Importing Your Pet to Vietnam

Vietnam requires an import permit from DAH (Department of Animal Health, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, MARD) before any pet can be imported. The permit takes several weeks to obtain. Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by a health certificate endorsed by the origin country’s official vet authority.

Quarantine may be required on arrival depending on origin country and the health status declared in the documentation. Vietnam’s import rules have been strengthened in recent years as the country improves its biosecurity controls.

Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport) and Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) are the main entry points for pet imports into Vietnam. Not all entry points have veterinary inspection facilities, so always confirm your entry point before booking.

Import permit process for Vietnam

Submit the import permit application to DAH before booking flights. Required: microchip details, vaccination records, health certificate from origin vet authority, photos of the pet, and owner information.

Processing takes several weeks. Allow at least 4-6 weeks from application to permit issue. The permit specifies the entry window, entry point, and other conditions. Travel must comply with the permit conditions.

Health certificate requirements from Vietnam

For pets coming from the UK, EU, US, or Australia, a health certificate endorsed by the origin country’s official vet authority (APHA, USDA APHIS, DAFF, etc.) is required. The certificate must list: microchip number, rabies vaccination date and expiry, other vaccinations, and a general health statement.

The certificate must typically be issued within 7-10 days before travel. Some origin countries are required to have their certificate apostilled or endorsed by the Vietnamese embassy. Check with DAH or a specialist agent for your specific origin country requirements.