Bringing a pet to Colombia

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Colombia requires a valid rabies vaccination, an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, and an official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel for dogs. No quarantine is imposed on dogs from any origin. A rabies titer test and an ICA import permit are required only for dogs from high-risk rabies countries. Start paperwork at least 30–60 days before travel, as the health certificate must be endorsed by a Colombian consulate unless it is issued in a bilingual format accepted by ICA, and airlines may have additional requirements.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 veterinarian for the US, or equivalent for other countries) endorsed by the Colombian consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Colombia does not have nationwide breed-specific bans for dogs, but some municipalities (e.g., Bogotá) may have restrictions on certain breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans, requiring registration and special permits. Airlines may also have breed restrictions, especially for brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers) due to respiratory risks during flight. Check with the airline and local authorities.

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, administered at least 21 days before travel)
ISO microchip certificate or proof of microchip
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Colombian consulate
Proof of recent internal and external parasite treatment (recommended, not always required)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, consulate endorsement ~$50–100, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Colombian consulate.

No quarantine. The health certificate must be endorsed by the Colombian consulate in the origin country unless it is issued in a bilingual format accepted by ICA. Some airlines may require additional documentation.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent for other countries) endorsed by the Colombian consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, administered at least 21 days before travel)
ISO microchip certificate or proof of microchip
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Colombian consulate
Proof of recent internal and external parasite treatment (recommended, not always required)

Rough budget

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent for other countries) endorsed by the Colombian consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, administered at least 21 days before travel)
ISO microchip certificate or proof of microchip
FAVN rabies titer test result (at least 0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Import permit issued by ICA
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Colombian consulate
Proof of recent internal and external parasite treatment (recommended, not always required)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, consulate endorsement ~$50–100, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit ~$50–150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Colombian consulate.

No quarantine. The import permit must be obtained from ICA before travel. The FAVN test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. The health certificate must be endorsed by the Colombian consulate. Some airlines may require additional documentation.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Colombia does not impose a specific limit on the number of dogs a non-commercial traveller can bring, but if you are bringing more than 5 dogs, the import may be considered commercial and subject to additional requirements. Contact ICA for guidance if you plan to bring multiple dogs.

Yes, Colombia does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from import requirements. They must have a valid rabies vaccination, ISO microchip, and an official health certificate. Service dogs may need to comply with airline-specific rules, but they are not exempt from veterinary import regulations.

A rabies titer test (FAVN) is required only for dogs coming from countries with high rabies risk. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and show a titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Dogs from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.

Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel if it is the first vaccination. If it is a booster vaccination given within the previous 12 months, it is valid immediately. The vaccine must be valid for at least 1 year.

An import permit is required only for dogs coming from high-risk rabies countries. For dogs from low-risk or free countries, no import permit is needed. The permit must be obtained from ICA before travel.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days before travel and must be endorsed by the Colombian consulate in the origin country, unless it is issued in a bilingual format accepted by ICA. The certificate must be presented upon arrival.

Colombia does not have nationwide breed bans, but some municipalities like Bogotá may have restrictions on certain breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans, requiring registration and special permits. Airlines may also have breed restrictions, especially for brachycephalic breeds. Check with the airline and local authorities.

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

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

Not required

Documents checklist

International Health Certificate for cats (issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with microchip number matching the pet)
Microchip implantation certificate or record
Photocopy of owner's passport
ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) online import registration confirmation

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a guaranteed price: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, ICA registration fee ~$20-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and ICA.

No rabies titer test or import permit required. Register the cat in ICA's online system (SIGMA) before arrival. No quarantine on arrival if 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

Not required

Documents checklist

International Health Certificate for cats (issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with microchip number matching the pet)
Microchip implantation certificate or record
Photocopy of owner's passport
ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) online import registration confirmation

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a guaranteed price: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, ICA registration fee ~$20-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and ICA.

Same requirements as free-tier origins. No rabies titer test or import permit required. ICA registration is mandatory.

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

Documents checklist

ICA import permit (issued before travel)
International Health Certificate for cats (issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with microchip number matching the pet)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, from approved lab)
Microchip implantation certificate or record
Photocopy of owner's passport
ICA online import registration confirmation

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a guaranteed price: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, ICA import permit ~$50-100, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and ICA.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test and an ICA import permit. ICA may require additional inspection at the port of entry.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 pets (cats or dogs) per traveller under non-commercial rules. More than 5 is considered commercial and requires additional permits, inspections, and possibly an import license. Each pet must have its own health certificate and documentation.

No. Colombia does not exempt emotional support or service cats from standard import requirements. They must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit rules as any other cat. Airlines may have separate policies for cabin travel, but the government import rules apply equally.

No. The United States is considered a low-risk country for rabies by Colombia. Cats from the US do not need a FAVN titer test or an ICA import permit. They need a microchip, valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and an international health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.

ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) is Colombia's agriculture and livestock authority. Yes, you must register your cat's import online through ICA's SIGMA system before travel. You'll need to upload the health certificate, rabies vaccination record, and microchip details. The registration is free or low-cost, but you must complete it before arrival to avoid delays.

The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. It must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). If your travel is delayed beyond 10 days, you need a new certificate.

No. Colombia does not require quarantine for cats arriving with valid documentation. If your paperwork is incomplete or the cat shows signs of illness, ICA may order isolation at your expense, but routine arrivals are cleared without quarantine.

Your cat must be implanted with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip (15-digit, 134.2 kHz). The microchip number must be recorded on the rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate. If your cat has a non-ISO microchip, you should bring your own scanner or have the number cross-referenced on the documents.

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

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

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and still valid
International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or legible tattoo if microchip unavailable)
ICA import permit if ICA classifies ferrets as requiring one

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200. ICA permit fees, if required, are roughly $50–100. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and ICA.

Ferrets are not explicitly listed in Colombia's pet import regulations, which primarily cover dogs and cats. ICA may classify ferrets as 'other animals' requiring additional permits or may prohibit entry. Confirm with ICA before travel.

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

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and still valid
International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or legible tattoo if microchip unavailable)
ICA import permit if ICA classifies ferrets as requiring one

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200. ICA permit fees, if required, are roughly $50–100. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and ICA.

Same requirements as the free tier. Ferrets are not explicitly listed in Colombia's pet import regulations; ICA may require additional permits or prohibit entry. Confirm with ICA before travel.

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

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and still valid
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result ≥0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days after first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or legible tattoo if microchip unavailable)
ICA import permit required for high-risk countries

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, ICA import permit ~$50–100. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and ICA.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries require a rabies titer test and an ICA import permit. Ferrets are not explicitly listed in Colombia's pet import regulations; ICA may require additional permits or prohibit entry. No quarantine if all requirements are met, but the titer test adds at least 90 days to the preparation timeline.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Colombia's pet import regulations (Resolution 1740 of 2019 and subsequent ICA resolutions) primarily cover dogs and cats. Ferrets are not explicitly listed as allowed pets. ICA may classify them as 'other animals' requiring a special import permit, or may prohibit entry. Contact ICA directly before planning travel to confirm whether ferrets are permitted and what additional requirements apply.

A valid rabies vaccination is required for all pets, including ferrets, if they are allowed entry. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and be current. Ferrets typically receive a 1-year rabies vaccine; ensure it is administered by a licensed veterinarian and documented in an international certificate. Other vaccines (e.g., distemper) are not required by Colombia but may be recommended by your vet.

Yes, if your ferret is travelling from a country considered high-risk for rabies (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe). The test must be a FAVN or RFFIT with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. For low-risk or free countries, no titer test is required.

Colombia does not have a specific limit for ferrets, but for dogs and cats, non-commercial travellers are generally allowed up to 3 pets per person. If you bring more than 3, ICA may require a commercial import permit and additional health certifications. For ferrets, confirm the limit with ICA as they are not explicitly covered.

No. Colombia does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same health and documentation requirements. Airlines may have separate policies for cabin travel, but the destination country's import rules apply equally.

There is no quarantine for ferrets entering Colombia if all import requirements are met (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test/import permit if applicable). However, if documents are incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness, ICA may order quarantine at the owner's expense. Always verify current rules with ICA.

Costs vary: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies titer test ~$100–250 (if required), and ICA import permit ~$50–100 (if required). These are rough estimates; confirm current fees with your veterinarian and ICA. Additional costs may include travel crates, airline fees, and possible broker services.

Good to know

Colombia's ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) requires that the health certificate be issued by an official government veterinarian and then endorsed by the Colombian consulate in the origin country, unless the certificate is issued in the format of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) or a bilingual version accepted by ICA. The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel for primary vaccination; a booster given within the previous 12 months is valid immediately. All dogs must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. Colombia does not quarantine dogs from any country, but it may require a rabies titer test and an ICA import permit for dogs from countries with high rabies risk. Always verify current requirements with ICA or the Colombian consulate before travel.

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