Pet travel route
Dog or cat from Kenya to Switzerland: official requirements
Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least about 4 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: microchip, rabies vaccination and rabies antibody blood test (titer) and 3 more.
Rules checked up to 13 October 2026From 9 official pages
In short
- Dogs and cats differ on this route: choose Dog or Cat to see just yours.
- Switzerland puts Kenya in the group “Group 3 (rabies risk) country”, which decides part of the rules.
- On this route: rabies blood test needed, import permit needed and arrive at a set entry point.
- Coming back to Kenya? 2 steps have to happen before your pet leaves.
We’re re-checking these rules. An official source they rely on has changed since we last verified them, so something here may be out of date. Before you book or travel, confirm the details with the official authority.
- Travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets · page changed, noticed 13 Oct 2026
Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving Kenya publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. Kenya's Directorate of Veterinary Services doesn't publish its export procedure for pets on its own website. We use KenTrade's InfoTrade description of the international veterinary certificate for dogs and cats (VS16), last updated in 2022. It gives no processing time, doesn't say how long before departure to apply, and lists a copy of the destination's import permit for every export. Confirm with the Directorate (infodvs@kilimo.go.ke) before you travel.
At a glance
How early to start (dogs)
about 4 months
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: Rabies antibody blood test (titer) (enter no earlier than 3 months after the blood sample)
about 3 months
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: Rabies antibody blood test (titer) (enter no earlier than 3 months after the blood sample)
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (dogs)
- Rabies blood test needed
- Import permit needed
- Arrive at a set entry point
Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.
How early to start (cats)
about 4 months
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: Rabies antibody blood test (titer) (enter no earlier than 3 months after the blood sample)
about 3 months
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: Rabies antibody blood test (titer) (enter no earlier than 3 months after the blood sample)
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (cats)
- Rabies blood test needed
- Import permit needed
- Arrive at a set entry point
Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.
Which rules apply to you
Switzerland puts Kenya in the group “Group 3 (rabies risk) country”. See every group
Official name: Group 3: rabies risk countries (everything not in groups 1 and 2) — titer test, 3-month wait, FSVO licence for direct flights
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Kenya → Switzerland
What your pet needs
In the order you do them. Each step says whether Kenya (leaving) or Switzerland (entering) asks for it.
Dogs
Taking a dog or cat out of Kenya (DVS international veterinary certificate): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.
Get ready
IdentificationEntering Switzerland
Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped before (or at the same time as) its rabies vaccination.
Details and the official words
“All animals must be chipped (before the rabies vaccination) and must have a valid rabies vaccination and the necessary supporting documents.”
“vaccinations are valid only after microchip implantation”
VaccinationEntering Switzerland
Rabies vaccination
Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old when first vaccinated. The vaccination becomes valid 21 days later; keep boosters up to date so there's no gap.
Details and the official words
“The first vaccination is possible from the age of 12 weeks.”
“It only takes effect (in other words becomes valid) 21 days later.”
“above an age of 12 weeks and without lapses in vaccination”
Blood testEntering Switzerland
Rabies antibody blood test (titer)
Because your pet comes from (or was recently in) a rabies-risk country, a vet takes a blood sample at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and an EU-approved laboratory must measure at least 0.5 IU/ml. Your pet can enter Switzerland no earlier than 3 months after the blood sample.
Details and the official words
The FSVO says the 3-month wait applies to the first entry and to animals vaccinated and/or tested in a third country. We always show it; a Swiss pet tested in Switzerland before it left may not need to wait — check with the FSVO.
List of approved labs: 'EU-designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests' (linked from the FSVO page).
If this is missed: If the waiting period isn't over, the FSVO writes the earliest entry date on the authorisation ('import not before').
“To confirm the effectiveness of rabies vaccination, a rabies antibody test (titration) from a designated laboratory is required and long waiting times have to be complied with.”
“only tests from EU-approved laboratories and with blood samples that were taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination are valid”
“enter 3 months at the earliest after the blood sampling. This applies to the first entry and for animals that were vaccinated and/or tested in a third country”
PermitEntering Switzerland
FSVO import authorisation (flying in from a rabies-risk country)
For a pet flying into Zurich, Geneva or Basel from (or after a stay in) a rabies-risk country, send the FSVO application form (one per animal, with the microchip, vaccination and lab report proofs) to infobew@blv.admin.ch at least 21 days before the planned entry date.
Details and the official words
The authorisation is needed when the pet enters by direct flight through Zurich, Geneva or Basel airport and travels with its owner (or a person with written power of attorney).
If the authorisation says 'only valid with veterinary certificate', the pet also needs the health certificate below.
“For direct entry by plane an import authorisation from the FSVO is also required.”
“sent 21 days at the latest before the planned date of entry”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving Kenya
Health certificate from a vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board
A vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board examines your pet and issues a veterinary health certificate. You upload a copy of it, with a copy of your pet's vaccination certificate, when you apply for the export certificate.
Details and the official words
“Issued by registered veterinarians with Kenya Veterinary Board.”
PaperworkKenya and Switzerland
Veterinary health certificate
Your pet needs the veterinary health certificate (EU model) issued by the authorities of the country you're travelling from. It's valid for 10 days from issue to the entry check. If your pet already met Switzerland's requirements before it left (e.g. a Swiss pet coming home), a valid Swiss or EU pet passport is enough instead.
Details and the official words
International veterinary certificate (VS16) from the Directorate of Veterinary Services: Apply online on KenTrade's Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) for the international veterinary certificate for dogs and cats (VS16), issued per consignment. You need a Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) number and copies of the vet's health certificate, the vaccination certificate and the import permit from the destination country; for the European Union, also a copy of the EU health certificate. Pay the processing fee (up to KES 500 per pet) by M-PESA or at the bank, then receive the certificate on the platform.
Processing fee: KES 0 to 500 per pet (KenTrade's estimate). M-PESA paybill 522522, account 1106972791.
InfoTrade lists a copy of the destination's import permit for every export. If your destination doesn't issue one (EU countries and the UK, for example), ask DVS what to upload instead.
“If your animal already meets the necessary requirements before travelling to Switzerland, you will need a valid Swiss or EU pet passport.”
“If your animal does not meet the requirements that apply in Switzerland, or the animal is travelling to Switzerland for the first time, you will need the veterinary certificate below, which is issued by the authorities in the exporting country”
“This animal health certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian”
“not less than 90 days prior to the date of issue of this animal health certificate”
“The certificate is processed through the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), and is issued per consignment.”
“Unique consignment reference (UCR) number”
“From the country of destination.”
“EU export health certificate (copy)”
“For MPESA payments, the paybill number is 522522 and the account number is 1106972791.”
“KES 0 - KES 500 per pet”
Travel day and arrival
RouteEntering Switzerland
Entry check at an approved entry point
Coming from outside Europe, your pet must have an entry check: fly into Basel, Geneva or Zurich (in the cabin or as excess baggage) and take the red customs exit with your pet and its documents.
Details and the official words
If this is missed: During the mandatory entry control, animals with missing documents are refused entry.
“An entry control must always be carried out. You must present the animal at the red customs exit.”
“Animals can be directly brought into Switzerland by plane either accompanied (in the passenger cabin or as excess luggage) via the airports in Basel, Geneva or Zurich”
Good to know
- Switzerland bans importing dogs with docked tails or cropped ears. Owners living abroad may bring such a dog for a holiday or short stay against a deposit at customs, and people moving to Switzerland may bring theirs as household effects (ask customs first). A dog with a naturally short tail needs FSVO confirmation, applied for at least 3 weeks before arrival.
- The FSVO's country list applies subject to temporary protective (sanitary) measures. Check the FSVO's current protective measures for the country you travel from.
- The Directorate of Veterinary Services issues the certificate only once the destination's conditions are met and your pet is healthy and free of disease, so find out your destination's requirements first.
Cats
Taking a dog or cat out of Kenya (DVS international veterinary certificate): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.
Get ready
IdentificationEntering Switzerland
Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped before (or at the same time as) its rabies vaccination.
Details and the official words
“All animals must be chipped (before the rabies vaccination) and must have a valid rabies vaccination and the necessary supporting documents.”
“vaccinations are valid only after microchip implantation”
VaccinationEntering Switzerland
Rabies vaccination
Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old when first vaccinated. The vaccination becomes valid 21 days later; keep boosters up to date so there's no gap.
Details and the official words
“The first vaccination is possible from the age of 12 weeks.”
“It only takes effect (in other words becomes valid) 21 days later.”
“above an age of 12 weeks and without lapses in vaccination”
Blood testEntering Switzerland
Rabies antibody blood test (titer)
Because your pet comes from (or was recently in) a rabies-risk country, a vet takes a blood sample at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and an EU-approved laboratory must measure at least 0.5 IU/ml. Your pet can enter Switzerland no earlier than 3 months after the blood sample.
Details and the official words
The FSVO says the 3-month wait applies to the first entry and to animals vaccinated and/or tested in a third country. We always show it; a Swiss pet tested in Switzerland before it left may not need to wait — check with the FSVO.
List of approved labs: 'EU-designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests' (linked from the FSVO page).
If this is missed: If the waiting period isn't over, the FSVO writes the earliest entry date on the authorisation ('import not before').
“To confirm the effectiveness of rabies vaccination, a rabies antibody test (titration) from a designated laboratory is required and long waiting times have to be complied with.”
“only tests from EU-approved laboratories and with blood samples that were taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination are valid”
“enter 3 months at the earliest after the blood sampling. This applies to the first entry and for animals that were vaccinated and/or tested in a third country”
PermitEntering Switzerland
FSVO import authorisation (flying in from a rabies-risk country)
For a pet flying into Zurich, Geneva or Basel from (or after a stay in) a rabies-risk country, send the FSVO application form (one per animal, with the microchip, vaccination and lab report proofs) to infobew@blv.admin.ch at least 21 days before the planned entry date.
Details and the official words
The authorisation is needed when the pet enters by direct flight through Zurich, Geneva or Basel airport and travels with its owner (or a person with written power of attorney).
If the authorisation says 'only valid with veterinary certificate', the pet also needs the health certificate below.
“For direct entry by plane an import authorisation from the FSVO is also required.”
“sent 21 days at the latest before the planned date of entry”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving Kenya
Health certificate from a vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board
A vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board examines your pet and issues a veterinary health certificate. You upload a copy of it, with a copy of your pet's vaccination certificate, when you apply for the export certificate.
Details and the official words
“Issued by registered veterinarians with Kenya Veterinary Board.”
PaperworkKenya and Switzerland
Veterinary health certificate
Your pet needs the veterinary health certificate (EU model) issued by the authorities of the country you're travelling from. It's valid for 10 days from issue to the entry check. If your pet already met Switzerland's requirements before it left (e.g. a Swiss pet coming home), a valid Swiss or EU pet passport is enough instead.
Details and the official words
International veterinary certificate (VS16) from the Directorate of Veterinary Services: Apply online on KenTrade's Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) for the international veterinary certificate for dogs and cats (VS16), issued per consignment. You need a Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) number and copies of the vet's health certificate, the vaccination certificate and the import permit from the destination country; for the European Union, also a copy of the EU health certificate. Pay the processing fee (up to KES 500 per pet) by M-PESA or at the bank, then receive the certificate on the platform.
Processing fee: KES 0 to 500 per pet (KenTrade's estimate). M-PESA paybill 522522, account 1106972791.
InfoTrade lists a copy of the destination's import permit for every export. If your destination doesn't issue one (EU countries and the UK, for example), ask DVS what to upload instead.
“If your animal already meets the necessary requirements before travelling to Switzerland, you will need a valid Swiss or EU pet passport.”
“If your animal does not meet the requirements that apply in Switzerland, or the animal is travelling to Switzerland for the first time, you will need the veterinary certificate below, which is issued by the authorities in the exporting country”
“This animal health certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian”
“not less than 90 days prior to the date of issue of this animal health certificate”
“The certificate is processed through the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), and is issued per consignment.”
“Unique consignment reference (UCR) number”
“From the country of destination.”
“EU export health certificate (copy)”
“For MPESA payments, the paybill number is 522522 and the account number is 1106972791.”
“KES 0 - KES 500 per pet”
Travel day and arrival
RouteEntering Switzerland
Entry check at an approved entry point
Coming from outside Europe, your pet must have an entry check: fly into Basel, Geneva or Zurich (in the cabin or as excess baggage) and take the red customs exit with your pet and its documents.
Details and the official words
If this is missed: During the mandatory entry control, animals with missing documents are refused entry.
“An entry control must always be carried out. You must present the animal at the red customs exit.”
“Animals can be directly brought into Switzerland by plane either accompanied (in the passenger cabin or as excess luggage) via the airports in Basel, Geneva or Zurich”
Good to know
- The FSVO's country list applies subject to temporary protective (sanitary) measures. Check the FSVO's current protective measures for the country you travel from.
- The Directorate of Veterinary Services issues the certificate only once the destination's conditions are met and your pet is healthy and free of disease, so find out your destination's requirements first.
Money
What it costs
Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in Kenya publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.
Government fees on this route
FSVO import authorisationEntering Switzerland60 CHF
Per authorisation, from the FSVO fee ordinance (in force 1 December 2025).
“Die Gebühr für eine Bewilligung nach Artikel 12 EDAV-DS46 oder nach der EDAV-Ht47 beträgt 60 Franken.”
Verordnung über die Gebühren des Bundesamtes für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen (Gebührenverordnung BLV, SR 916.472), Stand 1. Dezember 2025 · as of 2025-12-01
Government fees in total: 60 CHF (each currency separately)
May also apply, depending on your case
FSVO fee when a pet doesn’t meet the entry rulesEntering Switzerland120 CHF
Only if your pet fails the entry check and the FSVO orders measures; the measures themselves (e.g. return or isolation) cost extra.
“Artikel 30 der Verordnung vom 28. November 201443 über die Ein-, Durch- und Ausfuhr von Heimtieren (EDAV-Ht) sowie den Artikeln 28–28b und 34–38 der Verordnung vom 4. September 201344 über den Verkehr mit Tieren und Pflanzen geschützter Arten erhebt das BLV eine Gebühr von 120 Franken.”
Verordnung über die Gebühren des Bundesamtes für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen (Gebührenverordnung BLV, SR 916.472), Stand 1. Dezember 2025 · as of 2025-12-01
What vets and labs charge Not official figures
Rabies blood test: the lab’s own pricean approved laboratory; your vet adds the blood draw and the courier · for: rabies antibody blood test (titer)Prices from 8 countries
Austria: 1 published price
- AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety), Institute for Veterinary Investigations Mödling: Lab price for the rabies antibody titre test for pets (EU-recognised lab), samples sent from EU countries, 20% VAT included; transport to the lab paid by the sender97.26 EUR · per sample · read 2026-10-13
France: 2 published prices
- Laboratoire départemental de la Haute-Garonne (LD31 EVA): Lab price for the FAVN (WOAH/OMSA method) rabies antibody test, VAT included, price guaranteed until 31/12/2026 (from the lab's order form)99 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Inovalys (laboratory): Lab price only: rabies antibody titration (COFRAC accredited), ordered online by the owner; the page says the blood sample is taken by your vet and sending it to the lab is the owner's responsibility (no amounts given for those)99.18 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United Kingdom: 2 published prices
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats for pet travel (test code TC0712), single sample, excluding VAT72.30 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats, extended method (test code TC0570), single sample, excluding VAT106 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
Japan: 1 published price
- Research Institute for Animal Science in Biochemistry and Toxicology (RIAS, 一般財団法人生物科学安全研究所): Lab fee only: rabies antibody test at RIAS (a MAFF-designated lab), tax included, paid in advance by bank transfer; vet's blood draw and shipping not included15,000 JPY · per sample · read 2026-10-13
Poland: 1 published price
- National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet-PIB), Puławy: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test, standard service (max 21 calendar days), electronic report only, gross (VAT included)280 PLN · per test · read 2026-10-13
Sweden: 1 published price
- Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA): Lab price for the FAVN rabies vaccination-check antibody test (article D142410), excluding VAT (exkl. moms)1,365 SEK · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United States: 1 published price
- University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for pet travel/export (University of Missouri VMDL One Health-Rabies Laboratory); shipping not stated79 USD · per test · read 2026-10-13
South Africa: 1 published price
- Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR): Lab price for the rabies neutralization (antibody) test per clear serum sample, VAT included; the price list does not name FAVN or RFFIT (ARC-Onderstepoort diagnostic price list, PDF created May 2026)2,030 ZAR · per clear serum sample · read 2026-10-13
No published prices yet for Kenya: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate (vet’s fee), vet examination.
Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices
Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.
Round trip
Coming back to Kenya
Do before your pet leaves Kenya
- Rabies vaccination: first one at 3 months or older, at least 6 months before shipment
- Rabies blood test, 3 to 24 months before shipment
Their timing rules put them before the outbound trip, for a three-month stay.
The trip back asks for 8 steps: import permit (VS01) from the Directorate of Veterinary Services, microchip (or other permanent identification), rabies vaccination: first one at 3 months or older, at least 6 months before shipment and rabies vaccination within the last year and more.
Nearby routes
Other routes
Where this comes from
Official sources
- Travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets
- Preparing to travel with pets
- List of countries with their status regarding rabies – dogs, cats, ferrets (06.2026)
- Application form for entry with a dog, cat or ferret from a rabies risk country (Word)
- Health certificate – non-commercial movements of pet dogs, cats, ferrets (EU 2026/705 model)
- Questions and answers on dogs with short tails or clipped ears
- Verordnung über die Gebühren des Bundesamtes für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen (Gebührenverordnung BLV, SR 916.472), Stand 1. Dezember 2025
- International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16): export procedure (InfoTrade Kenya, KenTrade)
- International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16), step 1: apply, generate an e-slip and pay (InfoTrade Kenya, last modified 15/03/2022)
Last checked against the official pages: 2026-10-13.
Questions owners ask
Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from Kenya to Switzerland?
Yes: Because your pet comes from (or was recently in) a rabies-risk country, a vet takes a blood sample at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and an EU-approved laboratory must measure at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Switzerland?
Yes: For a pet flying into Zurich, Geneva or Basel from (or after a stay in) a rabies-risk country, send the FSVO application form (one per animal, with the microchip, vaccination and lab report proofs) to infobew@blv.admin.ch at least 21 days before the planned entry date.
Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Switzerland?
We couldn't find this in our summary of the rules, but that summary is short and still under review. Ask the official authority before you rely on it.
How early should I start preparing my pet for Kenya to Switzerland?
With nothing done yet, start at least about 4 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: microchip, rabies vaccination and rabies antibody blood test (titer) and 3 more.
Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake
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