Pet Transport UK to Mauritius: Mandatory Quarantine and 2026 Requirements
Shipping a dog or cat from United Kingdom to Mauritius rewards owners who start planning early. There is a fair amount of paperwork here, so plan on around 12-20 weeks.
The sections below cover each …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Kingdom to Mauritius
typically takes around 12-20 weeks.
Regulations verified
Written and reviewed by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The United Kingdom to Mauritius import process
01
As early as possible, ideally 3-6 months before travel.
Contact Mauritius NPAS to confirm current quarantine period and procedures for UK pets. Reserve a quarantine space.
Responsible: You
02
3-6 months before travel, alongside quarantine reservation.
NPAS import permit applied for.
Responsible: You or Mauritius-side agent
03
Before the health certificate appointment.
ISO microchip confirmed or implanted, and current rabies vaccination confirmed.
Responsible: Your UK vet
04
As directed by NPAS requirements.
Rabies titre test if required by NPAS. Confirm requirement before scheduling.
Responsible: Your UK vet and approved laboratory
05
Within 10 days of travel.
APHA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: APHA-authorised UK vet
Requirements
Mauritius entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Source: Mauritius National Parks and Conservation Service (NPAS), 2026.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required. Source: NPAS Mauritius, 2026.
Rabies titre test
Rabies titre test may be required as part of the quarantine assessment. Confirm current requirements with NPAS Mauritius before travel. Source: NPAS Mauritius, 2026.
Quarantine
MANDATORY QUARANTINE for all dogs and cats entering Mauritius, regardless of origin country. The quarantine period is typically 1 month for pets from approved, rabies-free countries such as the UK, held at the government quarantine facility. This is non-negotiable and must be arranged and paid for in advance. Source: NPAS Mauritius, 2026.
Import permit
Import permit from the Mauritius National Parks and Conservation Service (NPAS) required before travel. Apply well in advance as the permit process precedes the quarantine reservation. Source: NPAS Mauritius, 2026.
Health certificate
Official veterinary health certificate from an APHA-authorised UK vet, endorsed by APHA. Source: NPAS Mauritius, 2026.
Leaving United Kingdom
Export requirements
Export permit
No routine UK export permit required. The APHA-endorsed health certificate is the key UK document.
Health certificate
Official Veterinary Health Certificate issued by an APHA-authorised veterinarian and endorsed by APHA. Must meet Mauritius NPAS requirements. Issued within 10 days of travel. Source: GOV.UK.
Costs
What this route typically costs
APHA vet appointment and health certificate: GBP 100-300
NPAS import permit fee: MUR equivalent (confirm with NPAS)
Quarantine fees at Mauritius government facility: MUR 15,000-40,000 depending on duration and species (approximately GBP 260-700)
Travel crate: GBP 60-250 if needed
Pet cargo UK to Mauritius: GBP 800-2,200
Agent fees: GBP 200-500
Total typical range: GBP 1,420-3,950 plus quarantine costs
Critical points
QUARANTINE IS MANDATORY. There is no way to bring a dog or cat into Mauritius without the quarantine period, regardless of the animal's vaccination or health status. This is the most important fact to understand before starting this process.
The quarantine facility must be booked and paid for before your pet travels. Arriving without a confirmed quarantine reservation will cause the animal to be held or refused entry.
The total cost of a Mauritius pet move is significantly higher than other island destinations due to the mandatory quarantine fees. Budget for this in full before committing to the move.
The Mauritius quarantine process involves your pet being held at a government facility without you being able to visit freely. This is stressful for animals and owners alike. Discuss this seriously with your family before proceeding.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Air Mauritius
Air Mauritius operates from London Heathrow (LHR) to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU), Mauritius. Air Mauritius accepts pets as cargo on this route. A direct connection on the national carrier.
Cargo Only
British Airways
British Airways operates from London Heathrow to Mauritius. BA World Cargo accepts pets. An alternative to Air Mauritius on the Heathrow-Mauritius route.
Cargo Only
Emirates
Via Dubai (DXB) from London to Mauritius. Emirates SkyCargo accepts pets. A Gulf hub alternative with good Mauritius connections.
Cargo Only
Mauritius entry requirements at a glance
Bringing a pet into Mauritius involves a fair amount of documentation. Keep everything organised and check each item against the current requirements before you book.
Getting the details right
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Yes. Mauritius requires mandatory quarantine for all dogs and cats entering the country, regardless of origin. For UK pets, this is typically one month at the government quarantine facility. There are no exemptions. This must be booked and paid for in advance. Source: Mauritius NPAS, 2026.
Typically one month for dogs and cats from approved, rabies-free countries such as the UK. The exact period depends on NPAS assessment of the animal’s documentation and health status. Confirm the current period with NPAS Mauritius before travel.
Quarantine fees at the Mauritius government facility vary by species and duration. Budget approximately MUR 15,000-40,000 (approximately GBP 260-700) for the quarantine period, in addition to transport, permit, and health certificate costs. Confirm current fees directly with NPAS Mauritius.
The quarantine facility typically allows owner visits on designated days and times. Confirm the current visiting arrangements with NPAS or the quarantine facility at the time of booking. The quarantine period is the most stressful part of the process for both pets and owners.
Airline guides
Air Mauritius
British Airways
Emirates
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.