🇿🇦 Pet travel to South Africa: entry requirements (2026)
Bringing a pet to South Africa 🇿🇦 is a controlled but manageable destination. Quarantine on arrival: 14 days. The essentials: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, import permit and an official health certificate.
Microchip
Required — ISO 11784/11785
Rabies
Required
Titer test (RNATT)
Not required
Quarantine
14 days
Import permit
Required
Cabin / cargo
Cargo only
Breed bans
None listed
Authority
DALRRD South Africa — Pet Imports
Step-by-step requirements
- Implant an ISO 11784/11785 microchip first — it must be in place before the rabies shot to be valid.
- Get the rabies vaccination after the microchip. Wait at least 30 days before travel.
- Apply for the import permit from the destination authority well in advance.
- Have your vet issue the health certificate: Import permit from DALRRD; Health Certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by origin authority.
- Book travel — pets fly in cargo for this route. Confirm the airline's container rules.
Official sources
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Frequently asked questions
Does the microchip have to come before the rabies shot?
Yes. For South Africa the rabies vaccination only counts if the ISO 11784/11785 microchip was implanted first. Always chip, then vaccinate.
Is there quarantine in South Africa?
Yes — about 14 days on arrival (shorter if every requirement is met in advance).
Can my pet fly in the cabin?
No — this route requires cargo transport.
How long does preparation take?
Start about 1–2 months ahead.
Are any dog breeds restricted?
No specific breed bans are listed for South Africa, but airlines may restrict snub-nosed breeds.