This is a summary of the main points only and in no way can it be considered complete.

There is currently no quarantine for cats and dogs entering South Africa from the UK as long as all the paperwork is completed correctly - if not, then animals are subject to 60 days quarantine. All cats and dogs must be microchipped.

International pet travel requires the use of an IATA (International Air Transport Association) approved air kennel that allow the animal to stand up without touching the top of the box, lie down and turn around. It is a requirement that cats and dogs are shipped as manifest cargo and not as excess baggage.

Animals must enter the country through either Johannesburg or Cape Town Airports. They can then be onforwarded to Durban, Port Elizabeth or East London if needed. They will need to be customs cleared at final destination.

Animals must be accompanied by the following paperwork from the UK:

If the links above no longer work, please use this link NDA/DAFF South Africa. Once you are on this page, Select "Services" then "Imports" on the left hand side. It then becomes fairly self explanatory.

As of 1st April 2017, payment of ZAR 167.00 (One hundred and sixty seven South African Rand - please check as this goes up occasionally) or proof of payment (e.g. copy of Wire Transfer) to the relevant bank account must be sent with the application.

b) An Official Export Health Certificate. Ring DEFRA/AHVLA/APHA - Carlisle 01228 403 600 option 1 then option 3 or email your enquiry to Petexports@apha.gsi.gov.uk. Ask for application forms (Export Health Certificate and EXA1) for cat/dog going to South Africa along with vet guidance notes. This must be completed and certified by your OV (Official Vet) within 10 days of the flight.

c) The rabies vaccination card/certificate (optional but advisable as pets will be vaccinated on arrival if not already done).The vaccination should be given to your pet(s) at least 30 days prior to the flight. Do not vaccinate if you are already inside this time window.

The following requirements are for dogs only (cats do not require blood tests etc):

e) All dogs including those resident solely in the UK since birth must have the following blood tests - see DEFRA/APHA veterinary notes. All blood samples must be taken within 30 days of the flight and sent to APHA Weybridge.

Brucella Canis (clotted blood/serum for RSA or SAT Test) TC1542

Leishmania infantum (clotted blood/serum for IFAT or ELISA Test) TC0674

Dirofilaria Immitis (heparised or EDTA Blood for microfilaria filtration test) TC0182

The two tests immediately below should ideally be on a separate submission form and sent to APHA Weybridge as these must be sent to Australia for testing.

Babesia gibsoni (clotted blood/serum for IFAT Test) TC0814

Babesia gibsoni (Thin Blood smear for parasitological examination)TC0814

The two tests immediately below should ideally be on a separate submission form and sent to APHA Weybridge as these must be sent to Belgium for testing.

Trypanosoma evansi (Thin Smear – not fixed or stained) TC1497

Trypanosoma evansi (clotted blood/serum for CAT Test) TC1487

A blank blood test submission form LSW008 for the vet can be downloaded from AHVLA/APHA Blood Test Submission Form.

Blood tests and laboratory costs excluding VAT on following two pages: AHVLA/APHA Blood Test - Serology and AHVLA/APHA Blood Test - Virology, Bacteriology and Parasitology

Treatment for dirofilaria (Heartworm) must be given to the dog immediately after the sample is taken and this treatment must be continued for 6 months. Apparently no drugs are available for the treatment of dirofilaria in South Africa so owner must provide a sufficient supply and be able to demonstrate this on arrival in South Africa. A written declaration from the owner acknowledging this condition is also required. Please note package inserts of the product used must be attached to the Export Health Certificate. Please see DEFRA Export Health Certificate for further details.

d) A written declaration is required from the owner stating that as far as can be determined the animal has not been in contact with animals infected or suspected of being infected with rabies.

f) If the dog has not been permanently resident in the UK since birth then it must have been continuously resident in the UK and South Africa only for at least the last 6 months. A written declaration to this effect must be produced by the owner

Last updated 30/05/2018