Pet Transport UK to Colombia: Straightforward Rules for a Popular Expat Route
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
The United Kingdom to Colombia process
Responsible: Vet
Responsible: Vet
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
Responsible: APHA-authorised vet, then APHA endorsement
Responsible: ICA Veterinary Services at the airport
Colombia: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. Administered at least 21 days before travel but no more than 12 months before. Dogs also need Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. Cats need Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, and Rhinotracheitis. |
| Rabies titre test | Not routinely required for UK pets entering Colombia. ICA does not currently mandate a titre test for pets from the UK. |
| Quarantine | None for compliant pets. A veterinary inspection by ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) takes place on arrival at the airport. |
| Import permit | Not required for personal pet dogs and cats travelling with their owners. |
| Health certificate | Official Veterinary Health Certificate issued by APHA-authorised vet and endorsed by APHA. Valid 10 days from issue. Must list microchip, vaccinations, and all treatments. Bring one photocopy of the original to the airport. |
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | No formal UK export permit. The APHA-endorsed certificate covers export documentation. |
| Health certificate | APHA Export Health Certificate issued by an APHA-authorised vet and endorsed by APHA. Must list microchip, rabies vaccination date, and any other vaccinations. |
What this route typically costs
| 1 | Cargo airline fee: £800 to £2,000 from Heathrow to Bogota depending on crate size |
| 2 | Cabin pet fee (if applicable): typically £50 to £200 one way |
| 3 | APHA Export Health Certificate and endorsement: £150 to £350 |
| 4 | ICA inspection fee on arrival: approximately £10 to £20 (50,000-100,000 COP) |
| 5 | Pet transport agent fee (optional): £400 to £1,200 |
| 6 | IATA-compliant travel crate: £60 to £350 |
Read before you book
Airlines on this route
What Colombia requires and what it does not
Colombia does not require an advance import permit for personal pet dogs and cats, which immediately simplifies this route compared to many destinations. The ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) handles veterinary inspection at the airport on arrival, and for pets with correct paperwork this is a brief process. There is no routine quarantine.
The vaccination list is worth noting carefully. Dogs need rabies (given at least 21 days before travel), plus Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. Cats need rabies plus Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, and Rhinotracheitis. All of these must be documented on the health certificate. A UK vet will typically have all of these as part of annual boosters, but confirm that the certificate lists every vaccination by name and date.
The health certificate and ICA inspection
Your APHA Export Health Certificate must be issued within 10 days of your pet’s arrival in Colombia. Book the vet appointment as close to travel as practically possible, and remember that APHA endorsement takes 1-5 working days after the vet visit. Many pet owners book the APHA appointment 8-9 days before travel to give themselves a small buffer.
On arrival at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota (or another entry airport), ICA veterinary officers inspect arriving animals before you clear regular customs. Bring the original health certificate plus one photocopy, your pet’s vaccination booklet, and the microchip certificate. The inspection is typically quick for pets with compliant documentation. A small inspection fee is charged in Colombian pesos.
Common questions
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