Getting a pet from South Africa to France is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is a middle of the road route, and about 20-22 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Pets with correct documentation skip …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from South Africa to France
typically takes around 20-22 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The South Africa to France pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in South Africa
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.
Responsible: Vet in South Africa
5+ months before travel
3
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: State vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
4
Wait 3 months from blood sampling date.
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
3 months from blood draw
5
Book cargo from JNB to CDG on Air France or Ethiopian Airlines.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
6
Obtain DALRRD-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: State vet plus DALRRD endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
7
Depart JNB. French customs inspects at Paris CDG on arrival.
Responsible: Airline cargo and French customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter France
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. South Africa is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test required. Blood drawn after microchip and valid vaccination. 3-month wait from blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. French customs inspects at Paris CDG.
Import permit
No import permit. DALRRD-endorsed EU certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by DALRRD, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (South Africa)
DALRRD veterinary export permit required. Apply through the State Veterinarian's office in your province.
Costs
What this route typically costs
DALRRD vet certificate and export permit: ZAR 1,000-2,500 (approximately EUR 50-130)
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo JNB to CDG (Air France or Ethiopian): EUR 900-2,100 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,300-3,200
Critical points to read before you book
South Africa is not EU-listed: titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are mandatory. Start 5 months before travel.
3-month wait runs from blood draw date, not results date.
France Category 1 breed ban covers Pit Bull type dogs without LOF or FCI pedigree.
DALRRD certificate must be EU format and dated within 10 days of travel.
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.
AIR FRANCE
Air France Cargo
Air France operates from Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) to Paris CDG. Air France Cargo accepts live animals in the temperature-controlled hold. CDG is the main French entry hub for live animal cargo from South Africa.
Cargo Only
ETHIOPIAN
Ethiopian Airlines Cargo
Ethiopian Airlines routes from JNB to Addis Ababa (ADD), with connections to Paris CDG. A well-established African carrier with live animal cargo experience.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Lufthansa operates JNB to Frankfurt direct with connections to CDG. Useful if direct JNB-CDG cargo capacity is limited.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into France
France has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
How to keep this move on track
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.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about South Africa to France pet transport
Yes. South Africa is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Air France Cargo and Ethiopian Airlines Cargo both operate JNB to CDG routes with live animal cargo acceptance. Lufthansa via Frankfurt is an alternative. Book four to six weeks ahead.
From the blood sampling date for the FAVN titre test. Not from the date results arrive. If blood is drawn on 1 June, travel to France is not possible before 1 September.
Cargo from JNB to CDG typically costs EUR 900 to EUR 2,100 depending on crate size. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test, EUR 50-130 for the DALRRD certificate, and EUR 80-250 for a crate if needed. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,300 to EUR 3,200.
Airline guides
Air France Cargo
Ethiopian Airlines Cargo
Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.