Getting a pet from Brazil to France is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. Allow around 20-22 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely.
A rabies …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Brazil to France
typically takes around 20-22 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Brazil to France pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in Brazil
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.
Responsible: Vet in Brazil
5+ months before travel
3
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: MAPA-registered vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
4
Wait 3 months from blood sampling date.
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
3 months from blood draw
5
Book cargo GRU to CDG on Air France or LATAM.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
6
Obtain MAPA-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: MAPA-registered vet plus MAPA endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
7
Depart GRU. French customs inspects at Paris CDG on arrival.
Responsible: Airline cargo and French customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter France
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. Brazil is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test required. Blood drawn after microchip and valid vaccination. 3-month wait from blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. French customs inspects at Paris CDG.
Import permit
No import permit. MAPA-endorsed EU certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by MAPA, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (Brazil)
No formal export permit for companion animals. MAPA inspection at departure; primary departure from São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG).
Costs
What this route typically costs
MAPA vet certificate and endorsement: BRL 300-800 (approximately EUR 50-140)
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo GRU to CDG (Air France or LATAM direct): EUR 900-2,000 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,300-3,100
Critical points to read before you book
Brazil is not EU-listed: titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are mandatory. Start 5 months before travel.
3-month wait runs from blood draw date, not results date.
France Category 1 breed ban covers Pit Bull type dogs without LOF or FCI pedigree.
MAPA certificate must be EU format and dated within 10 days of travel.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
AIR FRANCE
Air France Cargo
Air France operates direct from São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) to Paris CDG. Air France Cargo accepts live animals. CDG is the main French entry hub for live animal cargo from Brazil.
Cargo Only
LATAM CARGO
LATAM Cargo
LATAM operates GRU to Paris CDG and Madrid. LATAM Cargo handles live animals on selected South America to Europe routes.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Lufthansa operates GRU to Frankfurt direct with cargo connections to Paris CDG. An alternative routing via Germany.
Cargo Only
How France handles incoming pets
France has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
What experienced owners do
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
FAQ
Common questions about Brazil to France pet transport
Yes. Brazil is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Yes. Air France Cargo operates direct from GRU to CDG and accepts live animals. LATAM Cargo is another direct option on this route. Book four to six weeks ahead.
From the blood sampling date, not the results date. If blood is drawn on 1 March, travel to France is not possible before 1 June.
Cargo from GRU to CDG (Air France or LATAM direct) typically costs EUR 900 to EUR 2,000. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test and EUR 50-140 for the MAPA certificate. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,300 to EUR 3,100.
Airline guides
Air France Cargo
LATAM Cargo
Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.