What Is a Pet Import Permit and Do You Need One?

A pet import permit is an official government document that authorises a specific animal to enter a country. Not every country requires one, but for those that do, applying for the permit is the first step in any international pet move – before vaccinations, before crate purchase, and before airline booking.

Which Countries Require a Pet Import Permit?

Countries that require an import permit for dogs and cats generally include:

  • Australia and New Zealand: Formal import permits or conditions are issued by DAFF (Australia) and MPI (New Zealand)
  • Japan: Advance notification and inspection approval from the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) is required
  • Gulf States (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait): Most require a permit from the relevant Ministry
  • Many African countries: Nigeria (NAFDAC), Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and others
  • Many Asian countries: Philippines (BAI Veterinary Import Clearance), Vietnam, Indonesia
  • Some South American countries: Brazil requires MAPA documentation equivalent to a permit
  • Jordan, Morocco, and other Middle Eastern countries

Countries that do NOT require a permit (and rely on the health certificate alone):

  • Most EU/EEA countries (the EU health certificate serves this function)
  • Canada (CFIA for personal pets)
  • USA (CDC/USDA requirements are met by the health certificate for most origins)
  • UK (APHA-endorsed certificate without a separate permit)

What an Import Permit Contains

A typical import permit specifies:

  • The owner’s name and contact details
  • The animal’s microchip number, species, breed, age, and sex
  • The country of origin
  • The port of entry (you usually must enter through the specified airport)
  • The permitted date range for entry
  • The specific conditions the animal must meet on arrival (vaccinations, treatments, etc.)

How to Apply for a Pet Import Permit

The application process varies by country. In most cases:

  1. Contact the national veterinary authority (Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Quarantine Service, etc.) in the destination country
  2. Submit the required forms with your pet’s microchip number, species and breed, vaccination records, and planned travel details
  3. Pay the permit fee (varies by country)
  4. Wait for the permit to be issued (two to six weeks in most cases)

Many pet transport specialists handle the import permit application as part of their service. This is particularly valuable for countries where the forms are in a language you do not read.

The Difference Between a Permit and a Health Certificate

The import permit is the destination country’s authorisation for the animal to enter. The health certificate is the documentation from your origin country confirming the animal is healthy and meets the entry conditions. Both are usually required together.

The permit is obtained before travel from the destination country’s authorities. The health certificate is issued by your vet (and often endorsed by your government veterinary authority) close to the travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply for a pet import permit as soon as you know your destination and approximate travel date – ideally six to eight weeks before travel for most countries. Some countries (Australia, Japan) require more complex advance documentation that effectively functions as a permit and takes longer. For Gulf states and African countries, allow four to six weeks. Do not book flights before confirming that the import permit process has started.

If your destination country requires an import permit and you arrive without one, your pet will be refused entry at customs. The animal will be held at the airport quarantine facility at your expense and will either be returned to the origin country or held until a permit is obtained. This is costly, distressing for the animal, and in some cases results in the pet being quarantined for weeks. Never travel to a permit-required country without the permit confirmed.

Yes. Most reputable pet transport companies offer import permit application as part of their full-service package. For countries where the forms are complex or in a foreign language, using a specialist is strongly advisable. They also know the current permit requirements, which can change, and have established contacts with the relevant government veterinary authorities.

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