South Africa

Pet Travel Policy Information

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Quarantine Possible

Pet Travel Requirements for South Africa

Pet Entry Requirements for South Africa

Step 1

Pet Microchip

All cats and dogs entering South Africa must first be identified with a 15-digitthat is compliant with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 11784 or Annex A of 11785. The microchip number should be reflected on all documentation. If your pet’s current microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, importers can provide athat will read their pet’s microchip. Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, or a trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions on how to register your pet’s information in the manufacturer’s or government’s database. Microchip numbers must be recorded on all documentation required in your pet’s passport to enter South Africa.

Step 2

Vaccinations

All cats and dogs must have proof of current rabies vaccination. The vaccination must have been administered between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering South Africa. The administering veterinarian should either issue a rabies certificate or record vaccination information in a government-issued vaccination booklet or EU Pet Passport, sign, and stamp. Vaccinating your cat and dog against serious diseases is important when traveling internationally. You can discuss the following vaccinations with your veterinarian; however, they are not required. Dogs may also be vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and adenovirus. A Bordetella vaccination is also recommended if your dog will be exposed to other animals or boarded before or after transport. Cats may be vaccinated against feline leukemia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panaleukopenia, pneumonitis, and immunodeficiency.

Step 3

Blood Tests – Dogs Only

A rabies titer test is not required for dogs entering South Africa from any country; however, other blood tests are required. All dogs must be tested by methods approved by the World Organization for Animal Health for the following diseases: Brucella canisTrypanosoma evansiBabesia gibsoni,Dirofilaria immitisLeishmania. All tests must be done within 30 days of entering South Africa, and samples must be processed at approved laboratories. Government agencies can attest that one or more of these diseases is absent from their country for an exemption from testing for that disease. Note that, if these tests are done incorrectly or if the results are not acceptable, your dog will be returned to the originating country.

Step 4

Import Permit

South Africa requires an application for import for entry or transit with the Director of Animal Health unless your dog or cat is entering from the following SADC member nations: Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Swaziland, or Zimbabwe. Pets entering from these countries will need proof of current rabies vaccination administered per step #2 and a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the exporting country. Pet owners from other countries should apply well ahead of their visit for a permit to bring their pet into South Africa. An agent can facilitate the application process. Following receipt of the completed Import Application form, a Veterinary Import Permit will be issued and sent directly to you. The permit is good for 6 months from the date of issuance.

Step 5

Parasite Treatments

Dogs must be treated for internal and external parasites within 30 days of travel.

Step 6

Health Certificate

All countries worldwide include a pet health certificate in their import regulations, and South Africa is no exception. A licensed veterinarian in the origination country must complete the health certificate within 10 days of entry. After issuance, the health certificate must be certified (endorsed) by a government veterinarian representing the agency in the origination country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals. Related: The health certificate must clearly identify your pet, including its microchip number. Your veterinarian must state that: Your pet is fit to travel.Your pet is not originating from an area that is under restrictions for rabies.Your pet is displaying no symptoms of any contagious diseases.

Complete all 6 steps to enter South Africa with your pet

Requirements may change. Always verify with official sources before travel.

Is Quarantine Required for Pets in South Africa?

Quarantine will be required for dogs entering South Africa from certain countries. Cats are not subject to quarantine. Pets not meeting import regulations will be quarantined, returned to the origin country or euthanized. All costs are the responsibility of the importer.

What Additional Information Do I Need for South Africa?

Comments:
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Other Information:
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Current Information:
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on wagsandwanders.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following South Africa pet import requirements.
Pets in South Africa:
The country’s pet care industry is well-developed, with a growing focus on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Dogs are the most popular pets in South Africa with the most popular breeds being Boerboel (South African Mastiff), Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and various small breeds like the Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier. Cats and birds are also highly popular. Stray dogs and cats are a significant issue in many urban areas. South Africa has a robust network of veterinary clinics offering a range of services from routine check-ups to advanced medical treatments. A wide range of pet products are available in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
Entering South Africa:
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Flights to South Africa:
Flights to South Africa should be direct or transit through arabies-controlled countryor another EU Member State if possible*. *Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.
What is a Pet Passport?:
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents according to South Africa pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering the country.This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for resident pets. Your pet’s passport to enter South Africa will include proof of a microchip and current vaccinations, parasite treatments (dogs), blood tests (dogs), an export health certificate, and an import permit (certain countries). All South Africa pet import requirements are detailed below.
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Find a Licensed Veterinarian:
Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. The agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals should either license or employ your veterinarian.
Post Import Procedures | Quarantine:
Upon arrival in South Africa, importers will present the Veterinary Certificate and the approved Import Permit to the quarantine officer. Cats with the original versions of a properly completed Import Permit and Veterinary Health Certificate will not be subject to quarantine. Dogs will be subject to a minimum of 14 days of quarantine unless they are entering from the following countries and are accompanied by the properly completed paperwork: United States, Canada, Argentina, Austria , Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Comoros, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Poland, Reunion, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.
South Africa Pet Import Requirements:
All steps required to conform to South Africa pet import regulations must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-6 in the order given.
Animals Eligible for These Regulations:
Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats, including service and assistance dogs and cats. Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, cannot be imported under these regulations. Service and emotional support animals are subject to all regulations listed here.
Breeds Banned for Import to South Africa:
Currently, South Africa does not currently ban any breed of dog. Pet owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior.
Quarantine for Pets Entering South Africa:
Quarantine will be required for dogs entering South Africa from certain countries. Cats are not subject to quarantine. Pets not meeting import regulations will be quarantined, returned to the origin country or euthanized. All costs are the responsibility of the importer.
Importing Other Pet Animals to South Africa:
Rabbits and ferrets are not permitted to enter South Africa. Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents are not subject to requirements of rabies vaccination, but may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate and import permit to enter South Africa. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.
Importing Puppies and Kittens to South Africa:
Puppies and kittens under three months of age do not need to be vaccinated for rabies. However, puppies and kittens less than 3 months of age can only travel to South Africa if proof is provided that the mother of the puppy or kitten had been vaccinated for rabies more than 30 days before and less than 12 months before the birth of the puppy or kitten. These pets must be vaccinated for rabies in South Africa at 3 months of age and proof of the vaccination must be presented to the South African Veterinary Authorities. Puppies and kittens under the age of 8 weeks cannot fly cargo in or out of South Africa. Young pets between 8 and 12 weeks of age that have not been vaccinated must travel with proof of their mother’s vaccination as stated above. When over 16 weeks of age, puppies and kittens must have a rabies certificate indicating vaccination between 12 weeks and 30 days prior to travel. Related: More information ontransporting a puppy.
Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to South Africa?:
Have a comment about importing a pet to South Africa? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to ourBlog,[X (Twitter)](https://twitter.com/Wags and Wanderscom/),[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Wags and Wanders/), orEmailor follow our activities on[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/Wags and Wanderstransport/profilecard/)andTikTok. Please note that the accuracy of comments made by Facebook users other than Pet Travel has not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.
8 responses to “South Africa Pet Import Requirements”:
Inge Mitchell-Starbuck[January 16, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/south-africa-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-55)Good dayI came to Canada from South Africa to visit family and brought our small Yorkie with.She flew in cabin all the way from South Africa, no issues.I am returning to South Africa soon.Airline confirmed she can go in cabin again.She is an ESA animal for my child with a heart condition.We do have a Psychologist letter end vet letter. She is up to date with her vaccinations aswell and microchipped with South African address etc.What issues, if any, will we have getting back to South Africa with her?[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-522)](#comment-400)](#comment-398)](#comment-127)](#comment-125)](#comment-57)](#comment-55)[[[Susan](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)[January 16, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/south-africa-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-55)Inge – we know of no commercial airline that will allow a live animal to arrive in South Africa in the cabin. Because clearance facilities for live animals are not located in the terminal, the airlines will need to be responsible for transporting the pet to the cargo area which is a responsibility they cannot provide. Since the US Dept. of Transportation amended the definition of a service animal to be a dog trained to assist a disabled person, emotional support animals lost their protections under the Airline Carrier Access Act. You can contact your airline and see whether your child’s heart condition would qualify it as a service dog; however, providing comfort is no longer a qualification for an exemption. You will also need to be aware of requirements to reimport your dog to South Africa. You can find them here:https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/south-africa-pet-import-requirements.[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-522)](#comment-400)](#comment-398)](#comment-127)](#comment-125)](#comment-57)](#comment-55)Inge Mitchell-Starbuck[January 26, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/south-africa-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-125)Good day, thank you for your reply..Just an update.She is booked in cabin via Lufthanza from Frankfurt to Cape town. Airline approved and ticket generated.[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-522)](#comment-400)](#comment-398)](#comment-127)](#comment-125)](#comment-57)](#comment-55)[[[Susan](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)[January 26, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/south-africa-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-125)Inge – that’s news to us as our sources indicate that all live animals must arrive in SA as air cargo. This is not a country requirement but a requirement of the airlines, similar to those of the United Kingdom. Please let us know if your pet is permitted to board. We would appreciate the information.[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-522)](#comment-400)](#comment-398)](#comment-127)](#comment-125)](#comment-57)](#comment-55)Anja Steenekamp[February 27, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/south-africa-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-398)Hi, I have a certified service dog that will fly from China to South Africa in the coming few months. Will she be allowed in the cabin?[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-522)](#comment-400)](#comment-398)](#comment-127)](#comment-125)](#comment-57)](#comment-55)[[[Susan](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)[February 27, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/south-africa-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-398)Anja – if your airline’s pet policies allow your service dog in the cabin, then it should be allowed. Arrangements must be made with authorities in South Africa for veterinary inspection upon arrival.[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-522)](#comment-400)](#comment-398)](#comment-127)](#comment-125)](#comment-57)](#comment-55)HeatherMarch 12, 2025Hi,Does South Africa currently accept digital versions of import permits?[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-522)](#comment-400)](#comment-398)](#comment-127)](#comment-125)](#comment-57)](#comment-55)[[[Susan](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)March 13, 2025Heather – we are not aware of an option to apply for the import permit online.[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-522)](#comment-400)](#comment-398)](#comment-127)](#comment-125)](#comment-57)](#comment-55)
Need More Pet Import Requirements and Forms for South Africa?:
Visit Wags and WandersStore.com for step-by-step detailed instructions on regulations, permits, layovers, costs, tests and pet import regulations for South Africa at minimal cost.Our information is current, verified and tailored to your pet’s itinerary.
Here’s what is included in the South Africa pet passport package::
Detailed instructions on importing your dog, cat or ferret to South Africa from any country available in six languagesRequired Vaccinations and IntervalsISO 11784/11785 Compliant InformationImport Permit ApplicationBlood TestsApproved LaboratoriesParasite TreatmentsPrenotification ContactsHealth Certificate EndorsementIATA Carrier and Crate RequirementsLayover Considerations & Requirements for Airline Pet TravelResponsibilities of a Pet TransporterFREE unlimited email supportboth for you and your veterinarian, should either of you have any questions Also included at no additional cost: Veterinary Health Certificate for South AfricaInoculation RecordMicrochip CertificateAirline Health Certificate
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
Importers should verify that their pet is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This is important if your pet is not a dog or cat, and it is even more important if it is a turtle or parrot. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES regulations. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch the Species+ database Related:Read more about CITES

Last updated: March 15, 2025

Traveler Tips & Experiences

Emily Parker

February 12, 2025

I visited South Africa last year with my French Bulldog and found the process straightforward and well-documented.

Michael Chen

January 3, 2025

Air travel to South Africa was a breeze and my cat had no issues. Highly recommend booking early!

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