Sri Lanka

Pet Entry Requirements for Sri Lanka

Is Quarantine Required for Pets in Sri Lanka?

What Additional Information Do I Need for Sri Lanka?

• More Information:

  Not specified

• Pets in Sri Lanka:

  As a predominantly Buddhist country, there is a cultural inclination towards compassion for animals, influencing pet care and treatment practices. Dogs are very popular pets across Sri Lanka, often kept for companionship and security. Local mixed breeds are common, though purebreds are also seen, especially in urban areas. Cats are particularly valued for their independence and ability to control pests like mice and rats. Parrots, pigeons, and other birds are kept both for their beauty and their ability to mimic sounds. Birds are a common sight in many Sri Lankan households; however, they are difficult to import requiring an import permit and quarantine. Access to veterinary services is relatively good in urban areas but can be limited in rural regions. Stray dogs and cats are a significant issue, particularly in cities. There are various initiatives to manage stray populations through spaying/neutering and adoption programs. Pet owners should always protect themselves and their pets from stray animals as they are oftentimes unvaccinated for contagious animal diseases.

• Flights to Sri Lanka:

  Commercial airlines providing services for pets flying to Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) are Aeroflot, Air India, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, Emirates, Flydubai, Gulf Air, IndiGo, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines. Flights to Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka 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 will include an import permit, proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, blood tests (dogs), parasite treatments and international export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.

• Entering Sri Lanka by air:

  Pet dogs and cats entering Sri Lanka by air should do so via Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) in Katunayake. Pets can arrive in the cabin, as checked baggage or air cargo. Note that pets arriving as air cargo will be subject to a hefty import tax. Related:Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant? Flights should be direct if the duration of the flight does not violate animal welfare laws. Layovers should be short and not involve a change in airline companies. If your pet’s itinerary involves a layover in the European Union, then additional requirements will apply. Notice should be given to veterinary officials at least 2 days in advance so they will be available to inspect your pet upon landing. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport and will be re-exported if parasite blood tests are not negative. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensedveterinarian may be required at your expense. Veterinary officials may require quarantine inspection or home quarantine of up to 30 days when entering Sri Lanka regardless of the country of origin or whether regulations are adhered to. Importers will need to carry a personal letter stating the pet’s market value or a document that proves it such as an invoice. On the other hand, importers may provide this information on the Health Certificate. Whenever your pet travels to a foreign country like Sri Lanka, it is always advisable to carry some form of identification indicating ownership of your pet. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport. A government veterinarian will provide further examination if your dog or cat is not in apparent good health when entering COUNTRY NAME. All costs associated with further inspections or treatments will be borne by the importer.

• 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.

• Sri Lanka Pet Import Requirements:

  All steps required to import a dog or cat to Sri Lanka 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. These regulations do not include the import of wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree. Note that dogs and cats can be imported to Sri Lanka from countries that are free from rabies according to regulations below. If your country does not have this designation, the origin of your pet must be from an area free from rabies quarantine restrictions and not within a radius of 15.5 miles (25 km) from the nearest known case of rabies that was reported at any time within 6 months before travel.

• Breeds Banned from import to Sri Lanka:

  Sri Lanka does not publish a list of banned breeds. Pet owners are always responsible for their pet’s behavior.

• Exporting resident pets from Sri Lanka:

  If your pet is visiting Sri Lanka and leaves during the period of validity of the Certificate of Health created in the U.S. or your country and the rabies vaccine has not expired, then no additional paperwork will be required. If your pet resides in Sri Lanka and you want to export it from the country, then you will need a Certificate of Good Health from yourveterinarian in Sri Lanka and an export authorization issued by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Agriculture. The authorization will be good for 30 days and there is a fee involved. It will take several working days to process it.

• Quarantine for Pets Entering Sri Lanka:

  All cats and dogs will be subject to 30 days of home quarantine even if the following regulations are met. 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 Sri Lanka:

  Birds entering Sri Lanka will need an import permit. Quarantine in an approved facility is required and tests will be performed which must prove negative for Avian influenza and Newcastle diseases among others. Birds cannot be exported from the country. Exotic pets will not be permitted entry. 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 Sri Lanka:

  In case of puppies under the age of 10 months, the rabies booster vaccine must be administered within 14 days interval from the primary vaccine. For kittens under the age of 10 months, the rabies booster vaccine must be administered within 14 days interval from the primary vaccine. Puppies and kittens should not receive rabies vaccinations before 3 months of age. Related:More information on transporting a puppy.

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):

  The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets. This is crucial if you have a pet that isn’t a dog or cat, and it’s crucial if it’s a turtle or a parrot. If this is the case, importers will have to submit additional permit applications. The agency that issues these permits is responsible for the protection of wildlife in your country. Over 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES regulations. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch the Species+ database Related:Read more about CITES

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