Bringing a pet to Angola

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Angola requires an import permit from the Instituto de Serviços Veterinários (ISV) in Luanda, an official health certificate, and current rabies vaccination for dogs. The permit is the main bottleneck; incomplete files can mean the animal is held or refused at entry. Rules vary by the origin country's rabies status, so pets from high-risk rabies countries face additional requirements.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Angola.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, an Official Veterinarian for the UK/EU) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • ISV import permit (autorização de importação)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days since the primary dose
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip or tattoo identification record
  • Owner's passport/ID and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, official health certificate ~$100-200, ISV import permit fee typically in the low hundreds of USD equivalent, plus courier/consular costs. Confirm current prices with ISV and a local vet before booking.

Even for the lowest-risk origins, Angola still requires an import permit and an official health certificate. The permit is the item most likely to delay travel; start it at least 4-6 weeks before departure.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, an Official Veterinarian for the UK/EU) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • ISV import permit (autorização de importação)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days since the primary dose
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip or tattoo identification record
  • Owner's passport/ID and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, official health certificate ~$100-200, ISV import permit fee typically in the low hundreds of USD equivalent, plus courier/consular costs. Confirm current prices with ISV and a local vet before booking.

Same core document set as the free tier. Angola does not routinely demand a rabies antibody titre for pets from controlled-rabies countries, but ISV can request additional documentation case by case.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • ISV import permit (autorização de importação)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days since the primary dose
  • FAVN/rabies antibody titre certificate from an approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip or tattoo identification record
  • Owner's passport/ID and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, official health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titre test ~$100-250, ISV import permit fee typically in the low hundreds of USD equivalent. Confirm current prices with ISV and a local vet before booking.

Pets from CDC high-risk rabies countries face the tightest scrutiny. Angola may hold the animal for veterinary inspection at Luanda airport even when the paperwork is complete, and a titre test below 0.5 IU/ml can trigger refusal or re-vaccination and re-testing.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. An import permit (autorização de importação) issued by the Instituto de Serviços Veterinários (ISV) in Luanda is required for dogs regardless of origin country. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel, because processing is done locally and can be slow. The permit is normally tied to a validity window, so do not obtain it months in advance and then let it lapse.
At least 21 days must have passed since the primary rabies vaccination before the animal can travel, and the vaccine must be current at the time of entry. The dog must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated. If the vaccination was given earlier than 12 weeks of age, it does not count and the dog must be re-vaccinated.
For dogs coming from high-risk rabies countries, yes — a FAVN or equivalent neutralising antibody test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml from an approved laboratory is expected, and you should allow 90 days between the blood draw and travel. For dogs from EU-equivalent or controlled-rabies countries, the titre test is not routinely required, though ISV can ask for it case by case.
There is no routine long-stay quarantine for dogs with complete, valid documentation. However, if the import permit, health certificate, or vaccination records are missing or inconsistent, the animal can be held at the port of entry for veterinary inspection and may be refused entry. Carry originals, not photocopies.
Angola's non-commercial pet movement is generally treated as a small number of animals per traveller — typically up to 5 — before the shipment is reclassified as commercial and requires additional veterinary and customs clearance. If you are moving more than a couple of dogs, confirm the current threshold with ISV before booking, because commercial imports face a different and stricter process.
No. Angola does not exempt emotional-support or service animals from the standard import requirements — the ISV import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (where applicable) titre test still apply. Airline cabin policies for assistance dogs are separate from, and do not override, the country's veterinary import rules.
You need an official health certificate issued by a government-endorsed veterinarian in the origin country (for example a USDA APHIS-accredited vet in the US, or an Official Veterinarian in the UK/EU), issued within 10 days of arrival in Angola. The certificate must identify the animal by microchip or tattoo and confirm current rabies vaccination. Older certificates are not accepted.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Angola.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and current at time of entry
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Import permit issued by the Angolan Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Ministério da Agricultura e Florestas)
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices locally. Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-150. No titer test or quarantine fee applies to this tier.

Angola requires an import permit for all cats regardless of origin; obtain it before travel. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days before arrival. Rabies vaccination must be current. No quarantine applies if all documents are in order.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and current at time of entry
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Import permit issued by the Angolan Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices locally. Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-150. No titer test or quarantine fee applies to this tier.

Angola applies the same requirements to low-risk and free countries for cats. An import permit is mandatory. No quarantine if documents are valid.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and current at time of entry
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Import permit issued by the Angolan Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices locally. Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150. No quarantine fee applies to this tier.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test in addition to the standard requirements. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination. No quarantine is required if all documents are in order, but the titer test adds significant processing time. Start the process at least 3-4 months before travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Angola does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet cats. In practice, up to 2-3 cats per traveller are usually accepted under the non-commercial regime, but if you are bringing more than 5 cats, they may be considered commercial and require additional import permits and veterinary inspections. Confirm with the Angolan Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry before travel.
No. Angola does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same import requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit. The only difference is that service animals may be allowed in the cabin, but the import rules remain identical.
A rabies titer test (FAVN) is required only if your cat is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East). The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and show a titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The result is valid for 12 months. For cats from low-risk or free countries, no titer test is required.
Processing time for the import permit from the Angolan Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry typically takes 2-4 weeks. Apply well in advance, as the permit is mandatory and must be presented at the border. The permit is usually valid for a specific period, so time your application with your travel dates.
No quarantine is required for cats entering Angola if all import requirements are met: valid rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and (for high-risk countries) a passing rabies titer test. However, if documents are incomplete or the cat shows signs of illness, it may be detained or quarantined at the owner's expense.
Rabies vaccination is mandatory. It must be given at least 21 days before travel and be current. Other vaccinations (e.g., feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis) are not officially required but are strongly recommended for your cat's health. The health certificate must confirm rabies vaccination.
Airlines may allow cats in the cabin on flights to Angola, but this depends on the carrier. Angola's import rules do not prohibit cabin transport, but the cat must still meet all entry requirements. Check with your airline for specific cabin policies, as some may have weight or breed restrictions.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Angola.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months, administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Import permit issued by Angola's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Ministério da Agricultura e Florestas)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a quote: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or quarantine applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Angolan authorities.

Ferrets are classified as 'other carnivores' under Angolan animal health law. An import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture is mandatory for all ferrets, regardless of origin. The permit application typically requires a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate. Allow 2-4 weeks for permit processing.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months, administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Import permit issued by Angola's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a quote: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or quarantine applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Angolan authorities.

Angola does not currently differentiate between low-risk and free origins for ferrets; the import permit and health certificate are required for all.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months, administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Import permit issued by Angola's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a quote: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No quarantine applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Angolan authorities.

For high-risk origins, Angola requires a rabies titer test in addition to the standard vaccination and health certificate. The titer test must be done at least 90 days after vaccination and the result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. No quarantine is imposed on arrival if all documents are in order, but the animal may be subject to inspection at the port of entry.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not classified as dogs or cats; they fall under 'other carnivores' and require an import permit from Angola's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Ministério da Agricultura e Florestas). You must also provide a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, and proof of microchip. The permit must be obtained before travel; processing takes 2-4 weeks.
Angola does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. In practice, a single traveller is generally allowed up to 2-3 ferrets for personal companionship, but anything beyond that may be considered commercial and require additional permits and inspections. Confirm with the Ministry of Agriculture before travelling with more than one ferret.
No. Angola does not recognise emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from veterinary import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same rabies vaccination, health certificate, microchip, and import permit rules. There is no waiver for service animals.
It depends on the origin country. If your ferret is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East, Russia, Thailand), a FAVN titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml is required. The test must be done at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 30 days before travel. For low-risk or free origins, no titer test is required.
The import permit from Angola's Ministry of Agriculture typically takes 2-4 weeks to process. Apply well in advance. The permit is valid for a specific period (usually 30-60 days from issuance) and must accompany the animal. You will need to submit a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate with the application.
A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel and be valid for at least 12 months. Ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. Other vaccinations (e.g., distemper) are not required by Angola but are recommended for the animal's health.
No quarantine is required for ferrets entering Angola if all import conditions are met: valid rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and (for high-risk origins) a passing titer test. However, the animal may be inspected at the port of entry by veterinary officials. If documents are incomplete, the animal may be detained or refused entry.

Good to know

Angola's pet import regime is administered by the Instituto de Serviços Veterinários (ISV) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The import permit (autorização de importação) must be obtained before travel and is normally valid for a limited window. Sequence: permit first, then health certificate within days of departure. Rabies vaccination must be current, and the animal must be identifiable. Confirm current fees, forms, and the exact validity window directly with ISV or the Angolan embassy/consulate in your origin country, because processing times in Luanda can run several weeks.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Angola, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Angola's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.