A move from Nigeria to United Kingdom with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Plan on roughly 6-10 weeks; the checklist is clear and the timing is manageable. No routine quarantine applies as long as …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Nigeria to United Kingdom
typically takes around 6-10 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Nigeria to United Kingdom pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Verify microchip is ISO 11784/11785 standard and pre-dates the rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now.
2
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and at least 21 days old
Responsible: Your vet
Allow time to update if needed.
3
Apply for FDVPCS export permit
Responsible: Owner or agent, FDVPCS
At least 3-4 weeks before travel. Allow processing time.
4
Book cargo space on BA direct or Virgin Atlantic
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks ahead.
5
FDVPCS-authorised vet issues health certificate and endorsement
Responsible: FDVPCS-authorised vet
Within 10 days of travel.
6
Dogs: tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before UK arrival. Record in certificate.
Responsible: Vet
For Lagos to London of 6.5 hours, treatment given 1-3 days before travel is typically within the window.
7
Travel to Great Britain. Certificate checked at border inspection post.
Responsible: Airline/owner
On travel date.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter United Kingdom
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days since primary vaccination before entering Great Britain.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Nigeria is a listed country under UK APHA rules.
Quarantine
Not required for compliant arrivals. Nigeria is Part 2 listed under APHA rules.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
APHA-specified format for Nigeria-origin pets, issued within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (Nigeria)
Required. Export permit from the Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services (FDVPCS) before departure.
Costs
What this route typically costs
FDVPCS export permit and health certificate: approximately NGN 50,000-150,000 (GBP 30-90)
Microchip (if needed): NGN 15,000-30,000
Airline cargo Lagos to London: GBP 500-1,600 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (Lagos side): NGN 100,000-300,000 (GBP 60-180)
PetAir UK handling on arrival: GBP 250-600
Total typical range: GBP 900 to GBP 2,600
Critical points to read before you book
Nigeria has rabies present. All vaccinations must be documented with dates, batch numbers, and administering vet details. Incomplete records can cause problems at the UK border.
FDVPCS export permit processing time can be unpredictable. Start this process at least 3-4 weeks before travel. Do not leave it to the last week.
ISO microchip standard is essential. Verify with your Nigerian vet that the chip is ISO 11784/11785 before any other preparation.
The UK port of entry inspection is thorough for pets from some African countries. Ensure all documentation is in the original, with original signatures, not photocopies.
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.
BRITISH
British Airways
Direct Lagos (LOS) to London Heathrow. Cargo service via IAG Cargo. Direct flight approximately 6.5 hours.
Cargo Only
VIRGIN
Virgin Atlantic
Heathrow to Lagos direct. Cargo pet service available. Verify current acceptance.
Cargo Only
AIR FRANCE
Air France
Lagos to London via Paris CDG. Air France Cargo. Connection adds time.
Cargo Only
United Kingdom entry requirements at a glance
Getting a pet into United Kingdom is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.
Getting the details right
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.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
FAQ
Common questions about Nigeria to United Kingdom pet transport
No. Nigeria is a listed country under APHA rules. No quarantine is required for compliant arrivals. Your pet needs a current health certificate in the APHA-specified format, a valid ISO microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), and a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days since primary). Dogs need tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before UK arrival.
The processing time for an FDVPCS export permit typically takes 2-4 weeks. In some cases, particularly during busy periods or if additional documentation is requested, it can take longer. Start the process at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date. Do not book a flight before you have a confirmed start date for the permit process.
British Airways operates a direct Lagos to London Heathrow service and handles pet cargo via IAG Cargo. This is typically the preferred route because it is direct and the cargo handling is well-established. Virgin Atlantic also flies the route and has a cargo pet service. Book early as cargo spaces for large crates are limited.
No. Nigeria is a listed country under APHA rules, which means no rabies titre test is required for compliant arrivals. The vaccination record, microchip, and health certificate are the key documents. However, your vaccination documentation must be complete and accurate: the batch number, vaccination date, and administering vet details must all be present.
Airline guides
British Airways
Virgin Atlantic
Air France
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your Nigeria to United Kingdom pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.