Quarantine/Import Information

     How difficult is it to get your dogs into other countries?”  Because of quarantine issues with many countries, we have decided to limit our travels while our dogs are still with us.  When the dogs pass on, we expand our adventures to those pet restrictive countries.  We've always had dogs so it will be hard to not have one, but we think it's better to travel to certain parts of the world without one versus subjecting them to long periods of quarantine.  

     We spent our first year of cruising in the US.  During our second year we explored more of the US as well as the Bahamas.  The Bahamas require visiting yachts to apply for a pet “Import Permit” before arriving, have a valid rabies shot, and health certificate dated less than 48 prior to your arrival.  In years to come, we plan to visit parts of  Mexico and the Caribbean.  Some Caribbean islands allow landing of pets and others allow pets as long as they stay on the boat.  We’ll be sticking to only those islands that allow landings.

     Since this is a hot topic to many cruisers who want to take their pet along with them, we have organized the information we’ve found about pet entry regulations that might help cruisers determine where they want to travel with their pet.  The information below is separated into two sections.  The first section contains links to websites that we have used to obtain information about each country’s regulations.  The second section is organized by country and will give a brief overview of what we've found to be the country’s regulations. 

     We hope this information is useful to you and ask cruisers to email us with any pet importation experiences they've had.  We'll update our site with all information received.  We can't always guarantee the accuracy of information in this document or of that in the related web links.  If you plan on traveling to a country with your pet, contacting the Agriculture Department for that country will normally provide you with the latest requirements and procedures for importing your pet.

Web Links:

Pets on the Go Website -
www.petsonthego.com

Ramblin'  Cat's Import and Quarantine Policies -
www.ramblincat.com/quarantine.html

Dogfriendly.com Customs/Quarantine Pet Regulations  - www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/info/customs/travelcustoms.shtml

Import Regulations by Country:
(We’re still researching the countries with no info listed.  If you have info on any of those countries, please email us)  

American Samoa:

The animal is quarantined on the boat, and the owner must post a US$500 bond to assure compliance.

Antigua:

Embassy of Antigua
3216 New Mexico Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 362-5122 or 5166
E-mail: info@interknowledge.com

Import Regulations: If your pet is not from an approved quarantined area, then they must be quarantined for 6 months in the United Kingdom or another designated port with a quarantine facility.

Aruba:

Pet dogs and cats are allowed in Aruba if the owner can produce valid rabies and health certificates from a veterinarian. Pets from South and Central America are not allowed.  

www.aruba.com for more details or ata.aruba@toaruba.com for email.

Australia:
The regulations I found were for pets coming into the country by air travel.  I have an email in to them to get the regulations for pets arriving by yacht. 

www.affa.gov.au/outputs/quarantine.html for more details.

Bahamas:

Embassy of the Bahamas
(202) 319-2660
Fax: (202) 319-2668
2220 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008

An import permit is required from the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry (Nassau) for all animals being  brought into the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

For the U.S. and Canada, the following are the main provisions of the import permit as it applies to dogs and cats: 

• The animal must be 6 months of age or older.

• The animal must be accompanied by a valid certificate which substantiates that it has been vaccinated against rabies within not less than 1 month and not more than 10 months prior to importation.

• The animal must be accompanied by a Veterinary Health Certificate presented within 48 hours of arrival in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to a licensed veterinarian for an examination.

THE PERMIT IS VALID FOR 90 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE.

www.bahamas.com/travel_tips/index.html for more information.

Barbados:  

Embassy of Barbados
(202) 939-9200
2144 Wyoming Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008

The following guidelines must be followed when importing any animal into Barbados:

• An import permit must be obtained from the Chief Veterinary Officer before the importation of all animals, reptiles and birds.

• A Veterinary Officer must examine the animal before it is allowed to leave the customs area.

• Dogs and cats must be free of any communicable disease. These animals may be imported by permit directly from the UK, Ireland, Jamaica, St.Kitts - Nevis, Antigua, St.Lucia and St.Vincent.

•  Cats and dogs originating from all other countries must undergo 6 months quarantine in Britain after which time an import permit can be secured.

• For further inquiries, contact Veterinary Services at Tel: (246) 427-5073 or Fax: (246) 420-8444 .

Belize:   

Embassy of Belize
(202) 332-9636
Fax: (202) 332-6888
2535 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008

Email:  bcci@btl.net

Animals must be accompanied by a certificate of freedom from infection/contagious disease by a veterinarian following examination not more than 48 hours prior to shipment; animals must also be certified as having been vaccinated against rabies not less than one month nor more than six months prior to departure; and must be free of open wounds. Dogs must have a valid certification of vaccination against distemper, parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. Animals may be required to be re-vaccinated against rabies on arrival if certifications are deemed unsatisfactory.  

An Import Permit will also need to be issued by a veterinary clinic in Belize. You can contact them directly at:

Telephone/fax: 011-501-2-45230
E-mail: deshield@btl.net

Bermuda: 

An Import Permit is required. 

www.rccbermuda.bm/shipboard.html) and www.aphis.usda.gov/guidance/regulations/animal/international/bd_cn.pdf for more information.

Bonaire:

Landing allowed.

Brazil: 

Brazilian Embassy
3006 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 238-2700
Fax: (202) 238-2827
E-mail: webmaster@brasilemb.org

Pets (dogs, cats, and birds) may enter Brazil only upon presentation of the following documents, duly authenticated by the Consular Service:

• A sanitary certificate (for pets) issued by a veterinarian. The certificate must be endorsed by   Veterinary Services (APHIS/VS) and legalized at a Brazilian Consulate. 
  

• It must be dated within one week prior to pets' departure. Sanitary certificates must also certify that, up to 40 days prior to boarding, no contagious disease had been detected in the place of origin. 
  

• The animals must be inoculated against rabies and have a current rabies vaccination certificate. 
  

• Admittance of animals other than dogs, cats and pet birds require prior approval by the Ministry of Agriculture.
  
  There is no quarantine period on arrival in Brazil.

British Virgin Islands:   

Embassy of BVI
3100 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 588-6500
Fax: (202) 588-7870

Pets entering the BVI are subject to the same restrictions and applicable six-month quarantine period as those pets entering the U.K.

Pets will not be admitted without prior clearance. For regulations on pets entering the Territory, write well in advance to the Chief Agricultural Officer, Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I., tel: (284) 495-2451 or call the Humane Society of the B.V.I, tel: (284) 494-2284.

Canada:

Canadian Embassy
501 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 682-1740
Fax: (202) 682-7689
E-mail: webmaster@canadianembassy.org

Pets must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed
veterinarian of the country of origin which identifies the pet and states the last date of vaccination for rabies. The rabies vaccination must be given at least once during the preceding 3 year period. Upon arrival at the first port of entry, the pet and its accompanying paperwork will be inspected. The fee for this inspection is $30 payable by whomever will be
picking him up at the airport. They do not impose an import quarantine.

The following was taken directly from the Canadian Customs web site and are the rules that apply.

Importation of Dogs and Cats

1. From the United States

A valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a Canadian or United States practicing veterinarian is required, which identifies the animal and states that it has been vaccinated against rabies within the preceding three (3) year period.

2. From a rabies-free country (officially recognized as such by Canada)

Dogs and Cats may enter Canada if accompanied by a certificate of an official government veterinarian. The certificate must clearly identify the animals and show that:

(a) rabies has not existed in that country for the six (6) month period immediately preceding the shipment of the animals; and,
(b) the animals have been in that country for the six (6) month period referred to in paragraph (a), or since birth.

The same applies to dogs that originated from Canada and are being returned directly from a country designated by the Minister as having been free from rabies for not less than six (6) months. This would include dogs coming out of a quarantine imposed by the exporting country before that quarantine period is completed.

As an alternative to the conditions above, the animals could enter Canada, subject to rabies vaccination as stated in section 3 below.

As another alternative, the animals could be vaccinated upon arrival in Canada at the owner's expense.

3.From countries where rabies is present (or not recognized officially rabies-free by Canada)

Dogs may enter Canada if accompanied by a certificate of a veterinarian from the country of origin, which clearly identifies the dogs and shows that they were vaccinated against rabies at least once within the preceding three (3) year period.

As an alternative, the animals could be vaccinated for rabies upon entry into Canada at the owner's expense.

Vaccination is not recognized if it is done before the animal reaches three (3) months of age.

4. Dogs under eight (8) months of age

New regulations became effective September 15, 1994, which changed Canada's import requirements for dogs under eight (8) months of age.

One or two (2) dogs accompanied by the owner require certification for vaccination against rabies. No additional certification is required.

One or two (2) dogs not accompanied by the owner require a detailed health certificate in addition to the rabies certificate.

More than two (2) dogs require an export certificate and an import permit in addition to the rabies certificate. The import permit may be obtained through Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Area Offices.

Special purpose dogs

Special purpose dogs (seeing-eye, hearing-ear, etc.) from all countries are exempted from all import conditions, when
the dog is accompanying its user.

Fees

Fees are payable for inspection of animals being imported into Canada, including dogs and cats, from countries other than the United States. The fee must be paid at the time of inspection.

$30.00 for the first animal, and $5.00 for each additional animal.

www.cfia-acia.agr.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/petse.shtml

Cayman Islands:

Department of Agriculture - Veterinary Services
P.O. Box 459 GT
Grand Cayman Cayman Islands
Telephone: (345) 947-3090
Fax: (345) 947-2634

Pets must have an Import Permit or valid Animal Passport, issued by the Cayman Islands
Department of Agriculture, and an Official Health Certificate (that must be issued within 14 days of arrival). The health certificate must state:

1.Your pet is not infected with any communicable disease and is free from external parasites. 
2.Your pet must be treated with a topical preparation known to have a residual action against ticks of at least 14 days. 
3.The pet has not been kept within 30 miles of an areas officially quarantined for Foot and Mouth disease during the past 30 days. (This does not apply to dogs and cats arriving directly from the USA, Canada or the UK). 
4.The pet has not been exposed to rabies or has not been present within the last 6 months in an officially quarantine rabies area. 
5.The pet has a history of all inoculations (including date and type) such as distemper, rabies (vaccines must be given within one (1) year of travel to the Cayman Islands).

Prohibited Breeds and Origin Countries: Breeds of dogs such as Mallanois, Rottweiller, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazileiro, Chinese Shar-Pei, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Akita, Staffordshire, Mastiff (all types) are not permitted in the Cayman Islands. Moreover, all cats and dogs originating from Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic are also prohibited.

A downloadable permit (which needs to be accompanied with a $61 fee - US) and the complete regulations on importing pets into the Cayman Islands are available on line.

China:

Costa Rica:  

Embassy of Costa Rica
2114 S Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: (202) 234-2945 or 460
Fax: (202) 265-4795
E-mail: embassy@costarica-embassy.org

In order to enter Costa Rica with your pet, you will need the following documents:

• A pet's health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by a Veterinary Services (VS) veterinarian at the U. S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS).

• A personal letter stating your pet's market value or a document that proofs it such as an invoice.

• Proof of payment of your pet's Customs duty (if applicable).

• A pet's quarantine permit issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Control ("Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia" (MAG)) in Costa Rica.

  www.costarica.com/travel/plan/traveler-information/pets.html) for more information.

Curacao:

Embassy of Curacao
4200 Linnean Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 244-5300
Fax: (202) 362-3430

Pets will need just a current Veterinarian Health Certificate to gain entrance.

Denmark:

Royal Danish Embassy
3200 Whitehaven Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 234-4300
Fax: (202) 328-1470
e-mail: ambadane@erols.com

Dogs and cats over three months of age must present veterinary certificates and have had a rabies inoculation between one month and one year prior to entry. Dogs and cats under three months of age are exempt from rabies inoculation if the veterinary certificate states that no outbreak of rabies has occurred within 20 kilometers of the animal's area of origin on the preceding 60 days.

Unaccompanied pets are subject to veterinary inspection at the point of entry. The border veterinarian may permit dogs to enter in passenger cars or buses if dogs are kept in a vehicle, or leashed to the vehicle, and the journey does not exceed 24 hours.

Dominican Republic:

Embassy of The Dominican Republic
1715 - 22nd Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 332-6280
Fax: (202) 265-8057
E-mail: embdomrepusa@msn.com

Pets must have a health certificate issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian. The certificate
shall contain the name and address of the owner, and complete identification of the animal (name, breed, sex, and age). The pet must also have been examined within 30 days prior to departure and found to be free of any infectious diseases. The pet must also have been vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccination certificate (which should have been given
between 1 month and 12 months prior to entry) should include the date of vaccination, product name and serial number.

Dominica:

Consulate of the Commonwealth of Dominica
820 Second Ave., Suite 900
New York, NY 10017
(212) 599-8478

Animals may enter the country if accompanied by a valid Veterinary Health Certificate plus an
importation permit from the Veterinary Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Botanical Gardens, Roseau, Commonwealth ofDominica." Telephone: 767-448-0414.

Ecuador:

Embassy of Ecuador
2535 - 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-7200
E-mail: mecuawaa@erols.com

Pets must have a Veterinary Health Certificate that states they have been vaccinated within sixty
days of departure against the following diseases: panleucopenia (cats), distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirosis, rabies, influenzia, and parasites (more than thirty days before embarcation).

The certificate must also indicate that the pets have been inspected and identified before embarkation by an official veterinarian, who has found them to be of normal health, without tumors, wounds, or without any quarantined transferable diseases or the presence of ectoparasites.

They must be placed in special cages or boxes that have been cleaned and disinfected prior to shipping. The consular fee for the authentication is $50 (US).

Egypt:

Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt
3521 International Court, NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 966-6342

A valid government "Good Health Certificate," issued from a qualified veterinarian from the point of origin (this must be issued within 2 weeks from arrival) must accompany cats and dogs. Even with a certificate, upon arrival, the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture will examine pets. If disease is suspected, quarantine will last no longer than 15 days. If a pet is quarantined, the owner will be assessed for the cost of caring and feeding of their pet.

England:

To bring your pet cat or dog into the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) from one of the qualifying countries you must carry out the following procedures in the order shown.

• Have your pet microchipped

• Have your pet vaccinated

• Arrange a blood test

• Get a PETS certificate

• Before your pet enters the UK, have it treated against ticks and a tapeworm

• Sign a declaration of residency

www.maff.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/) for more information.

Fiji:

Embassy of Fiji
2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 240
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 337-8320
Fax: (202) 337-1996
E-mail: fijiemb@earthlink.net

Small animals (dogs and cats) may be imported directly into Fiji by air only from the following countries:

Australia
Canada
New Zealand
United Kingdom
United States (including Hawaii)

Animals imported from any other country may do so if they are first exported to one of the above countries, satisfy all their quarantine requirements, and then apply for re-export into Fiji from that country.

The conditions of importation including the period of quarantine differ for all of the countries listed above.

If you wish to import a small animal (ie. dogs and cats) into Fiji, the first step is to obtain an "Application to Import Live Animals Into Fiji" form from the office of the director of Animal Health and Production.

Once you have obtained the form, please fill it in and return it to the Office of the Director of Animal Health for processing. If the application is approved, an Import permit will be issued together with the conditions of importation and other relevant information.

For queries on the quarantine and other associated costs please contact the Quarantine section of the Animal Health & Production Division (679-312512) or the Post-Entry
Quarantine Station in Koronivia (679-400408) where the animals will be quarantined.

Small animals brought in on yachts must remain on board the yacht during the entire duration of their stay in Fiji. It is an offence to permit the animals to leave the yacht at any state while the yacht is in Fiji. Please note that there is no minimum period of quarantine for such animals as Fiji does not permit these animals to leave the yachts at all except to fly out of Fiji to another country.

Finland:

Embassy of Finland
3301 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 298-5800
Fax: (202) 298-6030
E-mail: info@finland.org

ets must have a valid health certificate that has been issued within 10 days of arrival. The pet
must be vaccinated against distemper and rabies (between 1 and 12 months prior to arrival) and have been examined and pronounced free and clear of any internal parasites.

France:

French Embassy
4101 Reservoir Road, NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 944-6000
Fax: (202) 944-6072

Travelers may bring up to three animals into the country (only one can be under 6 months of age).
Pets must have a rabies vaccination certificate (signed by a licensed veterinarian) given between 1 and 12 months prior to arrival. A certificate of health dated less than 5 days before departure while recommended is no longer mandatory for visitors and their pets. Should these conditions not be fulfilled, an import permit is then required.

French Polynesia:

The animal must have an antirabies vaccination and then can be quarantined on your boat for however long you are in their waters.  The entry of animals, plants, and fruits is prohibited.

Germany:

Embassy of Germany
(202) 298-4000
Fax: (202) 298-4249 or 333-2653
4645 Reservoir Road, NW
Washington, DC 20007-1998
(202) 298-4000
Fax: (202) 298-4249 or 333-2653
E-mail: gic1@germany-info.org

Pets must have a Veterinary Vaccination Certificate stating they are in good health and have been
vaccinated against rabies (with an approved vaccine) not more than 12 months ago. This certificate is valid for 12 months, starting from the date of the last vaccination against rabies.

As clarification, we have taken the following information on pet importation directly from the German consulate's web site, http://www.germany-info.org/newcontent/index_travelers.html

1. DOGS AND DOMESTIC CATS
a) Principle
A permit under epizootic law shall be required for the importation and transit of dogs and domestic cats from the highest veterinary authority of the Land (State) which you enter first.

b) Exceptions
A permit shall not be required for the importation and transit of dogs and domestic cats,

(1) which are imported or transported in transit by travelers or being imported for reasons of moving to Germany provided:

• not more than three animals are involved, in the case of falls of dogs or domestic cats the dam and the entire fall under three months.
  

• these animals are not intended to be handed over to a third person, and it is proved that each animal has been vaccinated against rabies - or in case of litters the mother - and that the vaccination occurred at least 30 days, but not more than 12 months prior to entering the Federal Republic of Germany.
  

• was renewed within 12 months of the previous vaccination against rabies, but not more than 12 months prior to entering the Federal Republic of Germany. 
  

• the vaccination must be certified by a veterinarian.
  

• a valid International Vaccination Certificate or a veterinary vaccination certificate must be issued in German or must be accompanied by an officially certified German translation.
  With multilingual documents including German, an official translation certification is not necessary. The seal or stamp must clearly state the agency or the address of the veterinary surgeon.
  
  Please note:
  A special regulation is applicable to dogs and domestic cats over three months of age from Great Britain and Ireland. Dogs and cats without vaccination against rabies are exceptionally permitted to be brought into Germany from these countries, if the animals are immediately vaccinated against rabies at their place of destination.
  
  (1) They must comply with the requirements of sub-paragraph a) (be free of contagious diseases) and must be accompanied by an identification paper or a certificate in accordance with sub-paragraph b) (possess an international certificate of vaccination, a certificate in German or a translation certificate according to the pattern in Annex E of Directive 92/65/EEC).
  
  (2) which are in transit between locations of a neighboring third country across the Federal Republic of Germany or between locations in Germany across the territory of a neighboring third country if there is an agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and this third country to facilitate transit traffic.
  
  (3) which are used for artistic performances
  
  (4) dogs: which are used as guide dogs and official dogs of the Federal Armed Forces, the Federal Border Guard, customs authorities or police or in the rescue services
  

• sledge dogs for the purposes of participating in races accompanied by a written confirmation of participation from the organizer of the race; 
  

• transported within or imported into the European Union accompanied by a vaccination certificate in accordance with para. (1).

Greece:  

Embassy of Greece
2221 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 939-5800
E-mail: nycons@greekembassy.org

A pet must have a current Health Certificate stating that it has been examined and shows no
clinical signs or symptoms of infectious and contagious diseases; it has been vaccinated against rabies; and it has been treated against echinococcosis within thirty days prior to date of travel. This certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of loading. The rabies vaccination should be given not less than 15 days and not more than one year from the date of arrival in Greece.

Birds must have a certificate stating that they are free from psittacosis.

Grenada:

Embassy of Grenada
(202) 265-2561
1701 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009

Importation of animals is prohibited without an Import Permit. Proper Veterinary Health
documents must be produced and the Government Veterinary Officer must be notified of the port of entry and the expected time of arrival.

Guataloupe:  

Guadeloupe Tourism

Cats and dogs over three months old are admitted temporarily with certificates of origin and good health (or anti-rabies inoculation), issued by a licensed veterinarian from the country of shipment.

Hawaii:

The animal must be quarantined ashore in a government facility for 120 days after receiving an antirabies vaccination. For more information, go to www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ia_aqs_info.htm .

Honduras:  

http://www.travel-to-honduras.com/faq-21/46.php

Hong Kong:

Iceland:

India:

Ireland:

Italy:  

Jamaica:

Embassy of Jamaica
(202) 452-0660
Fax: (202) 452-0081
1520 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 452-0660
Fax: (202) 452-0081
E-mail: emjam@sysnet.net

Pets cannot be imported to Jamaica due to rabies.

Japan:

Malaysia:

Martinique:

Cats and dogs over three months old are admitted temporarily with certificates of origin and good health (or anti-rabies inoculation), issued by a licensed veterinarian from the country of shipment.

Mexico:  

Embassy of Mexico
1911 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 728-1600
E-mail: info@embassyofmexico.org

Animals must have duplicate copies of their health certificate (certificado de salud) issued by a
licensed veterinarian. The certificate must state that the pet has been examined and found free and clear of any contagious disease. The pet must also have rabies and distemper vaccinations. Evidence of these shots needs to be stated (with dates) in a certificate of vaccination (cartilla de vacunación).

Montserrat:

Montserrat Tourism

Pets must have Veterinary Health certificates and inoculations records and will be quarantined
between three to six months.

New Caledonia:    

If you want to take your pet ashore it will first need to be put into quarantine for ten days for observation.  You do not need to quarantine it if you do not want to take it ashore.

New Zealand:  

Import Management Section
Animal Biosecurity Group
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Phone: +64 4 498 9625
Fax: +64 4 474 4132

The following information is an overview of requirements for New Zealand.  For more detailed information, go to www.quarantine.govt.nz .

To be eligible for quarantine clearance, the animal must only have been landed in any country or territory listed belowwithin the previous 12 months, and the Veterinary Officer may request verification of this by requesting to see the yacht's llog:

America Samoa, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Christmas Island, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Denmark, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Peninsular Malaysia (excluding the designated rabies control area),
Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Nauru, Niue, the Netherlands, Netherland Antilles and Aruba, New Caledonia, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Reunion, Sabah, Sarawak, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent Grenadin, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tabago, Taiwan, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, Western Samoa. 

Any yacht arriving in New Zealand which has animals aboard must notify New Zealand MAF of its intended arrival in New Zealand, and the presence of an animal on board.

The yacht must not land in New Zealand but must make directly for the any one of the following ports:

Opua, Whangerei, Auckland, Tauranga, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Hastings, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin or Invercargill.

If a quarantine clearance is to be sought, the importer is advised that a permit to import, satisfactorily completed Veterinary Certificate A and Importer's Declaration should accompany the animal to New Zealand to minimize the period the animal will be required to spend in post-arrival quarantine.

Prior to importation, the importer is advised to apply for a permit to import, which authorizes the importation of an animal or animal product to New Zealand. An import permit is mandatory if quarantine clearance is sought for the imported animal.

This permit is obtained from:

Chief Veterinary Officer
Ministry of Agriculture
P O Box 2526, Wellington, New Zealand.

Cats and dogs for which a quarantine clearance is sought must be identified with a microchip or permanent tattoo and the identification details shown on the accompanying certification. It is recommended that microchip brands adopted by the Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), or the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Association (FECAVA), or the International Standards Organisation (ISO) are used. The importer
shall ensure that a reader is available to identify animals arriving in New Zealand quarantine.

The period of quarantine will be decided upon by the Chief Veterinary Officer, NZMAF, according to the provision of the required documentation and the results obtained to tests in post-arrival quarantine. As a guiding rule the period, which begins upon entry of the dog or cat into the registered quarantine facility, will be as follows:

30 days, in the case of animals for which a satisfactorily completed Veterinary Certificate A and Importer's Declaration are provided, and which pass to the satisfaction of the Chief Veterinary Officer, NZMAF, the prescribed tests in post-arrival quarantine;

120 days, in the case of animals for which a satisfactorily completed Veterinary Certificate A and Importer's Declaration are provided, but which do not pass to the satisfaction of the Chief Veterinary Officer, NZMAF, the prescribed tests in post-arrival quarantine;

180 days, in the case of animals for which a satisfactorily completed Veterinary Certificate A and Importer's Declaration are not provided.

Panama:  

Embassy of The Republic of Panama
2862 McGill Terrace, NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 483-1407

Landing not allowed.  In the San Blas and Panama Yacht Club, some people have gotten permission to land their dog, so ask for permission.  

Taking your pets to Panama is not easy. However, for those on long-term assignments or who are
moving there permanently, there are a few options. We suggest checking into in-house quarantine, rather than subjecting your pet to the state run facilitiesl. As always, you will want to quadruple check your information before traveling.

Dogs and cats entering Panama are quarantined for 40 days. The proper documentation must accompany the animal.
Attach the following original documentation to the cage (keep copies for yourself):

Health Certificate: A health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian and certified by a Panamanian Consulate. The charge is usually $30 per pet, for this service. Residents of the U.S. can send the health certificate and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Panamanian consulate to obtain certification.

Rabies Vaccination Certificate: A current rabies vaccination certificate for dogs and cats over three months of age. This must be not more than 16 months or less than 30 days from the last shot.

Parvovirus Vaccination: Dogs - certification that the dog has been immunized against parvovirus within the last year.

Panleukopenia Vaccination: Cats - certification that the cat has been immunized against infectious feline panleukopenia within the last year.


Import Fees: Entry fees at Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen are approximately $15 per pet. There are also associated quarantine fees (regardless of whether this is an in-house or state-run quarantine) of $130. These fees apply to each pet and are payable to the Minister of Health through Banco Nacional before the pet is released from the quarantine. In addition to quarantine fees, other charges include rabies vaccination and may include medications, laboratory procedures or special diets.

Daily quarantine rates are as follows:

Cats - $5.25/day
Dogs under 40 pounds - $5.75/day
Dogs over 40 pounds - $6.75/day
Dogs over 70 pounds - $7.75/day
Dogs over 100 pounds - $8.75/day

In order to avoid quarantine in a government facility, you can request an in-house quarantine. If entering through Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen, ask a local Panamian friend or lawyer to request a quarantine exemption from the Minister of Health. This must be done two weeks before the trip. The person requesting the in-house quarantine must indicate the arrival date, time, and give pet information.

Phillipines:

Puerto Rico: 

Puerto Rico Tourism

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a United States territory and require that pets just come
with a current Veterinary Health Certificate (with a list of inoculations).

Scotland:

Singapore:  

Embassy of The Republic of Singapore
3501 International Place, NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 537-3100
Fax: (202) 537-0876
E-mail: singemb@bellatlantic.net

There is a 30-day quarantine period for all pets (other than those from Australia, New Zealand,
United Kingdom and Ireland) visiting Singapore. Pets must have a veterinary health certificate issued by a veterinarian of the country of export stating that the animal is healthy and free from any infectious or contagious diseases.  For more information about the quarantine station and other import information, see The Pet Hotel.

Each animal must have a confirmed quarantine space before an application for import permit will be issued. The owner, permit holder, or his/her agent must notify the AVA officer at the designated inspection station at least one working day prior to arrival of their pet. Once they have arrived the pet will be inspected by an AVA officer at that port of entry.

Dogs and cats over 3 months of age must apply for a dog permit from the AVA (Centre of Animal Welfare and Control, 75 Pair Panjang Road, Singapore 118507). Pets imported from most countries (other than Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Ireland) will be vaccinated against rabies on arrival in Singapore and quarantined at the Animal Quarantine Station in Jurong (JAQS) for 30 days or more. The charge for this is $65-75 for transportation and the
rabies vaccination and $6-7 per day fee for boarding at the quarantine station. In addition to the $300 you will spend on the quarantine process there is also a $50 licensing fee for pets. The AVA advises that owners carefully consider their pet’s age and overall health, as well as the stress of traveling to such a far away place, the quarantine process, and the climate change — before deciding to bring a pet into Singapore.

Singapore authorities will not grant permits for the following dog breeds: Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog and crosses between them and other breeds), Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa, Akita, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero and their crosses.

South Africa:

Spain:

St. Barts:  

St. Barts Tourism

Cats and dogs over three months old are admitted temporarily with certificates of origin and good health (or anti-rabies inoculation), issued by a licensed veterinarian from the country of shipment.

St. Kitts/Nevis:

Landing allowed.

St. Lucia:

Embassy of St. Lucia
3216 New Mexico Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 364-6792
Fax: (202) 364-6723

Pets must have a Veterinary Import Permit before they may enter St. Lucia. This may be arranged
for by contacting the Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Department. They must also adhere to the following requirements: 

• The cat/dog must be electronically identifiable have had an acceptable type of microchip implanted. Microchips must conform to ISO standard 11784. 
  

• The cat/dog must be vaccinated against rabies at or over three months of age using inactivated and adjuvant vaccine approved by the veterinary authority of the exporting country. 
  

• A blood test must be carried out not less than 30 days after the date the vaccination was done. 
  

• The blood sample must be sent to an approved laboratory facility. The veterinary authority of the exporting country must accredit the laboratory. In order to qualify for permission, the blood test must show rabies and antibody trait equal or more than 0.5 IU/ml. 
  

• Once permission has been granted, the cat/dog would be able to travel into St Lucia, 180 days (6 months) after the date the blood sample was taken. 
  

• The cat/dog must be treated no more than 48 hours before entry into St Lucia with a preparation for the treatment of ticks and fleas and with an anthelmintic preparation.

St. Martin:

St. Martin Tourism

Import Regulations: Pets are admitted if they have the following documentation:

1. A current health certificate (this needs to be dated less than 10 days prior to departure)
2. The pet must have a rabies vaccination certificate that has been issued between 1 month and 12 months before entering St. Martin.

St. Vincent:

Embassy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
3216 New Mexico Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 364-6730
Fax: (202) 364-6736

Pets from the UK, New Zealand and Australia are allowed into St. Vincent and The Grenadines
on presentation of a health certificate to the government veterinary office. Pets from all other countries require a six-month quarantine. Pets can enter Vincentian waters on yachts, but must remain onboard at all times unless the above requirements are met.

Tobago:  

Tonga:

The animal can be landed provided that it has antirabies vaccination and an up-to-date health certificate and you have an import permit for it.

Trinidad:

Landing not allowed.  

Tuvalu:

The animal can be landed provided that it has antirabies vaccination and an up-to-date health certificate and you have an import permit for it.

United States:

Pets taken out of the United States and returned are subject to the same requirements as those entering for the first time. 

Domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry. If the animal is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the owner’s expense.

Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entering the United States. This requirement does not apply, however, to puppies or kittens less than three months of age or to dogs and cats originating or located for at least six months in areas designated by the U.S. Public Health Service as being rabies-free.

The following procedures pertain to dogs arriving from areas that are not free of rabies:

• A valid rabies vaccination certificate should accompany the animal. This certificate should be in English or be accompanied by a translation. It should identify the animal, the dates of vaccination and expiration, and be signed by a licensed veterinarian. If no expiration date is specified, the certificate is acceptable if the date of vaccination is no more than
  12 months before the date of arrival.
  

• If a vaccination has not been performed, or if the certificate is not valid, the animal may be admitted if it is confined immediately upon arrival at a place of the owner’s choosing. The dog must be vaccinated within four days after arrival at the final destination, but no more than 10 days after arrival at the port of entry. The animal must remain in confinement for at least 30 days after being vaccinated.

• If the vaccination was performed less than 30 days before arrival, the animal may be admitted but must be confined at a place of the owner’s choosing until at least 30 days have passed since the vaccination.
  

• Young puppies must be confined at a place of the owner’s choosing until they are three months old, then they must be vaccinated. They must remain in confinement for 30 days.
  
  Dogs and cats that arrive in Hawaii or Guam, both of which are free of rabies, are subject to the state’s or territory’s quarantine requirements, in addition to whatever other Public Health Service requirements, above, apply.
  
  Dogs, cats, and turtles are free of duty. Other pets imported into the United States, if subject to a customs duty, may be included in your customs exemption if they accompany you and are imported for your personal use and not for sale.

US Virgin Islands:

U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism
(St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John)

The US. Virgin Islands require a current Veterinary Health Certificate for your pet.

Vanuatu:

The landing of animals is strictly prohibited at all times.

Venezuela:

Landing allowed.

Western Samoa:

The animal must be quarantined ashore in a government facility for 120 days after receiving an antirabies vaccination.