MT
BR

Pet Transport from Malta to Brazil

Getting a pet from Malta to Brazil is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. Allow about 16-20 weeks; the requirements are detailed but predictable once mapped out. A 30 day …

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16-20
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
30 days
Quarantine on arrival
High
Route complexity
10
Airlines on this route
Lead time needed
16-20 weeks
Quarantine
30 days
Route complexity
High
Airlines
10 carriers on this route
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In short: Preparing to move a pet from Malta to Brazil typically takes around 16-20 weeks. Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival. A rabies titre test is not required.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Step by step

The Malta to Brazil import process

01
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

02
After microchip. 30-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

03
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Brazil

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

04
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

05
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

06
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

07
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Quarantine on arrival (30 days)

Responsible: Brazil quarantine authority

Requirements

Brazil entry requirements

Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel
Rabies titre test
Not required for dogs and cats.
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 30 days. Facility: MAPA quarantine station
Import permit
Required. Issued by: MAPA
Health certificate
Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 14 days from issue
Leaving Malta

Export requirements

Export permit
Not required
Health certificate
EU Pet Passport or AHC. Issued by Veterinary Regulation Directorate-authorised vet.
Costs

What this route typically costs

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
Import permit application fee (Brazil)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points

Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.

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.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

AirlineNotesType
British AirwaysCargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.Cargo Only
Air FranceSmall pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoesCabin and Cargo
EmiratesCargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)Cargo Only
LufthansaSmall pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-roundCabin and Cargo
Singapore AirlinesCargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasonsCargo Only
Cathay PacificCargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be metCargo Only
KLMSmall pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargoCabin and Cargo
Delta Air LinesSmall pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargoCabin and Cargo
American AirlinesSmall pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. Seasonal temperature embargoes applyCabin and Cargo
Air CanadaSmall pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurised hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-roundCabin and Cargo

How Brazil handles incoming pets

Brazil has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.

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.

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.

Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

Allow at least 16 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.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in Brazil. Your pet will stay for 30 days at MAPA quarantine station on arrival. Confirm the facility, duration, and current charges with the destination authority before travel.
No, Brazil does not require a rabies titre test for most pets arriving from Malta. Your pet still needs a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. Check the current requirements with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, an import permit is required from Brazil’s authority (MAPA). 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 Malta. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Brazil’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
  • British Airways
  • Air France
  • Emirates
  • Lufthansa
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • KLM
  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • Air Canada
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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