Dog or cat from Costa Rica to South Africa: the rules

Dogs

1. Get ready

   1. Residence ruleEntering South Africa

      Lived in the exporting country since birth or for the last 6 months

      The health certificate states that your pet has lived in the country it is exported from since birth, or in that country or South Africa for the last 6 months.

      Details and the official words

      Every model certificate we could read has this statement (those agreed with the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom).

      “either been continuously resident in the exporting country since birth, or have been continuously resident in the exporting country or South Africa for the last six months.”

      “Have, as far as I can ascertain, either been continuously resident in Canada since birth, or have been continuously resident in Canada or South Africa for the last six months.”

   2. IdentificationCosta Rica and South Africa

      ISO microchip (tattoos are not accepted)

      Your pet must be identified with a microchip that can be read by an ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 scanner; tattoos are not accepted. The microchip number goes on the health certificate and on every laboratory report.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      ISO microchip (15 digits), declared on the certificate: SENASA's resolution of January 2025 makes individual identification with a 15-digit ISO microchip compulsory for dogs and cats imported, exported or in transit, with the number declared on the health certificate.

      The resolution takes effect six months after its publication in the official gazette La Gaceta, which we couldn't date. We show the microchip to be safe: ask SENASA if your pet has none.

      “Microchip must be able to be read by ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 scanners”

      “The animal's microchip number must be recorded on all laboratory reports.”

      “All dogs and cats imported into South Africa must be permanently identified with a microchip (tattoos will not be accepted).”

      “Se ordena como medida sanitaria implementar un sistema de identificación y rastreabilidad individual obligatorio para la importación, exportación o tránsito por el país para los animales de compañía (perros y gatos)”

      “El código de identificación asignado al animal debe declararse en el certificado sanitario correspondiente.”

      “Rige seis meses posteriores a su publicación en el Diario Oficial La Gaceta.”

   3. VaccinationEntering South Africa

      Rabies vaccination at least 30 days before export (not needed from Australia, New Zealand and the UK)

      Your pet needs a valid rabies vaccination with a vaccine meeting the World Health Organization's potency standard. A first (primary) vaccination must be given at least 30 days, and at most 12 months, before export. The 30-day wait doesn't apply to a booster given before the previous vaccination expired. Not required for pets from Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom, though the UK advises it.

      Details and the official words

      The UK's guidance says South Africa can grant a dispensation reducing the 30 days to 15 days if you can't wait (a dispensation letter costs R420).

      “In the case of the primary Rabies vaccination, the animal must have been vaccinated at least 30 days, but not longer than 12 months prior to export.”

      “The 30 days waiting period for the primary Rabies vaccination does not apply to the booster vaccination if it was applied before the previous Rabies vaccination expired”

      “The Rabies vaccine used must be a strain of anti-rabies conforming to a potency standard recognized by the World Health Organization.”

      “If it is not possible to wait 30 days, then a dispensation to reduce to 15 days is available from the authorities in South Africa.”

      “In the case of cats from the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand, vaccination for rabies is not required.”

      “It is advisable that dogs are vaccinated before being exported.”

      “Vaccination against rabies is not required for cats/dogs imported from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland”

   4. VaccinationEntering South Africa

      Rabies vaccination within the last 12 months

      The latest rabies vaccination (the first one, or the last booster) must be less than 12 months before export. If it will be older on the day your pet leaves, give a booster before then.

      Details and the official words

      Add the date of your pet's most recent rabies shot to check this.

      “In the case of a booster Rabies vaccination, the animal must have been vaccinated less than 12 months prior to export.”

   5. PermitEntering South Africa

      Veterinary import permit (before the animal leaves)

      Apply to the Department of Agriculture's permit office for a veterinary import permit before your pet is shipped. Use the department's application form (dogs not subject to quarantine, dogs subject to quarantine, or domestic cats), pay the permit fee (R250 from April 2026) into the department's bank account and send the form with the proof of payment; no application is processed without it. Individuals use their ID or passport number as the reference on both. Once the department approves the import, the permit takes 3 to 5 working days, and it is sent to you with the health certificate your vet must complete.

      Details and the official words

      The department's current permit office address is VetPermits@nda.gov.za (its 2025 payment notice); gov.za still shows an older address.

      The fee is revised every year (1 April). The department asks for payment within 5 working days before you submit the application.

      “you must apply for a veterinary import permit from the Director: Animal Health. You must obtain this permit before the animal or product is shipped from the exporting country.”

      “No application will be processed without proof of payment.”

      “Once the state veterinarian at the national office has approved the importation, it takes three to five working days to process the application and issue the permit.”

      “Following receipt of the completed application form and proof of payment, a veterinary import permit and a veterinary health certificate template will be issued and sent directly to you.”

      “Application to import dogs not subject to quarantine”

      “Application to import domestic cats”

      “Issuance of an import permit”

      “Individual applicants must use their ID/Passport number as the reference number on both the application form and the proof of payment.”

      “Payment must be made within five (5) working days prior to the date of submission of the application.”

2. In the days before you travel

   1. TestEntering South Africa

      Dogs: blood tests for five diseases within 30 days before arrival

      Your dog must test negative for Brucella canis, Trypanosoma evansi (surra), Babesia gibsoni, Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) and leishmaniosis, with the test methods set out on the health certificate, on blood samples taken within 30 days of import. The surra tests (card agglutination and a Giemsa blood smear) are done at a World Organisation for Animal Health reference laboratory, often abroad, so start early; the microchip number must be on every report, and copies of the reports travel with the certificate.

      Details and the official words

      The US and Canadian certificates count the 30 days to the date of import; the UK's certificate and the 2008 protocol count them to export. The plan uses the import date (the stricter reading).

      Test methods on the US and Canadian certificates: Brucella canis by serum or rapid slide agglutination; T. evansi by card agglutination and a Giemsa smear; B. gibsoni by IFAT or ELISA plus a Giemsa smear or real-time PCR; heartworm by microfilarial filtration; leishmaniosis by IFAT, ELISA, direct agglutination or Western blot. The UK's certificate differs slightly: follow your own certificate.

      “The animals have been tested, with negative results, within 30 days from date of sample collection to the date of import, for the following conditions in a laboratory using the testing methodologies outlined below.”

      “ALL tests must be performed within 30 days of import (no exceptions are permitted without a dispensation issued by South Africa).”

      “being within the 30 days prior to export”

      “All surra testing must occur at one of the two internationally recognized OIE Reference Laboratories for surra testing”

      “The required testing for Trypanosoma evansi is currently not available in Canada however, there are international laboratories which offer the required diagnostic testing.”

   2. TreatmentEntering South Africa

      Dogs: heartworm treatment from the negative test until export, and for 6 months after arrival

      From the date of the negative heartworm test until export, your dog is treated against heartworm at the required intervals with one of the products listed on the health certificate (at least one dose after the negative result and before the vet signs the certificate). The treatment must continue for 6 months after arrival in South Africa, and heartworm drugs are hard to find there, so bring a 6-month supply with the dog.

      Details and the official words

      The certificates agreed with the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom all ask for this; the department's 2008 protocol asked it only of dogs from countries not certified free of heartworm.

      Canada's certificate: no further treatment is needed if the negative test falls within 11 months of a ProHeart SR-12 injection.

      “from the date of negative testing until export at the required intervals with:”

      “Treatment for Dirofilaria must continue for 6 months after arrival in South Africa.”

      “There should be at least ONE treatment date listed in section 6.1 of the certificate AFTER the test result of the negative heartworm test was received and BEFORE (or on the same day as) the USDA Accredited Veterinarian signs the health certificate”

      “The South African authorities require that sufficient supply of the drug is in the possession of the owner/person in custody of the dog at the time of its arrival in South Africa.”

   3. TreatmentEntering South Africa

      Dogs: tick and insect treatment within 30 days before departure

      Within 30 days before departure, and before the vet completes the certificate, your dog is treated with an effective acaricide (against ticks) and an insect repellent (against flies), to protect against leishmaniosis and Babesia gibsoni. The vet records the dates, products and doses on the certificate.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      This is on South Africa's general dog certificate (model IMP. DOG. GEN 05/22), as used for dogs from the United States and Canada. The certificate agreed with the UK (2017) doesn't have it. The certificate sent with your permit says which applies.

      Canada's certificate asks for products registered in the exporting country; the US guidance quotes 'registered in South Africa' but accepts US-licensed products.

      “the animals must be treated with an effective acaricide and with insect repellent registered in the exporting country, within 30 days before departure.”

      “the animals must be treated with an effective acaricide, and with insect repellent, registered in South Africa within 30 days before departure.”

   4. PaperworkCosta Rica and South Africa

      Veterinary health certificate within 10 days of departure

      The department sends the veterinary health certificate with the permit. A vet authorised by the exporting country's veterinary authority examines your pet and completes the certificate in English within 10 days of departure, and the exporting country's veterinary authority certifies it. Some countries use their own agreed version instead (for example the UK's 6256EHC and Canada's HA2123 and HA2124).

      Details and the official words

      Export certificate from a private vet, signed by SENASA: An authorised private vet examines your pet, checks it meets the destination's requirements and issues the national export certificate (on the Costa Rican veterinary college's form). Take it to SENASA with your pet's vaccination card, any document the destination asks for (if it has its own certificate model, you need both) and proof of payment (tariff code C.16, ₡17,322 in 2026). SENASA's official vet reviews the certificates and signs them; once signed, your pet can leave. Certificates that don't need SENASA to authenticate the vet's signature can be signed at any SENASA office.

      “The veterinary health certificate has to be completed in English by a veterinarian authorised by the veterinary authority of the exporting country within 10 days of departure.”

      “Health certificate issuance and endorsement must occur within 10 days of the pet's travel.”

      “Have been examined clinically by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of export and were found to be free of internal and external parasites, contagious and infectious diseases to which the species is susceptible and fit to travel.”

      “Do not use the Veterinary Health Certificate that is included with the import permit issued by South Africa.”

      “OVs ARE NOT required to complete or sign the South African model because the Defra official health certificate 6256EHC replaces it.”

      “Para iniciar el trámite, el propietario debe acudir a un médico veterinario privado autorizado para que realice la valoración clínica.”

      “El profesional verificará el cumplimiento de los requisitos solicitados por el país de destino y emitirá el certificado de exportación que presentará ante SENASA.”

      “El médico veterinario oficial de SENASA revisa el o los certificados presentados por el veterinario privado y confirmará el cumplimiento de los requisitos.”

      “Una vez firmado el certificado, la mascota puede salir del país.”

      “En el caso de que el país de destino requiera un modelo de certificado adicional, el usuario deberá gestionar ambos documentos.”

      “Asimismo, SENASA recuerda que los usuarios deben presentar la cartilla de vacunas y cualquier documento exigido por el país de destino.”

      “Cancelar el monto correspondiente, según el decreto tarifario código C.16”

      “CERTIFICADO EXPORTAC. ANIMALES, PRODUCTOS Y SUBPRODUCTOS NO COMESTIBLES (Resolución DG-R0014-2021)”

      “Certificado de exportación nacional (papelería del CMV) emitido por un médico veterinario privado;”

      “Los demás certificados que no requieran autenticación de firma por parte del país de destino pueden ser firmados en cualquier oficina del SENASA.”

3. Travel day and arrival

   1. TransportEntering South Africa

      Fly as manifest cargo, not as excess baggage

      Dogs and cats must be registered as manifest cargo and can't fly as excess baggage. Book this with your airline.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      From the department's 2008 protocol; the newer texts we could read don't mention how pets fly. Check with the permit office and your airline.

      “All dogs and cats imported into South Africa must be registered, as manifest cargo and can not fly as excess baggage.”

   2. On arrivalEntering South Africa

      Present the original permit and certificate on arrival

      At the port of entry, give the South African veterinary import control officer the original import permit, the original health certificate and any other documents the permit asks for, such as the rabies vaccination certificate, the laboratory reports or the quarantine indemnity.

      Details and the official words

      “You must present the following to the South African veterinary import control officer at the port of entry:”

      “Any other documentation specified, e.g. indemnity declaration, rabies vaccination certificate, CITES permit, etc.”

   3. QuarantineEntering South Africa

      Dogs from some countries: 14 days' quarantine on arrival

      Dogs from countries not on the department's list are quarantined on arrival (14 days in the department's 2008 protocol) and may be re-tested at the importer's expense. Use the application form for dogs subject to quarantine, contact the state vet at the port of entry, who books the place at the quarantine station, and attach a signed indemnity declaration to the application.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      The list of countries whose dogs skip quarantine, and the 14 days, come from the department's 2008 protocol; the department's current forms still separate dogs subject and not subject to quarantine. Ask the permit office which form applies to your dog.

      The 2008 protocol allowed quarantined dogs only through OR Tambo (Johannesburg) or Cape Town; gov.za lists the state vets at Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban for animals that must be quarantined.

      “Quarantine of 14 days will be imposed on some dogs, depending on the country of origin of the dog.”

      “Application to import dogs subject to quarantine”

      “In cases where animals must be quarantined, you must contact the state veterinarian at the port of entry:”

      “The state veterinarian will arrange the reservation for accommodation at the quarantine station and must complete the applicable part of the application form.”

      “Complete an indemnity declaration (in respect of imported animals or birds undergoing quarantine) and attach the completed indemnity to the application form.”

      “Animals subjected to post importation quarantine will, at the discretion of the Director of Animal Health of South Africa, be re-tested at the importer’s expense.”

Cats

1. Get ready

   1. Residence ruleEntering South Africa

      Lived in the exporting country since birth or for the last 6 months

      The health certificate states that your pet has lived in the country it is exported from since birth, or in that country or South Africa for the last 6 months.

      Details and the official words

      Every model certificate we could read has this statement (those agreed with the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom).

      “either been continuously resident in the exporting country since birth, or have been continuously resident in the exporting country or South Africa for the last six months.”

      “Have, as far as I can ascertain, either been continuously resident in Canada since birth, or have been continuously resident in Canada or South Africa for the last six months.”

   2. IdentificationCosta Rica and South Africa

      ISO microchip (tattoos are not accepted)

      Your pet must be identified with a microchip that can be read by an ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 scanner; tattoos are not accepted. The microchip number goes on the health certificate and on every laboratory report.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      ISO microchip (15 digits), declared on the certificate: SENASA's resolution of January 2025 makes individual identification with a 15-digit ISO microchip compulsory for dogs and cats imported, exported or in transit, with the number declared on the health certificate.

      The resolution takes effect six months after its publication in the official gazette La Gaceta, which we couldn't date. We show the microchip to be safe: ask SENASA if your pet has none.

      “Microchip must be able to be read by ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 scanners”

      “The animal's microchip number must be recorded on all laboratory reports.”

      “All dogs and cats imported into South Africa must be permanently identified with a microchip (tattoos will not be accepted).”

      “Se ordena como medida sanitaria implementar un sistema de identificación y rastreabilidad individual obligatorio para la importación, exportación o tránsito por el país para los animales de compañía (perros y gatos)”

      “El código de identificación asignado al animal debe declararse en el certificado sanitario correspondiente.”

      “Rige seis meses posteriores a su publicación en el Diario Oficial La Gaceta.”

   3. VaccinationEntering South Africa

      Rabies vaccination at least 30 days before export (not needed from Australia, New Zealand and the UK)

      Your pet needs a valid rabies vaccination with a vaccine meeting the World Health Organization's potency standard. A first (primary) vaccination must be given at least 30 days, and at most 12 months, before export. The 30-day wait doesn't apply to a booster given before the previous vaccination expired. Not required for pets from Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom, though the UK advises it.

      Details and the official words

      The UK's guidance says South Africa can grant a dispensation reducing the 30 days to 15 days if you can't wait (a dispensation letter costs R420).

      “In the case of the primary Rabies vaccination, the animal must have been vaccinated at least 30 days, but not longer than 12 months prior to export.”

      “The 30 days waiting period for the primary Rabies vaccination does not apply to the booster vaccination if it was applied before the previous Rabies vaccination expired”

      “The Rabies vaccine used must be a strain of anti-rabies conforming to a potency standard recognized by the World Health Organization.”

      “If it is not possible to wait 30 days, then a dispensation to reduce to 15 days is available from the authorities in South Africa.”

      “In the case of cats from the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand, vaccination for rabies is not required.”

      “It is advisable that dogs are vaccinated before being exported.”

      “Vaccination against rabies is not required for cats/dogs imported from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland”

   4. VaccinationEntering South Africa

      Rabies vaccination within the last 12 months

      The latest rabies vaccination (the first one, or the last booster) must be less than 12 months before export. If it will be older on the day your pet leaves, give a booster before then.

      Details and the official words

      Add the date of your pet's most recent rabies shot to check this.

      “In the case of a booster Rabies vaccination, the animal must have been vaccinated less than 12 months prior to export.”

   5. PermitEntering South Africa

      Veterinary import permit (before the animal leaves)

      Apply to the Department of Agriculture's permit office for a veterinary import permit before your pet is shipped. Use the department's application form (dogs not subject to quarantine, dogs subject to quarantine, or domestic cats), pay the permit fee (R250 from April 2026) into the department's bank account and send the form with the proof of payment; no application is processed without it. Individuals use their ID or passport number as the reference on both. Once the department approves the import, the permit takes 3 to 5 working days, and it is sent to you with the health certificate your vet must complete.

      Details and the official words

      The department's current permit office address is VetPermits@nda.gov.za (its 2025 payment notice); gov.za still shows an older address.

      The fee is revised every year (1 April). The department asks for payment within 5 working days before you submit the application.

      “you must apply for a veterinary import permit from the Director: Animal Health. You must obtain this permit before the animal or product is shipped from the exporting country.”

      “No application will be processed without proof of payment.”

      “Once the state veterinarian at the national office has approved the importation, it takes three to five working days to process the application and issue the permit.”

      “Following receipt of the completed application form and proof of payment, a veterinary import permit and a veterinary health certificate template will be issued and sent directly to you.”

      “Application to import dogs not subject to quarantine”

      “Application to import domestic cats”

      “Issuance of an import permit”

      “Individual applicants must use their ID/Passport number as the reference number on both the application form and the proof of payment.”

      “Payment must be made within five (5) working days prior to the date of submission of the application.”

2. In the days before you travel

   1. PaperworkCosta Rica and South Africa

      Veterinary health certificate within 10 days of departure

      The department sends the veterinary health certificate with the permit. A vet authorised by the exporting country's veterinary authority examines your pet and completes the certificate in English within 10 days of departure, and the exporting country's veterinary authority certifies it. Some countries use their own agreed version instead (for example the UK's 6256EHC and Canada's HA2123 and HA2124).

      Details and the official words

      Export certificate from a private vet, signed by SENASA: An authorised private vet examines your pet, checks it meets the destination's requirements and issues the national export certificate (on the Costa Rican veterinary college's form). Take it to SENASA with your pet's vaccination card, any document the destination asks for (if it has its own certificate model, you need both) and proof of payment (tariff code C.16, ₡17,322 in 2026). SENASA's official vet reviews the certificates and signs them; once signed, your pet can leave. Certificates that don't need SENASA to authenticate the vet's signature can be signed at any SENASA office.

      “The veterinary health certificate has to be completed in English by a veterinarian authorised by the veterinary authority of the exporting country within 10 days of departure.”

      “Health certificate issuance and endorsement must occur within 10 days of the pet's travel.”

      “Have been examined clinically by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of export and were found to be free of internal and external parasites, contagious and infectious diseases to which the species is susceptible and fit to travel.”

      “Do not use the Veterinary Health Certificate that is included with the import permit issued by South Africa.”

      “OVs ARE NOT required to complete or sign the South African model because the Defra official health certificate 6256EHC replaces it.”

      “Para iniciar el trámite, el propietario debe acudir a un médico veterinario privado autorizado para que realice la valoración clínica.”

      “El profesional verificará el cumplimiento de los requisitos solicitados por el país de destino y emitirá el certificado de exportación que presentará ante SENASA.”

      “El médico veterinario oficial de SENASA revisa el o los certificados presentados por el veterinario privado y confirmará el cumplimiento de los requisitos.”

      “Una vez firmado el certificado, la mascota puede salir del país.”

      “En el caso de que el país de destino requiera un modelo de certificado adicional, el usuario deberá gestionar ambos documentos.”

      “Asimismo, SENASA recuerda que los usuarios deben presentar la cartilla de vacunas y cualquier documento exigido por el país de destino.”

      “Cancelar el monto correspondiente, según el decreto tarifario código C.16”

      “CERTIFICADO EXPORTAC. ANIMALES, PRODUCTOS Y SUBPRODUCTOS NO COMESTIBLES (Resolución DG-R0014-2021)”

      “Certificado de exportación nacional (papelería del CMV) emitido por un médico veterinario privado;”

      “Los demás certificados que no requieran autenticación de firma por parte del país de destino pueden ser firmados en cualquier oficina del SENASA.”

3. Travel day and arrival

   1. TransportEntering South Africa

      Fly as manifest cargo, not as excess baggage

      Dogs and cats must be registered as manifest cargo and can't fly as excess baggage. Book this with your airline.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      From the department's 2008 protocol; the newer texts we could read don't mention how pets fly. Check with the permit office and your airline.

      “All dogs and cats imported into South Africa must be registered, as manifest cargo and can not fly as excess baggage.”

   2. On arrivalEntering South Africa

      Present the original permit and certificate on arrival

      At the port of entry, give the South African veterinary import control officer the original import permit, the original health certificate and any other documents the permit asks for, such as the rabies vaccination certificate, the laboratory reports or the quarantine indemnity.

      Details and the official words

      “You must present the following to the South African veterinary import control officer at the port of entry:”

      “Any other documentation specified, e.g. indemnity declaration, rabies vaccination certificate, CITES permit, etc.”

Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Costa Rica (dogs).

The trip back asks for 9 steps: ISO microchip (15 digits), declared on the certificate, vet examination within two weeks before travel, international veterinary certificate from the official authority and internal and external parasite treatment within 15 days before travel and more.

Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Costa Rica (cats).

The trip back asks for 9 steps: ISO microchip (15 digits), declared on the certificate, vet examination within two weeks before travel, international veterinary certificate from the official authority and internal and external parasite treatment within 15 days before travel and more.