Pet travel route
Dog or cat from South Africa to Taiwan: the rules
Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least about 3 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: microchip, rabies vaccination (over 90 days old) and rabies vaccination 30 days to 1 year before arrival and 5 more.
Rules checked up to 13 October 2026From 19 official pages
In short
- Dogs and cats differ on this route: choose Dog or Cat to see just yours.
- Taiwan puts South Africa in the group “Country not on Taiwan’s rabies-free list”, which decides part of the rules.
- On this route: rabies blood test needed, import permit needed, quarantine on arrival and tell the authority in advance.
Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving South Africa publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. In South Africa a state veterinarian of your province certifies your pet's export health certificate (the national Department of Agriculture's information pack confirms this is a provincial task). The only province whose pet guidance we could read is the Western Cape (its page, and info sheets from 2023 and 2024), so the booking time and fee here are the Western Cape's. Other provinces may book, charge and time things differently: ask your provincial state vet office, and check the destination's own requirements.
At a glance
How early to start (dogs)
about 3 months
whether or not your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: Rabies blood test (at least 0.5 IU/ml) (blood sampled at least 90 days before importation)
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
- Quarantine on arrival
- Tell the authority in advance
How early to start (cats)
about 3 months
whether or not your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: Rabies blood test (at least 0.5 IU/ml) (blood sampled at least 90 days before importation)
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
- Quarantine on arrival
- Tell the authority in advance
Which rules apply to you
Taiwan puts South Africa in the group “Country not on Taiwan’s rabies-free list”. See every group
Official name: Not listed as rabies-free — rabies blood test, import permit with a quarantine booking, normally 7 days' post-entry quarantine
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South Africa → Taiwan
What your pet needs
In the order you do them. Each step says whether South Africa (leaving) or Taiwan (entering) asks for it.
Dogs
Get ready
IdentificationEntering Taiwan
Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped. The microchip number must be on the vaccination certificate and the export certificate, and match the chip in your pet.
Details and the official words
If this is missed: A pet without a microchip, or whose chip number is missing from the export certificate or doesn't match, is sent back, destroyed or put in post-entry quarantine (chipped, vaccinated, blood-tested and held 97 days after a passing blood sample).
“Implanted with a microchip; and”
“Implanted with a microchip.”
“will be returned to sender, euthanized and destroyed, or sent to a post-entry quarantine facility if it falls in any of the following circumstances”
VaccinationEntering Taiwan
Rabies vaccination (over 90 days old)
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies with an inactivated vaccine (or one licensed in Taiwan) when it is over 90 days old.
Details and the official words
“Vaccinated with one of the following vaccine against rabies within 30 days to one year prior to importation, and the dog/cat shall be over 90 days of age at vaccination.”
“The inactivated vaccine.”
VaccinationEntering Taiwan
Rabies vaccination 30 days to 1 year before arrival
Taiwan needs a rabies vaccination given between 1 year and 30 days before your pet arrives. If your pet's last shot will be more than a year old on arrival, give a booster at least 30 days before arrival. The vet's vaccination certificate (Chinese or English) must show the species, sex, age, microchip number, vaccination date and the vaccine's name and maker (or say it is inactivated).
Details and the official words
Add the date of your pet's most recent rabies shot to check this.
If this is missed: If the export certificate doesn't show a vaccination that meets these rules, the pet is vaccinated and held in post-entry quarantine for 30 days after the vaccination.
“Vaccinated with one of the following vaccines against rabies within 30 days to one year prior to importation”
“the animal’s species, sex, age, microchip number, vaccination date, name of the vaccine and manufacturer (or state “the vaccine is inactivated”)”
“the dog/cat shall complete vaccination with vaccine against rabies pursuant to Article 4.2, and be detained in quarantine for 30 days after the vaccination.”
Blood testEntering Taiwan
Rabies blood test (at least 0.5 IU/ml)
Because your pet comes from (or has stayed in) a place that isn't on Taiwan's rabies-free list, it needs a passing rabies antibody test (at least 0.5 IU/ml at a WOAH reference laboratory or a laboratory designated by Taiwan) on a blood sample taken 90 days to 1 year before arrival. A later sample taken 90 days to 1 year after an earlier passing one also counts if it is within the year before arrival.
Details and the official words
The rule doesn't say how long after the vaccination the sample must be taken for a pet tested abroad. When APHIA tests a pet in quarantine, it samples more than 30 days after the vaccination.
If this is missed: A pet whose passing sample doesn't fit these dates, or that has no passing result, can still be imported but stays in post-entry quarantine until 97 days after the blood sample (or is sampled in quarantine and held 97 days after a passing sample).
“Passing the rabies test with the blood sampled during any of the following periods:”
“Within 90 days to one year prior to importation;”
“Within 90 days to one year subsequent to the previous blood sampling that passed the rabies test, and within one year prior to importation”
“A dog/cat whose rabies neutralizing antibody titer level is at least 0.5 IU/ml”
“be detained in post-entry quarantine facility for 97 days after the date of blood sampling”
PermitEntering Taiwan
Import quarantine permit
Apply online (pet-epermit.aphia.gov.tw), or to APHIA's office at your port of entry, for an import quarantine permit, and reserve a place at the post-entry quarantine facility, at least 20 days before your pet arrives (if your pet is leaving Taiwan to come back, before it leaves). Check the quarantine places available on the online system before applying. Send copies of your ID document (passport for foreigners), the rabies vaccination certificate and the passing blood test report. You can change the entry date or port once, at least 10 days before the new date.
Details and the official words
“prior to import, importers or their agents shall apply for the issuance of import quarantine permits from the import/export animal quarantine authority”
“shall submit an application for the import quarantine permit to the import/export animal quarantine authority stationed at the port of entry at least 20 days prior to entering or before exiting the importing country for subsequent re-entry”
“make reservation for a space at post-entry quarantine facility or arrange relevant procedure at least 20 days”
“This submission shall occur at least 10 days prior to the new entry date.”
“Online Application System for Dog/Cat Import Permit： https://pet-epermit.aphia.gov.tw/”
“請於犬貓輸入至少20日前，至本署「輸入犬貓檢疫資訊網」（https://pet-epermit.aphia.gov.tw/）申請「輸入檢疫同意文件」。”
“請於申請「輸入檢疫同意文件」前，先至「犬貓輸入檢疫資訊網」之「輸入犬貓隔離籠位管理及查詢」查詢隔離籠位最新預約狀況。”
“外籍人士請檢附護照 Passport is required for foreigners”
“Application for such a change can only be requested once.”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving South Africa
Health check and health certificate from your private vet
Take your pet to your private vet for a health check. The vet completes a standard veterinary health certificate (blank forms from the state vet office, and Western Cape templates for many destinations) and must have done all the tests, treatments and vaccinations the destination asks for: ones not done by the vet are not accepted for certification. The province's general guide asks for the health check within 7 days of travel, depending on what the destination's import permit says.
Details and the official words
“Your pet should be taken to your local private veterinarian for a health check.”
“Your veterinarian should complete a standard Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC).”
“Your veterinarian must have completed all the tests, treatments and vaccinations indicated on the import permit.”
“A health check within 7 days of travel depending on what is specified on the import permit”
PaperworkSouth Africa and Taiwan
Export veterinary certificate from the exporting country's quarantine authority
Your pet must travel with an original veterinary certificate (English or Chinese) issued by the animal quarantine authority of the country it leaves, showing its species, number, sex, age and microchip number, the exporting country and the exporter's name, that it shows no clinical signs of rabies, its rabies vaccination date and vaccine, and that it passed the rabies blood test (sample date and laboratory), unless you attach the original test report.
Details and the official words
From a rabies-free place, the certificate must also say your pet has been kept there for the 180 days before export, or since birth.
Taiwan's rule sets no validity period for this certificate. Ask APHIA how recent it must be.
APHIA publishes specimen certificates the exporting country can use: Form 001 (rabies-free places) and Form 002 (other places).
State vet certifies the health certificate: Bring the signed health certificate, the destination's import permit (some destinations, such as EU countries and Namibia, don't issue one), your pet's vaccination booklet, supporting documents and your ID or driver's licence to the state vet office. The state vet certifies the certificate. You pay the application fee at the appointment (R200 per application in 2023 in the Western Cape).
Fee: R200 per application in 2023 (Western Cape general info sheet; its EU info sheet says R209). It is set by the province's tariff list and may have changed.
If this is missed: Without the original certificate, or if it lacks the required statements, the pet is sent back, destroyed or held in post-entry quarantine.
“shall be accompanied by an original veterinary certificate issued by the veterinarians of the animal quarantine authority of the exporting country”
“shall be accompanied by an original veterinary certificate issued by the animal quarantine authority of the exporting country”
“That the animal shows no clinical signs of rabies upon inspection;”
“That the animal has been kept for 180 days prior to export or since birth in the rabies-free country (zone).”
“That the dog/cat has passed the rabies test, the date of blood sampling, and the name of the test laboratory.”
“APHIA Form 002: from rabies-infected countries (zones) to Taiwan”
“Pets travelling out of South Africa generally require a Veterinary Health Certificate certified by a state veterinarian.”
“An import permit from the country you are going to (some countries such as EU countries and Namibia do not issue these, for further information contact your local State Vet)”
“The signed VHC, import permit as well as your pet’s vaccination booklet and supporting documents should be brought to the SV office for certification.”
“Cost for application in 2023 is R200 each”
NoticeLeaving South Africa
Book an appointment with the state vet office
State vet offices certify pets by appointment only. In Cape Town, email vetexport@westerncape.gov.za with the time slot you want, the number of pets and their destination, at least 2 days ahead; other offices ask you to book in good time because the state vet is not always available.
Details and the official words
“To make an appointment, clients are required to send an e-mail to vetexport@westerncape.gov.za with their required time slot.”
“Clients are required to make an appointment at least 2 days in advance.”
Travel day and arrival
On arrivalEntering Taiwan
Quarantine inspection on arrival
When your pet arrives, give APHIA's office at the port a copy of the import permit, the original export certificate and a copy of the air waybill, bill of lading or customs declaration. APHIA issues the import certificate once the documents are in order and your pet shows no signs of notifiable diseases.
Details and the official words
“Photocopy of the import quarantine permit;”
“The original export veterinary certificate, and”
“Photocopy of the bill of lading, airway bill or customs declaration.”
QuarantineEntering Taiwan
7 days' post-entry quarantine
From a place that isn't rabies-free, your pet is taken from the port to the post-entry quarantine facility and stays there for 7 days, at your cost, before the import certificate is issued (see the warning about waiving it). Pets arriving at Taoyuan, Songshan, Taichung or Taipei Port go to APHIA's Guanyin quarantine station; pets arriving at Kaohsiung go to the veterinary teaching hospital of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology.
Details and the official words
“shows no suspicious clinical signs of notifiable animal infectious diseases after being detained for 7 days in a post-entry quarantine facility”
“A dog/cat subject to post-entry quarantine shall be upon arrival at the port of entry escorted to the designated post-entry quarantine facility by the import/export animal quarantine authority.”
“Guanyin Inspection Station (For entry via Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (TPE), Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), Taipei Port (TWTPE), or Taichung (RMQ) Airport only)”
“National Pingtung University of Science and Technology Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (For entry via Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) only)”
“自狂犬病疫區輸入犬貓應於輸入後隔離檢疫7日”
Good to know
- The 7-day quarantine can be waived (ask for it when you apply for the permit) if the passing blood sample was taken 180 days to 1 year before arrival (or within 180 days, when it was taken 180 days to 1 year after an earlier passing sample), and either you apply at least 120 days before entering, or, applying at least 20 days before, the result can be looked up on the laboratory's website, or the laboratory emails a copy of the report, or the exporting country's quarantine authority emails a copy of the test declaration, to APHIA (rabiesreport@aphia.gov.tw).
- You pay all costs of detention, transport, check-ups and quarantine (feeding, care, tests, microchip, vaccination), and of sending the pet back or destroying it if it doesn't meet the rules.
- Quarantine costs (2026): at APHIA's facilities the holding fee for a dog or cat is NT$860 a day plus a NT$605 testing fee, with extra charges if a rabies vaccination (NT$140), microchip (NT$300) or parasite treatment is needed; other quarantine premises charge their own fees. APHIA's transport from the airport to the Guanyin quarantine station costs NT$1,480 per animal from Taoyuan (NT$1,980 on holidays) and NT$2,500 from Songshan (NT$3,500); from Taipei Port, Taichung or Kaohsiung you arrange the transport yourself.
- Pets enter through Taipei Songshan (TSA), Taoyuan (TPE), Taichung (RMQ) or Kaohsiung (KHH) airports, or Taipei Port; you choose the port on the permit application. Avoid arriving on weekends or public holidays: APHIA can't escort or receive pets then. The Guanyin quarantine station receives animals on working days from 9:00 to 11:30 and 13:30 to 16:00.
- Taiwan has banned importing Pit Bull Terriers (American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers) since 1 March 2022. A dog of these breeds already kept on or before 28 February 2022 can be imported only after the animal protection authority has confirmed it.
- Export certification is done by the veterinary services of your province, so contact the state vet office where you live. In the Western Cape: the Cape Town Veterinary Export Certification Office (34 Roeland Street, vetexport@westerncape.gov.za, by appointment Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 12:00) or the regional state vet offices.
- The destination sets the rules, and you are responsible for getting its import requirements. Check them with the destination's veterinary authority (or its representatives in South Africa) before each trip; the province's info sheets are only a guide.
- Coming back to South Africa later? Dogs and cats entering South Africa need a veterinary import permit from the national Department of Agriculture (VetPermits@nda.gov.za).
Cats
Get ready
IdentificationEntering Taiwan
Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped. The microchip number must be on the vaccination certificate and the export certificate, and match the chip in your pet.
Details and the official words
If this is missed: A pet without a microchip, or whose chip number is missing from the export certificate or doesn't match, is sent back, destroyed or put in post-entry quarantine (chipped, vaccinated, blood-tested and held 97 days after a passing blood sample).
“Implanted with a microchip; and”
“Implanted with a microchip.”
“will be returned to sender, euthanized and destroyed, or sent to a post-entry quarantine facility if it falls in any of the following circumstances”
VaccinationEntering Taiwan
Rabies vaccination (over 90 days old)
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies with an inactivated vaccine (or one licensed in Taiwan) when it is over 90 days old.
Details and the official words
“Vaccinated with one of the following vaccine against rabies within 30 days to one year prior to importation, and the dog/cat shall be over 90 days of age at vaccination.”
“The inactivated vaccine.”
VaccinationEntering Taiwan
Rabies vaccination 30 days to 1 year before arrival
Taiwan needs a rabies vaccination given between 1 year and 30 days before your pet arrives. If your pet's last shot will be more than a year old on arrival, give a booster at least 30 days before arrival. The vet's vaccination certificate (Chinese or English) must show the species, sex, age, microchip number, vaccination date and the vaccine's name and maker (or say it is inactivated).
Details and the official words
Add the date of your pet's most recent rabies shot to check this.
If this is missed: If the export certificate doesn't show a vaccination that meets these rules, the pet is vaccinated and held in post-entry quarantine for 30 days after the vaccination.
“Vaccinated with one of the following vaccines against rabies within 30 days to one year prior to importation”
“the animal’s species, sex, age, microchip number, vaccination date, name of the vaccine and manufacturer (or state “the vaccine is inactivated”)”
“the dog/cat shall complete vaccination with vaccine against rabies pursuant to Article 4.2, and be detained in quarantine for 30 days after the vaccination.”
Blood testEntering Taiwan
Rabies blood test (at least 0.5 IU/ml)
Because your pet comes from (or has stayed in) a place that isn't on Taiwan's rabies-free list, it needs a passing rabies antibody test (at least 0.5 IU/ml at a WOAH reference laboratory or a laboratory designated by Taiwan) on a blood sample taken 90 days to 1 year before arrival. A later sample taken 90 days to 1 year after an earlier passing one also counts if it is within the year before arrival.
Details and the official words
The rule doesn't say how long after the vaccination the sample must be taken for a pet tested abroad. When APHIA tests a pet in quarantine, it samples more than 30 days after the vaccination.
If this is missed: A pet whose passing sample doesn't fit these dates, or that has no passing result, can still be imported but stays in post-entry quarantine until 97 days after the blood sample (or is sampled in quarantine and held 97 days after a passing sample).
“Passing the rabies test with the blood sampled during any of the following periods:”
“Within 90 days to one year prior to importation;”
“Within 90 days to one year subsequent to the previous blood sampling that passed the rabies test, and within one year prior to importation”
“A dog/cat whose rabies neutralizing antibody titer level is at least 0.5 IU/ml”
“be detained in post-entry quarantine facility for 97 days after the date of blood sampling”
PermitEntering Taiwan
Import quarantine permit
Apply online (pet-epermit.aphia.gov.tw), or to APHIA's office at your port of entry, for an import quarantine permit, and reserve a place at the post-entry quarantine facility, at least 20 days before your pet arrives (if your pet is leaving Taiwan to come back, before it leaves). Check the quarantine places available on the online system before applying. Send copies of your ID document (passport for foreigners), the rabies vaccination certificate and the passing blood test report. You can change the entry date or port once, at least 10 days before the new date.
Details and the official words
“prior to import, importers or their agents shall apply for the issuance of import quarantine permits from the import/export animal quarantine authority”
“shall submit an application for the import quarantine permit to the import/export animal quarantine authority stationed at the port of entry at least 20 days prior to entering or before exiting the importing country for subsequent re-entry”
“make reservation for a space at post-entry quarantine facility or arrange relevant procedure at least 20 days”
“This submission shall occur at least 10 days prior to the new entry date.”
“Online Application System for Dog/Cat Import Permit： https://pet-epermit.aphia.gov.tw/”
“請於犬貓輸入至少20日前，至本署「輸入犬貓檢疫資訊網」（https://pet-epermit.aphia.gov.tw/）申請「輸入檢疫同意文件」。”
“請於申請「輸入檢疫同意文件」前，先至「犬貓輸入檢疫資訊網」之「輸入犬貓隔離籠位管理及查詢」查詢隔離籠位最新預約狀況。”
“外籍人士請檢附護照 Passport is required for foreigners”
“Application for such a change can only be requested once.”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving South Africa
Health check and health certificate from your private vet
Take your pet to your private vet for a health check. The vet completes a standard veterinary health certificate (blank forms from the state vet office, and Western Cape templates for many destinations) and must have done all the tests, treatments and vaccinations the destination asks for: ones not done by the vet are not accepted for certification. The province's general guide asks for the health check within 7 days of travel, depending on what the destination's import permit says.
Details and the official words
“Your pet should be taken to your local private veterinarian for a health check.”
“Your veterinarian should complete a standard Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC).”
“Your veterinarian must have completed all the tests, treatments and vaccinations indicated on the import permit.”
“A health check within 7 days of travel depending on what is specified on the import permit”
PaperworkSouth Africa and Taiwan
Export veterinary certificate from the exporting country's quarantine authority
Your pet must travel with an original veterinary certificate (English or Chinese) issued by the animal quarantine authority of the country it leaves, showing its species, number, sex, age and microchip number, the exporting country and the exporter's name, that it shows no clinical signs of rabies, its rabies vaccination date and vaccine, and that it passed the rabies blood test (sample date and laboratory), unless you attach the original test report.
Details and the official words
From a rabies-free place, the certificate must also say your pet has been kept there for the 180 days before export, or since birth.
Taiwan's rule sets no validity period for this certificate. Ask APHIA how recent it must be.
APHIA publishes specimen certificates the exporting country can use: Form 001 (rabies-free places) and Form 002 (other places).
State vet certifies the health certificate: Bring the signed health certificate, the destination's import permit (some destinations, such as EU countries and Namibia, don't issue one), your pet's vaccination booklet, supporting documents and your ID or driver's licence to the state vet office. The state vet certifies the certificate. You pay the application fee at the appointment (R200 per application in 2023 in the Western Cape).
Fee: R200 per application in 2023 (Western Cape general info sheet; its EU info sheet says R209). It is set by the province's tariff list and may have changed.
If this is missed: Without the original certificate, or if it lacks the required statements, the pet is sent back, destroyed or held in post-entry quarantine.
“shall be accompanied by an original veterinary certificate issued by the veterinarians of the animal quarantine authority of the exporting country”
“shall be accompanied by an original veterinary certificate issued by the animal quarantine authority of the exporting country”
“That the animal shows no clinical signs of rabies upon inspection;”
“That the animal has been kept for 180 days prior to export or since birth in the rabies-free country (zone).”
“That the dog/cat has passed the rabies test, the date of blood sampling, and the name of the test laboratory.”
“APHIA Form 002: from rabies-infected countries (zones) to Taiwan”
“Pets travelling out of South Africa generally require a Veterinary Health Certificate certified by a state veterinarian.”
“An import permit from the country you are going to (some countries such as EU countries and Namibia do not issue these, for further information contact your local State Vet)”
“The signed VHC, import permit as well as your pet’s vaccination booklet and supporting documents should be brought to the SV office for certification.”
“Cost for application in 2023 is R200 each”
NoticeLeaving South Africa
Book an appointment with the state vet office
State vet offices certify pets by appointment only. In Cape Town, email vetexport@westerncape.gov.za with the time slot you want, the number of pets and their destination, at least 2 days ahead; other offices ask you to book in good time because the state vet is not always available.
Details and the official words
“To make an appointment, clients are required to send an e-mail to vetexport@westerncape.gov.za with their required time slot.”
“Clients are required to make an appointment at least 2 days in advance.”
Travel day and arrival
On arrivalEntering Taiwan
Quarantine inspection on arrival
When your pet arrives, give APHIA's office at the port a copy of the import permit, the original export certificate and a copy of the air waybill, bill of lading or customs declaration. APHIA issues the import certificate once the documents are in order and your pet shows no signs of notifiable diseases.
Details and the official words
“Photocopy of the import quarantine permit;”
“The original export veterinary certificate, and”
“Photocopy of the bill of lading, airway bill or customs declaration.”
QuarantineEntering Taiwan
7 days' post-entry quarantine
From a place that isn't rabies-free, your pet is taken from the port to the post-entry quarantine facility and stays there for 7 days, at your cost, before the import certificate is issued (see the warning about waiving it). Pets arriving at Taoyuan, Songshan, Taichung or Taipei Port go to APHIA's Guanyin quarantine station; pets arriving at Kaohsiung go to the veterinary teaching hospital of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology.
Details and the official words
“shows no suspicious clinical signs of notifiable animal infectious diseases after being detained for 7 days in a post-entry quarantine facility”
“A dog/cat subject to post-entry quarantine shall be upon arrival at the port of entry escorted to the designated post-entry quarantine facility by the import/export animal quarantine authority.”
“Guanyin Inspection Station (For entry via Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (TPE), Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), Taipei Port (TWTPE), or Taichung (RMQ) Airport only)”
“National Pingtung University of Science and Technology Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (For entry via Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) only)”
“自狂犬病疫區輸入犬貓應於輸入後隔離檢疫7日”
Good to know
- The 7-day quarantine can be waived (ask for it when you apply for the permit) if the passing blood sample was taken 180 days to 1 year before arrival (or within 180 days, when it was taken 180 days to 1 year after an earlier passing sample), and either you apply at least 120 days before entering, or, applying at least 20 days before, the result can be looked up on the laboratory's website, or the laboratory emails a copy of the report, or the exporting country's quarantine authority emails a copy of the test declaration, to APHIA (rabiesreport@aphia.gov.tw).
- You pay all costs of detention, transport, check-ups and quarantine (feeding, care, tests, microchip, vaccination), and of sending the pet back or destroying it if it doesn't meet the rules.
- Quarantine costs (2026): at APHIA's facilities the holding fee for a dog or cat is NT$860 a day plus a NT$605 testing fee, with extra charges if a rabies vaccination (NT$140), microchip (NT$300) or parasite treatment is needed; other quarantine premises charge their own fees. APHIA's transport from the airport to the Guanyin quarantine station costs NT$1,480 per animal from Taoyuan (NT$1,980 on holidays) and NT$2,500 from Songshan (NT$3,500); from Taipei Port, Taichung or Kaohsiung you arrange the transport yourself.
- Pets enter through Taipei Songshan (TSA), Taoyuan (TPE), Taichung (RMQ) or Kaohsiung (KHH) airports, or Taipei Port; you choose the port on the permit application. Avoid arriving on weekends or public holidays: APHIA can't escort or receive pets then. The Guanyin quarantine station receives animals on working days from 9:00 to 11:30 and 13:30 to 16:00.
- Export certification is done by the veterinary services of your province, so contact the state vet office where you live. In the Western Cape: the Cape Town Veterinary Export Certification Office (34 Roeland Street, vetexport@westerncape.gov.za, by appointment Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 12:00) or the regional state vet offices.
- The destination sets the rules, and you are responsible for getting its import requirements. Check them with the destination's veterinary authority (or its representatives in South Africa) before each trip; the province's info sheets are only a guide.
- Coming back to South Africa later? Dogs and cats entering South Africa need a veterinary import permit from the national Department of Agriculture (VetPermits@nda.gov.za).
Money
What it costs
Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in South Africa publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.
Government fees on this route
No fee applies to every trip; these may, depending on your case
State vet’s certificate application (Western Cape)Leaving South Africa200 ZAR
The Western Cape’s 2023 figure; its EU info sheet gives R209 for 2023. Each province sets its own tariff: ask your state vet office for the current amount.
“Certificate application cost can be found on the departments tariff register (Cost for application in 2023 is R200 each) each payable on appointment.”
Taking pet dogs and cats overseas: info sheet 'Dogs and cats general 2023' (Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Veterinary International Trade Facilitation) · as of 2023-03-20
Quarantine station holdingEntering Taiwan · 860 TWD for each extra pet860 TWD
Per pet per day, if your pet is held for quarantine.
“(一) 犬、貓 八百六十元 六百零五元”
動植物檢疫規費收費實施辦法 附表一 動物繫留費收費基準 · as of 2025-11-14
Quarantine testingEntering Taiwan · 605 TWD for each extra pet605 TWD
Per test per pet, if your pet is held for quarantine.
“(一) 犬、貓 八百六十元 六百零五元”
動植物檢疫規費收費實施辦法 附表一 動物繫留費收費基準 · as of 2025-11-14
Quarantine officer’s visitEntering Taiwan500 TWD
Per officer per visit, when an officer is sent to inspect (e.g. isolation at another approved place).
“依下列規定計收臨場費： 一、每人每次五百元。”
動植物檢疫規費收費實施辦法 · as of 2025-11-14
What vets and labs charge Not official figures
Microchipyour vet · for: microchip200–315 ZAR
South Africa: 2 published prices
- Vet House (Pietermaritzburg, KZN): Identipet microchip, supply and insertion200 ZAR · per animal · read 2026-10-13
- The Corner Vet (Bryanston, Johannesburg): Microchipping315 ZAR · per animal · read 2026-10-13
Rabies vaccinationyour vet · for: rabies vaccination (over 90 days old), rabies vaccination 30 days to 1 year before arrival250–412 ZAR
South Africa: 3 published prices
- Vet House (Pietermaritzburg, KZN): Rabies vaccine (Nobivac Rabies); the list does not say whether a consultation is included250 ZAR · per vaccination · read 2026-10-13
- Vitalvet (George / Mossel Bay, Western Cape): Rabies-only vaccination (the same price is shown in two of the three branch price tables on the page; the page does not label which table is which branch)300 ZAR · per vaccination · read 2026-10-13
- The Corner Vet (Bryanston, Johannesburg): Rabies-only vaccination for an adult dog (vaccinations section is headed 'Wellness exam and vaccination')412 ZAR · per vaccination · read 2026-10-13
Rabies blood test: the lab’s own pricean approved laboratory; your vet adds the blood draw and the courier · for: rabies blood test (at least 0.5 IU/ml)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
Vet examinationyour vet · for: health check and health certificate from your private vet590 ZAR
South Africa: 2 published prices
- Vet House (Pietermaritzburg, KZN): Normal consultation (routine care price list)590 ZAR · per consultation · read 2026-10-13
- The Corner Vet (Bryanston, Johannesburg): Wellness exam (nose-to-tail consultation)590 ZAR · per consultation · read 2026-10-13
No published prices yet for South Africa: health certificate (vet’s fee).
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 South Africa
Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves South Africa (dogs).
The trip back asks for 12 steps: veterinary import permit (before the animal leaves), ISO microchip (tattoos are not accepted), lived in the exporting country since birth or for the last 6 months and rabies vaccination at least 30 days before export (not needed from Australia, New Zealand and the UK) and more.
Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves South Africa (cats).
The trip back asks for 8 steps: veterinary import permit (before the animal leaves), ISO microchip (tattoos are not accepted), lived in the exporting country since birth or for the last 6 months and rabies vaccination at least 30 days before export (not needed from Australia, New Zealand and the UK) and more.
Nearby routes
Other routes
Where this comes from
Official sources
- Regulations for the Importation of Objects Subject to Animal Quarantine (English, amended 8 Oct 2025)
- Attachment 6: Quarantine Requirements for the Importation of Dogs and Cats (English, amended 27 Feb 2024)
- 動物傳染病非疫區及疫區之國家（地區） (countries free from animal infectious diseases, incl. rabies; announcement of 22 Sep 2026)
- Quarantine for Dogs & Cats (APHIA English page; Common Crawl CC-MAIN-2026-25 copy, captured 9 June 2026)
- 狂犬病疫區輸入 (importing dogs and cats from places not free from rabies, APHIA; Common Crawl CC-MAIN-2026-21 copy, captured 15 May 2026)
- Application Form for Dog/Cat Import Quarantine Permit (APHIA PDF, update 29 February 2024; Common Crawl CC-MAIN-2026-30 copy, captured 11 July 2026)
- 輸入檢疫隔離場所 / Quarantine premises for post-entry quarantine (APHIA; Common Crawl CC-MAIN-2026-25 copy, captured 11 June 2026)
- Arrival time for dogs/cats into the quarantine premise (APHIA PDF, update 1 August 2023; Common Crawl CC-MAIN-2025-43 copy, captured 12 October 2025)
- 2026 shipping fare for dogs, cats, ferrets and rabbits from the port of entry to the quarantine premise (APHIA, updated 1 January 2026; Common Crawl CC-MAIN-2026-25 copy, captured 14 June 2026)
- Ban on breeding and importing Pit Bull Terriers from 1 March 2022 (APHIA; Common Crawl CC-MAIN-2026-17 copy, captured 10 April 2026)
- Table 1 Animal Holding Fees Schedule, Regulations Governing Fees for Animal and Plant Quarantine (English, PDF)
- Pet travel from the United States to Taiwan (USDA APHIS, last modified 30 July 2025)
- Veterinary Certificate for the Export of Dog/Cat to Taiwan From the United States (USDA APHIS, version 20250228)
- Exporting pets and products (Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services)
- Taking pet dogs and cats overseas: info sheet 'Dogs and cats general 2023' (Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Veterinary International Trade Facilitation)
- Non-commercial export of dogs and cats to the European Union: info sheet (Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Veterinary International Trade Facilitation, 2024)
- South African policy on export certification for animals and animal products (Department of Agriculture, Government Notice 1325, Government Gazette 31680, 12 December 2008; gov.za copy)
- Export certification: information pack (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, file of 2 March 2016, listed in the department's information packs of 18 August 2021; read from Common Crawl CC-MAIN-2026-39, captured 11 September 2026)
- Veterinary import permit office: application reference numbers and proof of payment (Department of Agriculture, 5 September 2025; read from Common Crawl CC-MAIN-2026-39, captured 15 September 2026)
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 South Africa to Taiwan?
Yes: Because your pet comes from (or has stayed in) a place that isn't on Taiwan's rabies-free list, it needs a passing rabies antibody test (at least 0.5 IU/ml at a WOAH reference laboratory or a laboratory designated by Taiwan) on a blood sample taken 90 days to 1 year before arrival.
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Taiwan?
Yes: Apply online (pet-epermit.aphia.gov.tw), or to APHIA's office at your port of entry, for an import quarantine permit, and reserve a place at the post-entry quarantine facility, at least 20 days before your pet arrives (if your pet is leaving Taiwan to come back, before it leaves).
Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Taiwan?
It can be: From a place that isn't rabies-free, your pet is taken from the port to the post-entry quarantine facility and stays there for 7 days, at your cost, before the import certificate is issued (see the warning about waiving it).
How early should I start preparing my pet for South Africa to Taiwan?
With nothing done yet, start at least about 3 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: microchip, rabies vaccination (over 90 days old) and rabies vaccination 30 days to 1 year before arrival and 5 more.
Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake
Read next
Turn this into dates for your pet
Where from, where to, when. You get every step with its deadline and the official page it comes from.