Bringing a pet to Burkina Faso

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Burkina Faso is a rabies-endemic country with a paperwork-driven dog import regime. There is no mandatory quarantine for dogs arriving with valid documentation, and the same core requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate) apply regardless of the origin country's rabies status. The competent authority is the Direction Générale des Services Vétérinaires (DGSV) under the Ministry of Animal Resources. Enforcement can vary at the point of entry, so verify current requirements with the Burkinabè embassy or a local veterinarian before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Burkina Faso.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of ownership or traveller's passport linking the dog to the owner

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Prices vary — confirm with a local vet and the Burkinabè veterinary authority.

No quarantine for dogs from free-tier origins. Ensure the rabies vaccine was given at least 21 days before travel. The health certificate must be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation.

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 competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of ownership or traveller's passport linking the dog to the owner

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Prices vary — confirm with a local vet and the Burkinabè veterinary authority.

Same requirements as free-tier origins. No quarantine. The health certificate must be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation.

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 competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of ownership or traveller's passport linking the dog to the owner

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Prices vary — confirm with a local vet and the Burkinabè veterinary authority.

Burkina Faso does not impose additional requirements (titer test, quarantine, permit) on dogs from high-risk origins beyond the standard documentation. However, airlines may require a titer test for dogs originating from high-risk countries, and border agents may request proof of rabies vaccination. The health certificate must be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

No. Burkina Faso does not require a rabies titer test for dogs entering the country, regardless of the origin country's rabies status. A valid rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine was given at least 21 days before travel is sufficient. Some airlines may request a titer test for dogs from high-risk countries, so check with your carrier.
No. There is no mandatory quarantine for dogs arriving in Burkina Faso with valid documentation. Your dog can enter without isolation as long as it has a current rabies vaccination, a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and a microchip.
Burkina Faso does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet movement. In practice, travellers typically bring one or two dogs without issue. If you are bringing more than three dogs, you may be asked to provide additional documentation or be subject to commercial import rules. Confirm with the Direction Générale des Services Vétérinaires before travelling with multiple dogs.
No. Burkina Faso does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. All dogs, including service animals, must have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination certificate, and an international health certificate. Airlines may have their own policies for service dogs in the cabin, but the destination country's veterinary rules still apply.
The health certificate should be in French, as French is the official language of Burkina Faso. If your veterinarian issues the certificate in English or another language, you should have it translated into French by a certified translator. Border agents may refuse documents that are not in French or accompanied by a certified translation.
Yes. Your dog must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip number should be recorded on the rabies vaccination certificate and the health certificate. If your dog was vaccinated before being microchipped, the vaccination may not be considered valid — ensure the microchip is implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccine.
A puppy must be at least 12 weeks (3 months) old to receive a rabies vaccination, and then must wait 21 days after the vaccination before travel. This means the minimum age for a puppy to enter Burkina Faso is approximately 15 weeks (about 3.5 months). Puppies younger than this cannot meet the rabies vaccination requirement and should not be imported.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Burkina Faso.

Microchip
Not required
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 veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and still valid
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of origin (pet passport or official veterinary statement)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip not required, but if placed ~$30–50; health certificate ~$100–200; rabies vaccination ~$20–50; import permit not required. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No microchip, titer test, or import permit required. Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel is mandatory. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival. No quarantine on arrival.

Microchip
Not required
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 veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and still valid
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of origin (pet passport or official veterinary statement)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip not required, but if placed ~$30–50; health certificate ~$100–200; rabies vaccination ~$20–50; import permit not required. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Same requirements as for rabies-free countries: rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior, health certificate within 10 days, no quarantine. No titer test or import permit needed.

Microchip
Not required
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 veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and still valid
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of origin (pet passport or official veterinary statement)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip not required, but if placed ~$30–50; health certificate ~$100–200; rabies vaccination ~$20–50; import permit not required. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements beyond the standard rabies vaccination and health certificate. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine required. Check with the Burkinabe embassy or consulate for recent changes.

Frequently asked questions

No. Burkina Faso does not require a rabies antibody titer test for cats, regardless of the origin country. A current rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.
No. Burkina Faso does not require an import permit for pet cats. You only need a valid rabies vaccination certificate and an international health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.
Burkina Faso does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet cats. In practice, a single traveller typically brings 1–2 cats without issue. For more than 3 cats, customs may consider it commercial and require additional documentation. Confirm with the Burkinabe Ministry of Animal Resources ahead of travel.
No. Burkina Faso does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats, including service animals, must meet the same rabies vaccination and health certificate requirements. There is no separate lane or waiver.
The kitten must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of rabies vaccination, and travel must occur at least 21 days after that vaccination. So the minimum age at entry is 15 weeks (about 3.5 months).
No. Burkina Faso does not impose quarantine on cats arriving with valid rabies vaccination and health certificates. You clear customs and immigration with your pet directly.
You need: (1) a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days prior and still valid, (2) an international health certificate issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of arrival, and (3) proof of origin such as a pet passport or official veterinary statement. No microchip, titer test, or import permit is required.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Burkina Faso.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • International health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Burkina Faso Ministry of Animal Resources.

Burkina Faso has no published ferret import scheme. Border veterinary officials may request a health certificate and rabies vaccination. Ferrets are not recognised as pets under the national rabies control framework, so entry is at the discretion of officials. Confirm with the Direction Générale des Services Vétérinaires before travel.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • International health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Burkina Faso Ministry of Animal Resources.

Same requirements as the free tier. No titer test or import permit is imposed for low-risk origins. Ferrets are not listed in Burkina Faso's animal health regulations, so border officials may apply general veterinary inspection rules. Carry all documents in French.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Import permit issued by the Burkina Faso Ministry of Animal Resources
  • International health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$50–150. No quarantine fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Burkina Faso Ministry of Animal Resources.

Stricter controls apply for animals from high-risk rabies countries. Obtain an import permit in advance from the Direction Générale des Services Vétérinaires. The FAVN test is mandatory. Ferrets are not specifically mentioned in the regulations, so the permit may be issued case-by-case. Start the process at least 4 months before travel.

Frequently asked questions

Burkina Faso does not publish a specific limit for ferrets. In practice, non-commercial pet imports are generally limited to 2 or 3 animals per traveller. More than that may be treated as commercial, requiring additional veterinary and customs procedures. Confirm with the Direction Générale des Services Vétérinaires before travel.
No. Burkina Faso does not recognise emotional support or service animals as a separate import category. All ferrets must meet the same rabies vaccination, health certificate, and permit requirements. There is no exemption.
It depends on the origin country. From high-risk rabies countries (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, Thailand), a FAVN test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml is required, with the blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination and the test done at least 90 days before travel. From low-risk or free countries, no titer test is required.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian of the origin country and be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation.
Airlines set their own rules. Most carriers flying to Ouagadougou (Air France, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines) do not allow ferrets in the cabin. They must travel as checked baggage or cargo in an IATA-compliant crate. Check with your airline at least 4 weeks before travel.
The animal may be refused entry, placed in quarantine at your expense, or returned to the origin country. Burkina Faso does not have a formal quarantine facility for ferrets, so refusal is likely. Always obtain the permit before travel.
No. Burkina Faso does not have breed bans for ferrets. All ferrets are subject to the same import requirements regardless of colour or lineage.

Good to know

Burkina Faso does not publish a tiered pet-import framework equivalent to the EU Pet Travel Scheme. In practice, the same documentation is requested regardless of the origin country's rabies status, though airlines and border agents may apply additional scrutiny to pets from high-risk origins. All dogs should be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate and an international health certificate. The official language for veterinary documents is French; translations may be requested.

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 Burkina Faso, 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 Burkina Faso's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.