Pet Transport Indonesia to Australia: 2026 Staged Move Guide

DAFF’s non-approved classification for Indonesia is driven by the country’s rabies status. Bali experienced a significant rabies outbreak beginning in 2008, and despite control programmes, the situation has not been resolved to DAFF’s satisfaction. Indonesia as a whole remains non-approved under DAFF biosecurity rules, even for pets that have lived their entire lives in Jakarta or other areas where rabies has never been detected in dogs.

This means no direct cargo flight from Bali (DPS), Jakarta (CGK), Surabaya (SUB), or any other Indonesian airport can be used to bring a pet to Australia. The DAFF import permit system will not approve such a movement. The staged move via Singapore is the defined alternative.

Singapore is the natural choice for Indonesian expats relocating to Australia. The flight from Jakarta or Bali to Singapore is short (under 3 hours), Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines both operate the route with cargo pet services, and Singapore is DAFF Group 2 (rabies-free), which means pets departing Singapore for Australia do not need an RNATT titre test.

The Singapore entry process for pets from Indonesia involves a FAVN titre test, an AVS import licence, a 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) in Sembawang, and (from April 2026) an AVS-recognised pet agent for CAPQ clearance. Allow 3 to 4 months of preparation time before the Singapore arrival. After the 30-day quarantine, your pet needs to remain in Singapore for at least another 150 days to reach the 180-day DAFF residency threshold.

Once the Singapore residency requirement is met, the Australia journey follows Group 2 rules: DAFF-format health certificate (within 5 days), valid import permit from BICON, and confirmed Mickleham booking. Singapore Airlines’ daily flights from Changi to Sydney and Melbourne carry live animals in temperature-controlled holds. Book cargo space 6 to 8 weeks in advance.

All imported cats and dogs in Australia quarantine at Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne, regardless of which city the plane lands in. The 10-day quarantine is professionally managed, and owners can visit during the stay. Mickleham’s arrival days are weekdays only, so time your pet’s flight to arrive on a Monday to Thursday to allow the facility to receive them promptly.