Moving to Vietnam with a Pet: NAHABS Permits, Vaccines and Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam’s growing expatriate community, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, means more people are navigating the country’s pet import process. The system is manageable with preparation, but it differs depending on whether you are arriving at a northern or southern airport.

Vietnam’s Pet Import Requirements

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) regulates live animal imports through the Department of Animal Health (DAH) and the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD). For dogs and cats, the requirements typically include:

  • An import permit from the competent authority (MARD/DAH)
  • A health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian in your country, within ten days of travel
  • Rabies vaccination (current and valid on arrival)
  • Core vaccinations for dogs and cats
  • Microchip (ISO standard recommended)
  • An animal health certificate confirming the animal is free from infectious disease

Requirements can vary by origin country. Work with a Vietnamese-based pet transport specialist or the local MARD office to confirm the current documentation list for your origin.

Arriving in Vietnam

Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai Airport (HAN) in Hanoi are the main international entry points. Customs and MARD inspection happens on arrival. Keep all documents accessible.

Airlines for Vietnam Routes

Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific all serve major Vietnamese airports and have live animal cargo programmes on applicable routes. Singapore Airlines via Singapore is a commonly used routing for pets arriving in Vietnam from Europe.

Practical Notes

Vietnam is hot and humid in the south year-round. Brachycephalic breeds are at higher risk in this climate. Ensure your crate is well-ventilated and discuss heat precautions with your vet.

Veterinary care in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi has improved significantly. Several clinics now serve the expatriate community with international standards.

Tick, heartworm, and other tropical parasite prevention is important from arrival day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dogs entering Vietnam need an import permit from MARD/Department of Animal Health, a health certificate from an official government veterinarian issued within ten days of travel, a current rabies vaccination, core vaccinations, and microchip documentation. Requirements can vary by origin country – confirm with the Vietnamese competent authority or a local pet transport specialist before travel.

Yes. Cats can be imported into Vietnam with the appropriate documentation, including an import permit, health certificate, current vaccinations, and microchip. The same process through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development applies. Confirm the current requirements for your specific origin country.

Singapore Airlines via Singapore, Qatar Airways via Doha, and Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong are commonly used for live animal cargo to Vietnam. Singapore Airlines in particular has a reliable live animal programme and a convenient Singapore hub for connections to both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

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