Bringing a pet to Bahamas

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

The Bahamas is a rabies-free country with strict pet import rules: all dogs need a government-issued import permit, a valid rabies vaccination, and a health certificate. There is no routine quarantine for properly documented pets from approved origins, but the permit must be arranged weeks ahead. The origin country's rabies status determines whether a rabies titer test is also required.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

The Bahamas does not maintain a country-wide breed ban for dogs, but airlines serving Nassau (e.g. American Airlines, Delta) may refuse brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, etc.) or require extra documentation. Check with your carrier. Some hotels and rental properties in the Bahamas also have their own breed or size restrictions.

Documents checklist

Bahamas import permit (issued by the Department of Agriculture)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, at least 21 days before travel)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Airline pet booking confirmation

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify with the Bahamas Department of Agriculture and your vet: import permit ~$10–50, microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccine ~$20–50, airline pet fee ~$100–300. Prices change; confirm current fees directly.

Even from a rabies-free origin, the Bahamas still requires an import permit and a health certificate. The permit is usually valid for a single entry and a limited window (often 30–60 days), so time it to your travel date.

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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority (e.g. USDA APHIS-endorsed for the US, DEFRA for the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Bahamas import permit (issued by the Department of Agriculture)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, at least 21 days before travel)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Airline pet booking confirmation

Rough budget

Most travellers from the US, UK, Canada and EU fall into this tier. No rabies titer test is required, but the import permit must be obtained before travel and the health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival.

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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Bahamas import permit (issued by the Department of Agriculture)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, at least 21 days before travel)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, at least 30 days after vaccination)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Airline pet booking confirmation

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify with the Bahamas Department of Agriculture and your vet: import permit ~$10–50, microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccine ~$20–50, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, airline pet fee ~$100–300. Prices change; confirm current fees directly.

Pets from CDC high-risk rabies countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) need a FAVN titer test in addition to the standard permit and health certificate. The Bahamas may impose quarantine on arrival for these pets at the discretion of the Department of Agriculture — confirm before booking. Plan at least 3–4 months ahead.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Every dog entering the Bahamas requires an import permit issued by the Bahamas Department of Agriculture. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel. The permit is usually valid for a single entry and a limited window (often 30–60 days), so time it to your travel date. The fee is modest (roughly $10–50) but processing can take weeks.

It depends on where you are travelling from. Dogs from low-risk rabies countries (US, UK, Canada, EU, Japan, Australia) do not need a titer test. Dogs from CDC high-risk rabies countries (Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and wait at least 90 days after the blood draw before travel.

The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in the Bahamas. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian or an accredited private veterinarian endorsed by your country's national veterinary authority (e.g. USDA APHIS-endorsed for the US, DEFRA for the UK).

The Bahamas generally allows a small number of pets per traveller under non-commercial rules — typically up to 2 or 3 dogs per person. If you are bringing more, or if the animals are for sale or breeding, commercial import rules apply and you will need additional permits and possibly a commercial licence. Confirm the current limit with the Bahamas Department of Agriculture before you travel.

No. The Bahamas does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs, including service animals, must have an import permit, a valid rabies vaccination, a health certificate, and a microchip. Airlines may allow service dogs in the cabin, but the government import rules still apply in full.

There is no routine quarantine for dogs arriving with a valid import permit, rabies vaccination and health certificate from a low-risk or rabies-free country. However, the Bahamas Department of Agriculture may impose quarantine on arrival for dogs from high-risk rabies countries, at its discretion. Always confirm your specific case with the Department before booking.

Puppies must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old and have a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. In practice, because the rabies vaccine is usually given at 12 weeks and you must wait 21 days, the youngest a puppy can travel is about 15 weeks. Some airlines also have their own minimum age (often 8–16 weeks).

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

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 private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Bahamas Department of Agriculture
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
International health certificate (APHIS 7001 or equivalent) issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, verify locally: import permit ~$50-100, microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current fees with the Bahamas Department of Agriculture and your vet.

Bahamas requires an import permit for all cats, regardless of origin. The permit is typically valid for 30 days. Cats must be at least 3 months old at import. No quarantine for cats from free-tier countries 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 private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Bahamas Department of Agriculture
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
International health certificate (APHIS 7001 or equivalent) issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier. No quarantine for cats from low-risk countries if all documents are in order. The Bahamas does not require a rabies titer test for cats from low-risk countries.

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 private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Bahamas Department of Agriculture
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
International health certificate (APHIS 7001 or equivalent) issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, verify locally: import permit ~$50-100, microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250. No quarantine fee applies if documents are in order. Confirm current fees with the Bahamas Department of Agriculture and your vet.

Cats from high-risk countries must have a valid FAVN rabies titer test. No quarantine is required if all documents are in order, but the titer test adds at least 90 days to the preparation timeline. The Bahamas may require additional health checks upon arrival.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The Bahamas Department of Agriculture requires an import permit for all cats, regardless of origin country. Apply at least 30 days before travel. The permit is typically valid for 30 days from issue. Fee is around $50-100, but confirm current pricing with the Department.

The Bahamas does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet cats. In practice, 1-2 cats per traveller are treated as personal pets. Larger numbers may be considered commercial and require additional permits and inspections. Check with the Bahamas Department of Agriculture if you plan to bring more than 2.

Only if your cat is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, Asia, Middle East). The FAVN test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and show a titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Allow at least 90 days between the blood draw and travel. For cats from low-risk or free countries, no titer test is required.

No. The Bahamas does not require quarantine for cats if all import documents (permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if applicable) are in order. However, if documents are missing or invalid, the cat may be quarantined or refused entry at the owner's expense.

Cats must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of import. They must also be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. So the earliest a kitten can travel is at 12 weeks of age plus 21 days after vaccination, i.e., about 15 weeks.

No. The Bahamas does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats, including those accompanying disabled travellers, must have an import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and meet all other requirements. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the country's import rules apply equally.

You need an international health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by the government veterinary authority of your country (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US). The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and state that the cat is healthy and free of infectious diseases. The Bahamas may accept the APHIS 7001 form or equivalent.

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

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 of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 12 months before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by the Bahamas Department of Agriculture
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-100, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bahamas Department of Agriculture.

Ferrets are classified as 'other animals' under Bahamian law and require an import permit from the Bahamas Department of Agriculture. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all carnivores. No quarantine if documentation is complete.

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 of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 12 months before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by the Bahamas Department of Agriculture
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

The Bahamas applies the same requirements to low-risk and free origins for ferrets. No quarantine if paperwork is complete.

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 of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 12 months before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE reference lab, with blood drawn at least 90 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by the Bahamas Department of Agriculture
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bahamas Department of Agriculture.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test. The 90-day wait after titer test is strictly enforced. No quarantine if all documents are complete, but the Bahamas Department of Agriculture may impose quarantine at the importer's expense if paperwork is incomplete or titer is not met. Plan at least 4-6 months ahead.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not classified as dogs or cats under Bahamian law. They are considered 'other animals' and require an import permit from the Bahamas Department of Agriculture. You must also meet rabies vaccination, microchip, and health certificate requirements. Ferrets are not allowed to enter as emotional support animals without full compliance.

The Bahamas does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial ferret imports, but in practice, a single traveller bringing more than 3 ferrets may be considered a commercial import and require additional permits and inspections. For 1-3 ferrets, the standard non-commercial rules apply. Confirm with the Bahamas Department of Agriculture before travelling with more than 3.

No. The Bahamas does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of role, must have a valid rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and import permit. Airlines may also have their own policies, but the country's import rules apply to all animals.

If your ferret is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), a FAVN rabies titer test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml from an OIE reference laboratory. Ferrets from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.

Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel. The Bahamas Department of Agriculture typically issues permits within 2-4 weeks, but processing can be slower during peak season. The permit is valid for a specific date range, so time your application with your travel dates.

Yes. The Bahamas requires a microchip that meets ISO 11784/11785 standards. The microchip must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination. If your ferret was vaccinated before being microchipped, the vaccination is not considered valid for import purposes, and a new vaccination may be required.

There is no routine quarantine for ferrets entering the Bahamas if all documentation is complete and correct. However, if the rabies titer test is missing or below 0.5 IU/ml for high-risk origins, or if the health certificate is expired, the Bahamas Department of Agriculture may impose quarantine at the importer's expense. Always carry original documents.

Good to know

The Bahamas Department of Agriculture (Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs) issues the import permit and is the authority for current forms and fees. Pets must arrive through a designated port (Nassau or Freeport) and be declared to customs. Airlines flying into Nassau (Bahamasair, American, Delta, etc.) have their own crating and temperature embargoes that can be stricter than government rules.

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 Bahamas, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).