Pet Transport from UK to Kenya 2026

Kenya is home to a growing expat community, particularly in Nairobi, and many families relocating for development, NGO, or corporate work bring their pets. The process is workable, but the import permit step and documentation timing need attention.

The Kenya Veterinary Board import permit

Pets entering Kenya need advance approval from the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) or the Director of Veterinary Services. Contact the KVB or the nearest Kenyan Embassy or High Commission to obtain the correct application form and submit it at least two to four weeks before travel.

The permit application typically requires your pet’s microchip details, vaccination history, and information about the health certificate that will accompany the animal.

APHA-endorsed health certificate

From the UK, your health certificate must be an AHC endorsed by APHA. The AHC format covers the core information Kenya requires: microchip number, species, breed, current rabies vaccination, other vaccinations, and parasite treatments.

Allow 10 to 15 working days for your vet to prepare and APHA to endorse the certificate. The certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of the official vet examination, so timing around your departure is important.

Arriving at Nairobi

Most international pet arrivals come through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). The Kenya Veterinary Board has inspection staff at the cargo terminal. Bring all original documents including the import permit, AHC, vaccination record, and any treatment certificates.

A local pet freight forwarder or clearing agent with experience at NBO can handle the customs clearance and inspection on your behalf, which smooths the process considerably.

Living with a pet in Nairobi

Nairobi has a well-developed expat veterinary network, particularly in areas such as Karen, Westlands, and Lavington. Annual boosters for locally relevant diseases (including leptospirosis, kennel cough, and tick-borne diseases) are advisable. Your vet in Nairobi can provide a local vaccination and parasite protocol.

Official sources:

  • Kenya Veterinary Board: kvb.go.ke
  • APHA UK pet export: GOV.UK/APHA
  • Kenya Airways cargo: kenyaairways.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Dogs entering Kenya require: an import permit from the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) or the Director of Veterinary Services; an Animal Health Certificate endorsed by APHA in the UK; current rabies vaccination; core disease vaccinations; and treatment against external and internal parasites within 14 days of travel. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

Kenya does not impose routine quarantine for pets arriving with complete documentation and satisfactory health status. Arrival inspection is conducted by veterinary officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). If your paperwork is correct and your pet appears healthy, clearance is typically granted on the day. Incomplete or incorrect documents can result in the animal being held at the importer’s cost.

Kenya Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) and accepts pets as cargo on some services. British Airways and Ethiopian Airlines also operate this route and have live animal cargo experience. Most pets travel as excess baggage or manifest cargo. Contact the airline’s cargo team at least three weeks before travel.

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