Pet Transport from United States to Seychelles: 2026 Guide
Getting a pet from United States to Seychelles is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This route takes some organising, and roughly 20-28 weeks of preparation is about right. A …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United States to Seychelles
typically takes around 20-28 weeks.
Expect 28 days of quarantine on arrival.
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 United States to Seychelles import process
01
Vaccination 30 days to 12 months before export; all core vaccinations at least 2 weeks before travel.
Microchip implanted and rabies vaccination administered.
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet.
02
At least 30 days after vaccination, tested within 6 months of the planned departure.
Titre test blood draw at an accredited laboratory.
Responsible: Vet and accredited laboratory.
03
Fixed. Runs in parallel with the NBA import permit application.
3-month mandatory wait from the blood draw date.
Responsible: Owner.
04
At least 4 months ahead of the intended arrival.
Apply to the NBA for the import permit.
Responsible: Owner or agent.
05
Close to the travel date.
Obtain the USDA-endorsed health certificate and book cargo via a Gulf hub to Mahe.
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet and owner or cargo agent.
06
Approximately 4 weeks (28 days) for a compliant pet.
Arrange the quarantine stay at the Mahe facility on arrival.
Responsible: NBA quarantine facility.
Requirements
Seychelles entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Microchip number must be declared on the National Biosecurity Agency (NBA) application. Industry practice points to ISO 11784/11785 compliance, though the current NBA document doesn't restate the standard explicitly.
Rabies vaccination
Minimum age 3 months for an inactivated rabies vaccine. Booster given 30 days to 12 months before export. All vaccinations, not just rabies, must be given at least 2 weeks before departure. Minimum age to travel is 16 weeks.
Rabies titre test
Required. The US is treated as a rabies-affected origin under NBA rules, since it doesn't sit on Seychelles' internationally recognised rabies-free list. Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, tested within 6 months of departure, result above 0.5 IU. Entry is only permitted 3 months after the blood draw date. Source: NBA, 'Importation of Cats and Dogs,' 2024.
Quarantine
Mandatory by law, no exceptions. Compliant pets from a rabies-affected origin face a minimum of 4 weeks (28 days) at Seychelles' single quarantine facility on Mahe. Non-compliant pets face a minimum of 6 months quarantine or return to origin at the owner's expense.
Import permit
Required from the NBA, issued within 7 working days of a complete application and valid for 1 month from the intended arrival date. Apply at least 4 months ahead given the rabies-affected-origin pathway. A second Ministry of Finance import permit is needed to clear customs on arrival.
Health certificate
Health certificate confirming microchip, vaccination and titre result. Dogs also need clearance for Brucella canis, Trypanosoma evansi, Babesia gibsoni, Leishmania and Erlichia canis unless the US vet certifies the country free of these diseases.
Leaving United States of America
Export requirements
Export permit
No routine US export permit required.
Health certificate
USDA-endorsed health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian, completed in English to meet Seychelles' entry requirements.
Costs
What this route typically costs
USDA APHIS endorsement: USD 38 per certificate, plus vet examination fees of USD 100-250.
Titre test and laboratory fee: USD 180-320.
NBA import permit and Ministry of Finance customs permit: fees set at application.
Quarantine facility, approximately 4 weeks: SR 1,000 for the first 2 weeks, plus SR 500 per week thereafter.
IATA-compliant travel crate: USD 90-320.
Cargo, US gateway to Mahe via Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha: USD 1,800-3,600.
Total typical range: USD 2,300-4,800 over 5-7 months, including the mandatory wait and quarantine.
Critical points
The 3-month wait after the titre blood draw is fixed and cannot be shortened, and the NBA recommends applying for the import permit at least 4 months ahead. This route runs on a genuinely long clock despite Seychelles' rabies-free reputation.
Quarantine is mandatory by law for every pet, with no exception for a compliant US-origin animal: budget for roughly 4 weeks at the single Mahe facility.
Seychelles' health screen goes well beyond rabies for dogs, covering Brucella canis, Trypanosoma evansi, Babesia gibsoni, Leishmania and Erlichia canis. Confirm this panel with the treating vet early, since it's broader than most destinations in this series ask for.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi
US gateways to Abu Dhabi, then a direct onward leg to Mahe, using the Pet Oasis facility for crate checks during the connection.
Cargo Only
Emirates SkyCargo via Dubai
US gateways to Dubai, then Emirates' direct Dubai-Mahe service, a reliable second option to Etihad.
Cargo Only
Qatar Airways via Doha
US gateways to Doha, then onward to Mahe, useful when Emirates or Etihad capacity is tight around peak travel dates.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Seychelles
Seychelles has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.
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 this route
Yes. The US isn’t on Seychelles’ recognised rabies-free list, so the National Biosecurity Agency treats it as a rabies-affected origin, requiring a titre test above 0.5 IU/mL and a fixed 3-month wait from the blood draw.
Yes. Quarantine is mandatory by law for every pet. A compliant animal from a rabies-affected origin like the US typically serves around 4 weeks at Seychelles’ single quarantine facility on Mahe.
No. The standard routing connects through a Gulf hub, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha, then a direct onward leg to Mahe.
Clearance for Brucella canis, Trypanosoma evansi, Babesia gibsoni, Leishmania and Erlichia canis, unless the exporting country’s vet certifies the country free of a given disease.
Airline guides
Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi
Emirates SkyCargo via Dubai
Qatar Airways via Doha
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.