people with resident visas may bring dogs to China. A visitor, for a vacation, cannot. This can be done for an extended visit for business, etc. Each passenger is allowed to bring one pet into China; pets should be accompanied by quarantine and hydrophobia immunity certificates and an International health certificate issued by the quarantine authorities of the original country or region. Vaccinations must show a rabies shot given within the past 12 months, but not less than 30 days before departure. A copy of the airway bill may be required if traveling as cargo, and the owner’s residential details in China. 

Dogs are allowed to be imported as excess baggage or cargo as long as there is proof of inoculations, shows good health, and they are registered with the Chinese authorities upon arrival. Pet owners must carry a Z (resident) Visa to bring in pets; only 1 pet per visa is allowed. Due to sometimes complicated procedures regarding import/export of pets to/from China, a professional pet transport service can make the transitions easier. 

There is a 7 day mandatory quarantine in Shanghai and quarantines of 30 days at other entries; however, some of this quarantine time may be able to be spent in the home. It is very important to check with the local Chinese consulate for current advisories. Additional important information regarding documents, airport procedures, regulations, registration of your pet and more are at the following: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/downloads/ch_cn_checklist.pdf

Entering India

http://www.india.alloexpat.com/india_information/pets_to_bring_into_india.php
http://www.indianembassy.org/
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/customrules/IN/rules.htm#Pets

Pets entering India are required to have their original Veterinary Certificate and Vaccinations records upon arrival; only 2 pets are allowed per passenger to certain areas (check website), and they must have a NOC, a “NO Objection Certificate” obtained at least 15 days prior to entry. The NOC can be gotten from the Animal Quarantine Certification Services at the following website: http//dahd.nic.in/rtia2005/animal_quarantine.htm


Entering Japan

Attention: Ireland, Sweden, Norway (except Svalbard, Jan Mayen and dependencies out of Europe) and United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland only) harmonized their pet movement rules with the rest of the EU as of January 1, 2012. Based on this change, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan changed the status of these countries from designated regions to regions other than the designated regions. The following website details pet travel laws/regulations, quarantine regulations, import from designated regions, import from other than designated regions, export regulations, new mandates, and animal transportation updates: http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/dog/index.html.

Japan will require up to a 180 day quarantine unless certain conditions are met. If all conditions are met, it is possible to have a 12 hour or less quarantine. This will be the case if the dog is coming from a designated country (only 7 qualify) or a series of steps that take 180 days are met from other countries.

Bringing Dogs into Japan from Designated Countries (only Taiwan, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Guam) - In case that the animal is brought in directly from a designated region, and where the following can be confirmed with a certificate issued by the responsible government agency of the country of export, the quarantine time on arrival will be within 12 hours, and in general the inspection will not usually take long.
The animal is individually identified with a microchip. *1 
The animal has been kept only in designated regions for the past 180 days, since birth, or since arriving directly from Japan. 
There have been no outbreaks of rabies in designated regions in the past two years. 
The animal did not have or was not suspected of having rabies (and in the case of dogs, rabies and leptospirosis) when inspected prior to departure. *2

*1 If the animal is not implanted with an ISO compliant (11784 / 11785)
*2 Please have the animal inspected to confirm that it does not have or is not suspected of having rabies (in the case of dogs, rabies and leptospirosis) prior to departure (whenever possible, no more than two days prior to departure) 

Bringing Dogs into Japan from a Non-Designated Countries (all other countries including the U.S., Canada and U.K.) - The process requires a series of steps, a microchip implanted, two rabies shots at least 30 days apart and within the valid period of the vaccine, a rabies titers blood test and paperwork. Also, there needs to be a 180 day or more wait after the titer test to enter Japan. For specific information see the page http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/dog/import-other.html

Entering Taiwan

http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0000236

http://www.taiwan.alloexpat.com/taiwan_information/pets_to_bring_into_taiwan.php

Entering Indonesia

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/ID-Indonesia-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm 

http://www.embassyofindonesia.org/

Entering Signapore

http://www.ava.gov.sg/AnimalsPetSector/ImportExportTransOfAnimalRelatedPrd/PetsPersonal 

http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/travel-information/wheelchair-mobility-aids/pets-carriage/

Entering Australia

http://www.aussiemove.com/pets

IMPORTANT: Unlike most other rabies-free islands and areas, there is no way to avoid AT LEAST a 30 day quarantine of a dog or cat entering Australia from any other country. If your dog has spent the entire last 6 months in a rabies-free country (UK, Hawaii, etc) then they can enter with proper documenation with a 30 day quarantine. From the U.S. or Canada a 30 day or more (up to 180 day quarantine) is mandatory depending on the length of time since the last rabies shot. For this reason, travel to Australia from any other country is discouraged and should only be considered if you are moving there permanently. If that is the case, plan early. Australian dogs returning to Australia require the same requirements and quarantine as newly arriving dogs.

As of 1 March 2012, all import permits for dogs will be issued with a condition that vaccination for Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) is mandatory.

Cats and dogs from the USA (not including Hawaii) can be imported (with required quarantine) to Australia, provided that they meet all of the AQIS import conditions. The AQIS requirements and a list of all the countries of export can be found at the following; http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/cat-dogs.

Additional important information for organizing pet travel is at http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/cat-dogs/faqs. For specific steps to import a dog or cat from the U.S. to Australia see the page http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/cat-dogs/cat4?name=the USA (not including Hawaii)

Entering New Zealand

As of January 1st, 2012 dogs from the UK, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Malta, Sweden and Norway must have their rabies vaccinations and a rabies titre test prior to entry; they must also receive their micro-chip (ISO Standard) at the same time as or prior to their rabies vaccination. A Model Veterinary Certificate from the country of origin is also required. All dogs entering New Zealand, with the exception of Australia, are required to complete a minimum of 10 days quarantine. Additionally, the MAF Biosecurity in New Zealand must be contacted at least 72 hours before arrival of any animal.

Required permits and application forms, documentation requirements, additional health information, approved country listings for direct import, and more can be found at the following websites:   http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/enter/personal/pets; http://www.nzimmigrationinformation.com/pets.htm.

Entering Fiji

http://www.fijiembassydc.com/default.asp?contentID=530

Entering Israel

http://miami.mfa.gov.il/mfm/Web/main/document.asp?documentid=183572

Import of animals accompanied by owners:
Pet dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and rodents which are not considered wildlife, up to two of each type, accompanied by their owners, are exempt from a Veterinary Import Permit provided that

- A Veterinary Health Certificate, issued by a government veterinary officer in the country of origin within 7 days prior to export is attached, stating that the animals were examined, found healthy, free from infectious and contagious diseases, and that a declaration has been received from the owner stating that the animals have been in his/her possession for at least the last 90 days. 

- An international certificate of vaccination stating that the dogs or cats have been vaccinated against rabies, not more than a year and not less than a month prior to shipment to Israel.

- Dogs and cats, younger than 3 months will not be admitted. Details of every import of animals must be notifies to the Ramla Quarantine Station at least 48 hours prior to arrival to Israel, Fax No. (972-3)-968-8963-/960-5194: owner, animal species, sex, breed, age, country of origin, flight No. and approximate time of arrival. Animals arriving in good health and properly certified will generally not be quarantined.

Quarantine - Unaccompanied animals, or such which require an import permit, shall be quarantined in an official quarantine station for a period of 8 days or as decided upon by the Director.

Entering Egypt

http://www.egypt.alloexpat.com/egypt_information/pets_to_bring_into_egypt.php

http://www.egyptembassy.net/

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/EG-Egypt-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm

Entering Saudi Arabia

http://www.saudiembassy.net/

http://saudi-arabia.visahq.com/customs/

Entering Lebanon

http://www.lebanon.cd/index.htm

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/LB-Lebanon-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm

Entering Turkey

http://turkey.usembassy.gov/about-us.html

http://www.turkey.alloexpat.com/turkey_information/pets_to_bring_into_turkey.php

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/TR-Turkey-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm

Entering Brazil 

http://boston.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/pet_and_plants.xml

Pets may be admitted to Brazil if they are in good health a week prior to boarding; no contagious disease was verified from area of origin for a 40 day period prior to boarding; the pet has had a rabies vaccination at least 30 days prior to travel and no more than 12 months, and they are presented along with an International Health Certificate. The certificate has a validity of 30 days and only 10 days validity after being stamped by the USDA. International Animal Health Certificates for dogs (as pets) from the US to Brazil can be found at this website: http://sistemas.mre.gov.br/kitweb/datafiles/Boston/enus/file/Health%20Certif%20for%20Dog%20and%20Cats.pdf 

Entering Argentina

http://www.senasa.gov.ar/contenido.php?to=n&in=739&io=8463 

Requirements for dogs entering Argentina from Mercosur Member Countries include having an official Zoosanitary Certificate and a vaccination certificate against rabies from the country of origin. The rabies vaccinations are required for all pets over 3 months; it must be issued at least 30 days prior to entry and valid for no more than a year. Owner’s will also need the original Veterinary Certificate and vaccinations records. The sanitary certificate must include the owner’s full name and address; the animal’s sex, date of birth, breed, fur, size, or any unusual markings; the country of origin and of destination; that the animal was examined within 10 days of arrival and that there is no evidence of any diseases. There is a fee for veterinary import inspection, and animals meeting the requirements do not need to be quarantined. However, pets unable to meet these requirements may cause deportation to their point of origin

If the pet is outside the Mercosur Member Countries and comes from a country that has officially declared the presence of African Horse Sickness or Rift Valley Fever in their area, further documentation will be required. 

All animals coming from Asia or Africa must get prior telex authorization from SENASA (quarantine department).

For additional important information regarding pet travel to Argentina: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/customrules/AR/rules.htm#Pets

Entering Chile

http://www.chile.alloexpat.com/chile_information/pets_to_bring_into_chile.php 
http://www.chile-usa.org/
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/customrules/CL/rules.htm#Pets

Dogs entering Chili are required to have a Certificate of Health obtained in the country of origin from an accredited public enemy; a Rabies Inoculation Certificate from a public agency, and proof of rabies vaccinations between 1 month and a year before arrival. An additional sanitary certificate is required for pets also going to Easter Island and can be obtained through Sociedad Agricola Ganadera (SAG).

Warning: Upon arrival animals can be detained and could be destroyed if all the requirements have not been met.

Entering Colombia

http://bogota.usembassy.gov

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/CO-Colombia-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm

Entering Peru

http://lima.usembassy.gov 

http://www.expatperu.com/transporting-pets-to-peru.php

http://www.noonsite.com/Countries/Peru/?rc=Formalities

Entering Aruba

http://www.visitaruba.com/traveling-to-aruba/traveling-with-pets
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/customrules/AW/rules.htm#Pets

Dogs entering Aruba are required to have a Veterinarian Good Health Certificate issued at point of origin no sooner than 14 days prior to arrival, and a Rabies Inoculation Certificate stating the rabies inoculation was given within the last year and at least 30 days prior to arrival. If pets are less than 4 months old, they are exempt if a veterinarian statement is on the Veterinarian Good Health Certificate indicating the pet is too young for vaccinations.

Dogs (also in transit) from South America are prohibited.

Entering The Bahamas

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/countrydetail/BS/details.htm

Dogs from countries without suspected/known rabies, Canada, or the USA are allowed entry to the Bahamas if they have had their required rabies vaccinations and boosters, are over 6 months old, and have a Veterinary Health Certificate given within 24 hours of boarding. Dogs from countries suspected/known to have rabies are prohibited.

Entering Bermuda

http://www.immigration.gov.bm/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=214&PageID=0&cached=true&mode=2&userID=2
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/countrydetail/BM/details.htm

Dogs entering Bermuda must have an Official Health Certificate from a government accredited veterinarian given within 10 days of entry detailing breed, color, sex, and color which must also correspond to the pet’s microchip identification; that the animal is disease and external parasite free, and has had no exposure to rabies at all within the past 6 months. Additionally, records must indicate usage of a USDA approved canine rabies vaccine since 3 months of age with a vaccine given not less than 1 month or more than a year prior to arrival: (There are some rabies-free countries that are exempt.) Also, a certificate indicating that the pet hasn’t been within 30 miles of foot and mouth disease for at least a month before shipment. 

Import Permits can be obtained Director, Dept of Agriculture & Fisheries, Box HM 834, Hamilton HM CX, Bermuda. (441-236-4201; Telex 3246 CWAGY-BA; Fax 441-236-7582) The application forms for the permits should be gotten well in advance as they must be present when the animal arrives and goes through inspection. Forms can also be gotten from any Bermuda Department of Tourism offices abroad. 

Warning Note: As there are no quarantine facilities in Bermuda, it is very important that all the proper documentations are in order or they will be refused entry and returned.

Entering Bonaire

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/customrules/BQ/rules.htm#Pets

Dogs coming into Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba are required to have a Veterinarian Good Health Certificate issued from their point of origin not earlier than 2 weeks before arrival and an electronic implanted micro-chip. Vaccines against rabies and canine distemper must also be given at least 30 days prior to arrival. 

Dogs (also in transit) from Central and South America are prohibited.

Entering Caicos Islands

http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/quick-facts.html

http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/templates/front/layouts/default/images/import_regulations/Conditions%20of%20Importation%20-%20Rabies-Endemic_DOGS%20&%20CATS.pdf 

Dogs entering Caicos Islands from Rabies-Endemic Countries must have an Official Health Certificate from a government accredited veterinarian from the country of origin within 30 days indicating an identifying micro-ship or tattoo; there are no infectious/contagious diseases evident; the pet has been treated for internal/external parasites within 2 weeks; tests negative for heartworm, and preparations for ticks need to have residual action (check website). Also required are the dates and information regarding vaccinations for Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Canine Parvovirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, Distemper, and Parainfluenza; that the pets do not come from a rabies quarantined area, and they have had at least 2 rabies inactivated vaccines after 3 months old with another at least 6 months later. It must also be indicated that tests were run during certain intervals after the inoculations to verify free of rabies. Pets can enter the islands up to a year after the last booster shot if tests are positive of at least 0.5 IU/ml and marked with the pet’s permanent ID number. Dogs must also have been in the country of origin/export no less than 6 months prior to arrival. 

http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/templates/front/layouts/default/images/import_regulations/Conditions%20of%20Importation%20-%20Rabies-Endemic_DOGS%20&%20CATS.pdf 

Dogs entering Caicos Islands from Non-Rabies-Endemic Countries must have an Official Health Certificate from a government accredited veterinarian from the country of origin within 30 days indicating an identifying micro-ship or tattoo; be healthy with no infectious/contagious diseases evident; the pet has been treated for internal/external parasites within 2 weeks; tests negative for heartworm, and preparations for ticks need to have residual action (check website). Also required are the dates and information regarding vaccinations for Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Canine Parvovirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, Distemper, and Parainfluenza; that the pet’s country of origin has had no rabies outbreaks among un-quarantined animals in the last 2 years, and that the pet has been in its country of origin/export for a minimum of 6 months prior to arrival. All dogs must be neutered or spayed to receive an import permit. All documents, all required conditions for the health and vaccination certificates, import permit, laboratory test results, and other requirements must be met and turned into the port of entry to assist veterinary clearance. Incomplete paperwork could cause pets to be detained, deported or euthanized. A 48 hours notice to the Veterinary Unit must be given with time, date, flight, and entry port to prevent delays, and there is also a $50 fee for each permit. Animals must be kept kenneled until entry to the territory is granted or they could be denied, and there are additional requirements if the pet has a layover for more than a 24 hour period from somewhere other than their country of origin.