LU CO

Pet Transport from Luxembourg to Colombia

Moderate complexity 20-26 weeks typical

Planning to move your pet from Luxembourg to Colombia? Get Your Quote

Moving a pet from Luxembourg to Colombia involves more paperwork than most owners expect.

This route is moderately involved, with a clear checklist to follow. Start preparations at least 20 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up.

We’ve laid out every step below so you know exactly what to prepare and when.

Step-by-Step Process

1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

First step - must be done before any vaccinations.

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
Rabies vaccination

After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)

Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

4
Apply for import permit from Colombia

Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

6
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)

Responsible: Official veterinarian

7
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

Colombia Import Requirements

What Colombia requires for pets entering the country.

Microchip

Required (ISO 11784/11785)

Rabies Vaccination

Required. Annual rabies vaccination required.

Rabies Titre Test

Required for: Not routinely required

Quarantine

No routine quarantine. Veterinary inspection on arrival at El Dorado or other main airports.

Import Permit

Required. Import permit required from ICA.

Health Certificate

Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government vet. Valid for 14 days from issue. Certificate in Spanish or with certified Spanish translation required.

Exporting from Luxembourg

What you need from Luxembourg before your pet can leave.

Export Permit

{'required': False}

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

  • Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
  • IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
  • Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
  • Rabies titre test laboratory fee
  • Import permit application fee (Colombia)
  • Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Important Warnings

Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

Understanding Colombia's pet import rules

Compared to some international pet transport routes, Luxembourg to Colombia is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.

Colombia has become a growing expat destination, particularly Medellin and Bogota. ICA manages animal import controls.

Practical advice for shipping your pet from Luxembourg

Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.

Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.

Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.

If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allow at least 20 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.

No routine quarantine is required in Colombia for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.

Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Colombia. Start this process as early as possible.

Yes, an import permit is required from Colombia’s authority (the relevant government body). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.

Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Luxembourg. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Colombia’s authority for the exact format required.
On this page
Route summary
  • From: Luxembourg
  • To: Colombia
  • Complexity: Moderate
  • Timeline: 20-26 weeks
Get a quote
Related Routes
Country Guides

Start your journey

Get Your Free Quote

Enter your pet's details and route

Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.

No obligation. Your details are kept private and never shared.

Get a free pet transport quote

Tell us your route and pet details. We will send you a step-by-step plan and tailored quote.

Request a Quote