Which Countries Require a Pet Import Permit? | 2026 Guide

One of the most common mistakes pet owners make is assuming that a health certificate and vaccinations are all that is needed for international travel. Many countries require a formal import permit issued in advance, before the animal is even loaded onto a flight.

Countries that require advance import permits

Australia Import permits are issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Apply via the DAFF website. Permits are tied to a specific quarantine facility booking. Processing takes four to six weeks.

New Zealand MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) issues import permits. Processing takes four to six weeks. The permit is linked to a quarantine facility booking at Levin.

Singapore AVS (Animal and Veterinary Service, NParks) issues import licences. Apply at least four weeks before travel via the GoBusiness portal. You must book an approved quarantine facility first.

Taiwan BAPHIQ (Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine) issues import permits. Apply at least three to four weeks before travel.

The Philippines BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry) issues import permits. Apply at least 30 days before travel.

Thailand DLD (Department of Livestock Development) issues import permits. Apply at least 15 to 30 days before travel.

South Africa DALRRD (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development) requires an import permit. Apply at least four weeks before travel.

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE Gulf countries generally require import permits from the Ministry of Agriculture or equivalent authority. Requirements vary by country; confirm directly with the destination country authority.

Countries that do NOT require advance import permits

Within the EU, most countries do not require a separate import permit. The health certificate (EU AHC or EU pet passport) combined with vaccination records is sufficient for entry. The same applies to many developed countries that apply simplified frameworks.

Countries that generally do not require an advance permit for domestic pets include: USA (no federal permit for dogs from approved countries), Canada, UK, most EU member states, Japan, and Switzerland.

What happens if you skip the permit

The risks of arriving without a required permit are severe. Australia has strict rules and animals without correct documentation may be detained indefinitely or returned at the owner’s cost. Do not underestimate the risk.

Practical tip

When researching a destination, check the official government veterinary authority website for the country, not third-party sources. Requirements change and only the official source is authoritative.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Many countries, including most EU member states, do not require a separate import permit for dogs and cats travelling under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Instead, they require a health certificate and may require a titre test. However, countries like Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa require a formal advance import permit before the animal can travel.

It depends on the country. Australia recommends applying for the import permit at least six weeks before travel. Singapore’s AVS typically takes two to four weeks. Taiwan’s BAPHIQ typically takes two to three weeks. Thailand’s DLD takes two to four weeks. The Philippines’ BAI recommends applying at least 30 days before travel. Always apply earlier than the minimum, as processing times can extend.

The consequences vary by country, but in most cases, your pet will be refused entry, held in quarantine at your expense, or returned to the origin country at your cost. In Australia, animals arriving without the correct permit may be euthanised if no return flight can be arranged. Never travel with a pet to a permit-required country without confirmed advance approval.

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