Bringing a pet to Bhutan

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Bhutan is rabies-free and strictly controls dog imports. There is no routine quarantine for dogs with complete, valid documentation, but BAFRA requires advance written approval and strict health certification. Start planning at least 2–3 months before travel and confirm every step with BAFRA and your airline, as rules can change and enforcement is strict.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Bhutan does not publish a breed-specific ban list for dogs. However, airlines serving Paro (e.g., Drukair, Bhutan Airlines) may refuse to carry brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers due to respiratory risks at high altitude. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not more than 1 year)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by BAFRA
Microchip certificate or identification record

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$20–50 (verify with BAFRA), airline fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and BAFRA.

Even from rabies-free countries, BAFRA requires an import permit and advance notification. The dog must be accompanied by the owner or a designated person and arrive at Paro International Airport. No quarantine if all documents are in order.

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 of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by BAFRA
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$20–50 (verify with BAFRA), airline fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and BAFRA.

A rabies titer test is required for dogs from low-risk countries. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. BAFRA may require a 7-day quarantine if the titer is not documented or is below 0.5 IU/ml.

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

7 days

7-day quarantine at a BAFRA-approved facility at the owner's expense, unless the dog arrives with a valid titer test result and all other documents are in order; even then, BAFRA may impose quarantine at its discretion.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by BAFRA
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$20–50 (verify with BAFRA), quarantine fees ~$10–30 per day (verify), airline fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and BAFRA.

Dogs from high-risk rabies countries face the strictest rules: a titer test is mandatory, and a 7-day quarantine may be imposed even with complete documentation. BAFRA must approve the import in advance. Travel must be arranged through Paro International Airport only.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Bhutan does not explicitly state a maximum number for non-commercial pet dogs, but BAFRA treats imports of more than 2–3 dogs as commercial and requires additional permits and inspections. For personal pets, keep it to 1–2 dogs and declare them clearly on your import permit application. If you plan to bring more, contact BAFRA directly to avoid being classified as a commercial importer.

Yes, if your dog is coming from a country not recognized as rabies-free by Bhutan (which includes most of Europe, the US, and all high-risk countries). The test must be an FAVN or RFFIT done at an OIE/WHO-approved lab, at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and show a result of 0.5 IU/ml or higher. The test must be done at least 90 days before travel. The result is valid for 1 year. Dogs from rabies-free countries (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) are exempt from the titer test.

There is no routine quarantine for dogs arriving with complete and valid documentation from rabies-free or low-risk countries. However, BAFRA may impose a 7-day quarantine at the owner's expense if documents are missing, the titer test is not provided or is below 0.5 IU/ml, or the dog shows signs of illness. Dogs from high-risk countries may be quarantined for 7 days even with a valid titer test, at BAFRA's discretion.

You must apply to BAFRA in advance (at least 2–3 weeks before travel) with a completed application form, a copy of the dog's rabies vaccination certificate, the titer test result (if required), and the health certificate. BAFRA will issue an import permit that you must present at Paro International Airport on arrival. The permit is usually valid for 30 days from issuance. Apply via the BAFRA website or through a local agent in Bhutan.

No. Bhutan does not grant any exemption from import requirements for emotional support, service, or assistance dogs. All dogs must meet the same rabies vaccination, titer test (if applicable), health certificate, and import permit rules. The only difference is that service dogs may be allowed in the cabin on some airlines, but that is an airline policy, not a BAFRA exemption. Plan to comply fully.

If BAFRA officers at Paro International Airport find missing or invalid documents, your dog may be placed in a 7-day quarantine at your expense, or in serious cases, refused entry and returned to the origin country at your cost. Ensure your rabies vaccination is at least 21 days old, the health certificate is issued within 10 days of travel, and the titer test (if required) is valid. Double-check everything before you fly.

Bhutan does not have a national breed ban list. However, airlines flying into Paro (Drukair, Bhutan Airlines) often refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers) because of the risk of respiratory distress at high altitude. Check with your airline before booking. Also, aggressive breeds may be subject to additional scrutiny by BAFRA on arrival.

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

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 competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Bhutan Department of Livestock
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 1 year before travel
International health certificate (veterinary certificate) issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify locally. Import permit ~$20-50, microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or quarantine cost applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bhutan Department of Livestock.

Bhutan requires an import permit for all cats regardless of origin. Apply at least 2-4 weeks in advance. No quarantine on arrival 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 competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Bhutan Department of Livestock
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 1 year before travel
International health certificate (veterinary certificate) issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Same requirements as for free-tier origins. Bhutan does not differentiate between low-risk and rabies-free countries for pet cats; an import permit is mandatory. Ensure rabies vaccination is current and administered at least 21 days before travel. No quarantine on arrival if documents are complete.

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 competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Bhutan Department of Livestock
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 1 year before travel
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory
International health certificate (veterinary certificate) issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify locally. Import permit ~$20-50, microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250. No quarantine cost applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bhutan Department of Livestock.

For cats originating from countries with high rabies risk (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), Bhutan requires a rabies titer test in addition to the standard requirements. The titer test must be done at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order, but the titer test adds significant lead time. Start the process at least 4-6 months before travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Bhutan does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet cats. In practice, the Department of Livestock issues import permits on a case-by-case basis. For more than 2-3 cats, you may be subject to commercial import regulations, which require additional veterinary inspections and possibly a quarantine period. Contact the Department of Livestock directly if you plan to bring more than two cats.

No. Bhutan does not exempt emotional support, service, or assistance animals from its standard pet import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must have an import permit, a valid rabies vaccination, a health certificate, and a microchip. There is no separate fast-track or exemption for service animals.

If your cat is travelling from a country considered high-risk for rabies (e.g., Thailand, India, Bangladesh, most of Africa), Bhutan requires a rabies antibody titer test (FAVN or RFFIT). The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The result must show at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory. This adds at least 3 months to your preparation time.

Apply for the import permit at least 2-4 weeks before your planned travel date. Processing times can vary, and incomplete applications may cause delays. For high-risk origins, you must also complete the 90-day titer test waiting period before applying, so start the process 4-6 months in advance. The permit is issued by the Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests.

No quarantine is required for a cat arriving in Bhutan if all import requirements are met: valid import permit, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and microchip. For high-risk origins, the rabies titer test must also be satisfactory. If any document is missing or invalid, the cat may be quarantined at the owner's expense or refused entry.

Rabies vaccination is mandatory. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel and be valid at the time of entry (not more than 1 year old). Other vaccinations (e.g., feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) are not required by Bhutanese law but are strongly recommended for your cat's health. Your veterinarian can advise on core vaccines.

Airlines flying to Bhutan (e.g., Drukair, Bhutan Airlines) generally allow small cats in the cabin if they fit in an approved carrier under the seat. However, each airline has its own weight and size limits (typically up to 5-8 kg including carrier). You must book in advance and comply with the airline's pet policy. The cat must also meet all Bhutanese import requirements. Check with your airline for specific rules.

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

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

Quarantine is not routinely required but may be imposed at the discretion of the Bhutanese veterinary authority upon arrival.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
Official veterinary health certificate
Import permit issued by Bhutan Department of Livestock
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a guaranteed price: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, health certificate ~$50-150, import permit ~$20-100, freight/customs broker fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bhutan Department of Livestock.

Ferrets are not listed as prohibited, but Bhutan requires an import permit for all live animals. The permit application must be submitted at least 14 days before travel. Ferrets are not recognised as pets under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, so EU pet passports are not accepted for ferrets; a standard veterinary health certificate is required.

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

Quarantine is not routinely required but may be imposed at the discretion of the Bhutanese veterinary authority upon arrival.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
Official veterinary health certificate
Import permit issued by Bhutan Department of Livestock
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Same requirements as for free-tier origins. Bhutan does not differentiate between low-risk and free countries for ferret imports; the import permit and health certificate are mandatory.

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

30 days

Mandatory 30-day quarantine at a government-approved facility upon arrival. The importer must bear all quarantine costs. Quarantine may be extended if the animal shows signs of illness.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN rabies titer test result
Official veterinary health certificate
Import permit issued by Bhutan Department of Livestock
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a guaranteed price: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$50-150, import permit ~$20-100, quarantine ~$500-1500, freight/customs broker fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bhutan Department of Livestock.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Bhutan may refuse entry if the titer test is not provided or if the animal is not properly identified.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not classified as standard pets under Bhutanese law. They are considered 'other live animals' and require an import permit from the Department of Livestock. You must apply at least 14 days before travel. A health certificate and rabies vaccination are mandatory. Be prepared for possible quarantine on arrival.

Bhutan does not have a specific non-commercial limit for ferrets. However, importing more than 5 animals may be considered commercial and require additional permits and inspections. For personal pets, it is advisable to limit to 1-2 ferrets and declare them as pets. Contact the Department of Livestock for guidance if bringing more than 2.

No. Bhutan does not recognise emotional support animals or service animals for import exemption. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same import requirements: import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and possible quarantine. There is no exemption for service animals.

A rabies vaccination is required. The ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination and the vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel. A valid rabies certificate from a licensed veterinarian is required. For high-risk countries, a FAVN titer test is also required.

Yes, a microchip conforming to ISO 11784/11785 is required for identification. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If the ferret already has a microchip that is not ISO-compliant, a new ISO-compliant microchip must be implanted.

The import permit application must be submitted to the Bhutan Department of Livestock at least 14 days before travel. Processing typically takes 7-10 working days. It is advisable to apply at least 30 days in advance to allow for any delays.

Quarantine requirements depend on the rabies risk of the origin country. For free and low-risk countries, quarantine is not routinely required but may be imposed at the discretion of the veterinary authority. For high-risk countries, a mandatory 30-day quarantine at a government-approved facility is required. The importer must pay for quarantine costs.

Good to know

Bhutan prohibits the import of dogs from countries not recognized as rabies-free without a permit and usually a rabies antibody test. All pets must enter through Paro International Airport and be declared to BAFRA quarantine officers on arrival. A 7-day quarantine may be imposed at the owner's expense if documentation is incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness. Advance written approval from BAFRA is mandatory for all commercial and non-commercial imports.

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