Philippines Pet Import Guide: BAI Requirements, Accreditation, and Manila Arrivals

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) in the Philippines manages all pet imports. The process requires an import accreditation number and advance documentation, but is achievable with proper planning.

Core Requirements

• ISO 15-digit microchip (readable before travel)
• Rabies vaccination: current, administered after microchipping
• Rabies titre test: required for pets from most countries. Result must be ≥0.5 IU/mL from a BAI-approved laboratory.
• BAI Import Accreditation Number: applied for before travel. The accreditation confirms the owner is approved to import the specific animal.
• Health certificate: issued within 7-10 days of departure (check current BAI requirement), endorsed by the government vet authority in your country
• Veterinary Quarantine Clearance Certificate (VQCC): applied for before travel

Quarantine

All dogs and cats entering the Philippines undergo a mandatory 7-day quarantine at the BAI facility at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.

Cost (2026): Approximately PHP 5,000-8,000 (£70-110) for 7 days.

Manila (NAIA) Arrival Process

Pets arrive via the cargo terminal at NAIA. BAI quarantine officers inspect the documentation and the animal. Your import accreditation documents must be presented.

Collection after quarantine: You can collect directly or through a customs broker. BAI releases the pet on the last day of quarantine after a final health check.

Approved Labs for Titre Testing

BAI publishes a list of approved laboratories for the rabies titre test. In the UK, APHA Weybridge is typically on this list. Verify the current BAI approved lab list before drawing blood.

Sources: Philippines BAI import requirements. Data current as of {TODAY}.