GB
United Kingdom
✈️
NP
Nepal

Pet Transport UK to Nepal: The Titre Test, Connection Routing and What to Plan For

12-16 weeks
Typical preparation
None
No quarantine required
High
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
Regulations verified

Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →

Overview
Nepal has a modest Gurkha and expat community from the UK, and shipping pets there is entirely possible but requires careful planning. There are no direct flights from the UK to Kathmandu, all routes involve a Gulf or Turkish hub connection, and a 7-day quarantine awaits on arrival. The titre test adds weeks to the preparation timeline. Start at least 14-16 weeks before your planned travel date.
Step by step

The United Kingdom to Nepal process

1
Before vaccinations.
ISO microchip implanted

Responsible: Vet

2
At least 21 days before the titre test blood draw.
Rabies vaccination completed

Responsible: Vet

3
At least 30 days after most recent rabies vaccination.
Titre test blood draw

Responsible: APHA-approved laboratory

4
At least 6 weeks before travel. Contact Department of Livestock Services, Kathmandu.
Apply for Nepal DLS import permit

Responsible: Owner or agent

5
After permit confirmed.
Book cargo transport

Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent

6
Within 10 days of travel.
APHA Export Health Certificate

Responsible: APHA-authorised vet, then APHA endorsement

7
Begins on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
7-day quarantine on arrival in Kathmandu

Responsible: Nepal Department of Livestock Services

Checklist

Nepal: entry requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipRequired. ISO 11784/11785 standard.
Rabies vaccinationRequired. Minimum age 12 weeks. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre testRequired for most countries. Rabies antibody titre test (minimum 0.5 IU/ml). Blood drawn at least 30 days after most recent rabies vaccination. Verify current requirements with Nepal's Department of Livestock Services.
QuarantineRequired. 7 days at a quarantine facility managed by the Department of Livestock Services, Kathmandu.
Import permitRequired. Issued by Nepal's Department of Livestock Services. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel.
Health certificateOfficial health certificate issued by APHA-authorised vet and endorsed by APHA.
Leaving United Kingdom

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitNo formal UK export permit. The APHA-endorsed certificate is the required document.
Health certificateAPHA Export Health Certificate issued by an APHA-authorised vet and endorsed by APHA. Must list microchip, vaccinations, titre test result, and all treatments.
Costs

What this route typically costs

1Cargo airline fee: £1,200 to £2,800 from UK to Kathmandu via connections, depending on routing and crate size
2APHA Export Health Certificate and endorsement: £150 to £350
3Rabies titre test: £120 to £280
4Nepal import permit fee: confirm with Department of Livestock Services
57-day quarantine costs: confirm current rates with DLS
6Pet transport agent fee: £500 to £1,800
7IATA-compliant travel crate: £60 to £350
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ There are no direct flights from the UK to Kathmandu. All routing involves at least one connection. Choose your carrier carefully and confirm live animal acceptance on all legs of the journey.
⚠ A titre test is required for most countries. Allow 6-10 weeks for the full titre test and vaccination process.
⚠ 7-day quarantine is mandatory on arrival. Plan your schedule around this; you cannot collect your pet on arrival day.
⚠ Apply for the import permit at least 6 weeks before travel.
⚠ Kathmandu's high altitude (1,400m) means some brachycephalic breeds may face additional health risks during travel and after arrival. Consult your vet.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

Qatar Airways
Via Doha to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. Handles live animal cargo on suitable routes. Confirm live animal availability for the specific Doha to Kathmandu leg.
Cargo Only
Turkish Airlines
Via Istanbul to Kathmandu. Handles live animal cargo. Confirm availability as policies can vary by route.
Cargo Only
Emirates
Via Dubai to Kathmandu. Handles live animal cargo. Connection at Dubai; confirm total transit time for animal welfare.
Cargo Only

Routing to Kathmandu and why it matters for your pet

No airline flies direct from any UK airport to Kathmandu. The main options are Qatar Airways via Doha, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, and Emirates via Dubai. Each involves your pet spending time in the hold for two flight legs plus a connection period. Before booking, confirm with the airline’s cargo team that live animals are accepted on the specific aircraft type for both legs, as some aircraft configurations do not carry pets.

Total crate time for a UK to Kathmandu routing is typically 12-18 hours including connections. Ensure the crate is large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down, and attach a water supply. Pet transport agents who know this route can advise on which carriers consistently handle live animals well on the connection.

Nepal quarantine and what it means for your arrival

Nepal imposes a 7-day quarantine on all imported pets on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. The quarantine is managed by the Department of Livestock Services, and the owner is responsible for fees throughout. You will not be able to collect your pet on the day they land. Confirm current quarantine rates and visiting arrangements with DLS when you apply for the import permit.

The process leading up to travel is also more involved than many routes. The titre test requires blood drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and laboratory results take 2-3 weeks. The DLS import permit application takes at least 6 weeks. Working backwards from a departure date, you need 12-16 weeks of preparation at minimum.

FAQ

Common questions

No. There are no direct UK to Kathmandu flights. All routing involves at least one connection, typically via Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), or Dubai (Emirates). Before booking, confirm that the specific aircraft operating both the UK to hub and hub to Kathmandu legs accepts live animals in the cargo hold. Your pet’s total crate time will be 12-18 hours including the connection.
7 days, managed by Nepal’s Department of Livestock Services at a facility in Kathmandu. The quarantine applies to all imported dogs and cats and cannot be shortened. The owner pays the quarantine costs for the full period. Build this into your relocation schedule so you are not expecting to collect your pet on the day of arrival.
Nepal requires a titre test for pets from most countries. The blood draw must happen at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination. Verify the current requirement with the Department of Livestock Services before starting the process, as the precise requirement for UK-origin pets can be confirmed at that stage. Laboratory results take 2-3 weeks, so include this in your timeline.
The permit is issued by Nepal’s Department of Livestock Services (DLS) in Kathmandu. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel with your pet’s microchip details, vaccination history, and titre test documentation. The permit confirms that Nepal’s veterinary authorities have reviewed your pet’s records and granted clearance for import. Do not book cargo space before receiving the permit in writing.
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Start your journey

Get Your Free Quote

Enter your pet's details and route

Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.

No obligation. Your details are kept private and never shared.

Chat with us