South Africa to Germany requires the FAVN titre test and a 3-month wait from the blood sampling date. Total preparation is approximately five months. Lufthansa operates direct from Johannesburg to Frankfurt, making this one of the more …
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 at EU-approved laboratory. 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 FRA on Lufthansa or Emirates.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
6
Obtain DALRRD-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: State vet or DALRRD-authorised vet plus DALRRD endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
7
Depart JNB. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt on arrival.
Responsible: Airline cargo and German customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Germany
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 must be 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. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt (FRA) or destination airport.
Import permit
No import permit. DALRRD-endorsed EU-format 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. Issued alongside the health certificate. 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 FRA (Lufthansa direct or Emirates via DXB): EUR 900-2,200 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,300-3,300
Critical points to read before you book
South Africa is not EU-listed: FAVN 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 the date results are received.
Germany Bundesland breed restrictions vary; check your destination state.
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.
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo
Lufthansa operates direct from Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) to Frankfurt (FRA). Lufthansa Cargo handles live animals in temperature-controlled holds. Frankfurt is Germany's main live animal cargo hub.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo
Emirates operates from JNB to Dubai (DXB) with connections to Frankfurt and other German airports. Emirates SkyCargo has established live animal handling at Dubai and in Germany.
Cargo Only
ETHIOPIAN
Ethiopian Airlines Cargo
Ethiopian Airlines routes from JNB to Addis Ababa (ADD) with connections to European hubs including Frankfurt. A three-leg journey but sometimes competitive on rates.
Cargo Only
FAVN titre test and DALRRD: the documentation requirements
South Africa is not on the EU’s listed country register. The FAVN titre test is mandatory for all pets moving from South Africa to Germany or any EU member state.
The fixed sequence: ISO microchip implanted first, then rabies vaccination with the 21-day validity wait, then blood drawn at an EU-approved laboratory. The 3-month wait runs from the blood draw date, not when results arrive. Start the process no later than five months before your planned travel date.
DALRRD (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development) issues the export permit and endorses the health certificate. The state veterinarian or a DALRRD-authorised vet in your province handles the certificate process. The endorsed certificate must be in EU format and dated within 10 days of travel. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Lufthansa direct from Johannesburg to Frankfurt
Lufthansa Cargo operates direct from Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) to Frankfurt (FRA), making it the most convenient cargo option for South Africa to Germany moves. Frankfurt is Germany’s main live animal cargo hub with established Zoll handling on arrival.
Emirates SkyCargo via Dubai is an alternative if Lufthansa direct capacity is limited. The Dubai transit adds time but Emirates has strong live animal handling at both Dubai and the German delivery airports.
Book cargo four to six weeks ahead. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance on your specific flight number when booking.
Germany Bundesland breed rules: the check from South Africa
Germany’s breed restrictions have two tiers. Federal law bans Pit Bull Terrier and Tosa Inu uniformly. Each Bundesland then has its own additional list. Bavaria is the most restrictive, covering Rottweiler, American Bulldog, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, and several others.
For South African families relocating to Munich or elsewhere in Bavaria with a Rottweiler, the state-level restriction applies even after federal customs clearance at Frankfurt. Check the specific breed rules for your destination Bundesland before starting the titre test process.
FAQ
Common questions about South Africa to Germany 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.
Yes. Lufthansa Cargo operates direct from JNB to FRA and accepts live animals in the temperature-controlled hold. Emirates SkyCargo via Dubai is an alternative. Book four to six weeks ahead.
From the blood sampling date for the FAVN titre test, not from when results arrive. If blood is drawn on 1 April, travel to Germany is not possible before 1 July.
Cargo from JNB to FRA typically costs EUR 900 to EUR 2,200 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 3,300, with five months preparation.