South Africa Pet Import Details

South Africa information and requirements for the importation of cats and dogs.

This is a summary of the main points only.

It is a requirement that cats and dogs are shipped as manifest cargo and not as excess baggage. Animals must be shipped in IATA approved transit kennels that allow the animal to stand up without touching the top of the box, lie down and turn around.

There is no quarantine for Cats & Dogs entering South Africa from the UK as long as all the paperwork is completed correctly - if not, then animals are subject to 60 days quarantine.

Micro chipping your pet is now a requirement.

From the UK the following paperwork is required:

1. An Import Permit obtained from South Africa. Payment of ZAR 110-00 (One Hundred and ten South African Rand) must be sent with the application. The recommended timescale for applying for an Import Permit is 6 to 8 weeks in advance.

2. An Official Export Health Certificate, which must be applied for from DEFRA. This must be completed and certified by your LVI within 10 days of the flight.

3. A written declaration certifying that the animal(s) will be transported in container(s) which conform to IATA standards which will prevent contact en route with animals of a lesser health status and a declaration that the animals have been continuously resident in Great Britain since birth.

 
4. Dogs must have been resident in the UK since birth unless originally imported from South Africa. If the dog has been imported from anywhere else in the world then blood tests will be required.

The rabies vaccination (advisable), if required by the South Africans, should be given to your pet(s) at least 30 days prior to the flight.

As of 1st October 2004 a Blood test for Leishmaniosis is required for dogs only. This is to be completed within 30 days of travel and a negative result stapled to the Export Health Certificate. Please note DEFRA have advised that results can take up to 10 days.

The full set of requirements must be obtained from your local Animal Health Divisional Office of DEFRA , please contact us for your local DEFRA office telephone number.

Animals must be cleared at a Customs Airport as follows:
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth.