Myanmar Pet Import Guide 2026

Myanmar (Burma) is a less commonly covered destination in pet transport guides, but there is a steady flow of expats, NGO workers, and diplomatic staff who relocate with pets. The import rules are less formalised than those of neighbouring Singapore or Thailand, but that does not mean anything goes.

What Myanmar requires for pet entry

Myanmar’s veterinary import framework is administered by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Land Management and Statistics (DALHMS) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.

The core requirements are:

  • A veterinary health certificate from an accredited vet in the country of origin
  • Endorsement by the national veterinary authority (USDA APHIS, APHA, CFIA, etc.)
  • Current rabies vaccination record
  • Microchip strongly recommended (ISO 15444 preferred)

Myanmar does not have a published equivalent of Singapore’s AVS approved country list, so requirements can be applied with some flexibility by customs officers. Having thorough documentation is your best protection.

Practical considerations

Direct international flights to Yangon (RGN) have reduced significantly in recent years. Bangkok (BKK) is the most common transit hub for Myanmar-bound passengers, but transit rules for pets vary and many carriers do not accept pets on short-haul connections.

If you are relocating to Myanmar for work, consult your employer or relocation agent about current ground transport options from Bangkok, which some expats prefer for moving pets due to the road crossing at Myawaddy or Mae Sot.

Veterinary care in Myanmar

Quality veterinary care in Myanmar is concentrated in Yangon and Mandalay. If you are relocating to a more remote area, research veterinary services carefully before committing, as emergency care for animals can be difficult to access outside major cities.

Ensure your pet’s vaccinations, including rabies, are up to date before departure, as access to certain vaccines may be limited locally.

Official sources:

  • DALHMS: moali.gov.mm
  • USDA APHIS pet travel: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Myanmar requires a veterinary health certificate from an accredited vet in your country of origin, endorsed by your national veterinary authority. Rabies vaccination is required. A microchip is strongly recommended. Myanmar does not currently operate a formal import permit system equivalent to countries like Singapore or the Philippines, but all animals must be declared to customs on arrival.

Myanmar does not have a standardised mandatory quarantine programme for pet dogs and cats from low-risk countries, unlike Singapore or Australia. However, customs and veterinary officers on arrival have discretion to hold animals for inspection if documentation appears incomplete. This can add days of delay, so ensuring your paperwork is thorough is important.

International flights to Yangon (RGN) are limited compared to other Southeast Asian hubs. The airline options for carrying pets to Myanmar as cargo or excess baggage are restricted. Thai Airways, Myanmar National Airlines, and a small number of regional carriers operate services. Confirm pet acceptance directly with any carrier before booking.
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