Bringing a pet to DR Congo

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a high-risk rabies country. Pet dogs require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, a microchip, rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate. A rabies titer test is required only for dogs arriving from high-risk origins. No quarantine is imposed when documents are complete. Start paperwork at least 2–3 months before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to DR Congo.

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 for other free-tier countries) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • International health certificate
  • Import permit from DRC Ministry of Agriculture
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit $50–100. A titer test is not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the DRC Ministry of Agriculture.

An import permit is required even for free-tier origins. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel. Some airlines may request a titer test even though DRC does not require one for this tier.

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 vet for US, or equivalent for other low-risk countries) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • International health certificate
  • Import permit from DRC Ministry of Agriculture
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit $50–100. A titer test is not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the DRC Ministry of Agriculture.

Same requirements as free-tier origins. Some airlines may require a titer test for low-risk origins; check with your airline.

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 vet for US, or equivalent for other high-risk countries) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titer test result
  • International health certificate
  • Import permit from DRC Ministry of Agriculture
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit $50–100, FAVN titer test $100–250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the DRC Ministry of Agriculture.

A rabies titer test is mandatory for high-risk origins. The test must be done at an approved laboratory. Allow at least 3 months for the entire process.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, an import permit is required for all dogs regardless of origin. Apply through the DRC Ministry of Agriculture (Direction de la Production et de la Santé Animales). Processing takes 2–4 weeks. The permit is valid for a specific period, usually 30–60 days, so time your application accordingly.
It depends on the origin country. For high-risk countries (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East), a FAVN titer test is required, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. For free and low-risk countries, it is not required, but some airlines may ask for it.
DRC does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet movement. In practice, up to 2–3 pets per traveller are usually accepted under the non-commercial regime, but larger numbers may be considered commercial and require additional permits. Confirm with the DRC embassy or Ministry of Agriculture before travel.
No. DR Congo does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import rules. All dogs, including service animals, must meet the same requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit. A titer test is required for high-risk origins.
There is no mandatory quarantine for dogs entering DR Congo if all import requirements are met. However, if documents are incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness, it may be detained at the port of entry for veterinary inspection, and quarantine could be imposed at the owner's expense.
Rabies vaccination is mandatory and must be given at least 21 days before travel. Other vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza) are strongly recommended but not officially required. Your vet should issue an international health certificate listing all vaccinations.
DR Congo does not have national breed-specific legislation for dogs. However, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers due to respiratory risks. Check with your airline before booking.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to DR Congo.

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, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the DR Congo Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock.

DR Congo does not maintain a formal tiered system; these requirements are based on general import conditions. Cats from free-tier origins (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) are subject to the same basic rules as low-risk origins. No quarantine on arrival if documents are in order.

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, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the DR Congo Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock.

Low-risk origins (e.g., most of Europe, US, UK, Japan, Australia) are treated similarly to free-tier origins. No quarantine if documents are complete. Cats must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination.

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, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Import permit issued by DR Congo Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150 (varies). Confirm current prices with a local vet and the DR Congo Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock.

High-risk origins (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) require an import permit and a rabies titer test. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are valid. The import permit must be obtained before travel; processing can take 2-4 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

DR Congo does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet cats. In practice, up to 5 cats are generally allowed per traveller without triggering commercial import rules, but this is not codified. For more than 5, contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock in advance to confirm commercial requirements.
No. DR Congo does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats, regardless of function, must meet the same rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit rules. Airlines may have separate policies, but the country's veterinary authority enforces the same rules for all cats.
Yes. If your cat is coming from a CDC-flagged high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), a FAVN rabies antibody titration test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. For low-risk or free origins, no titer test is required.
The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel. The cat must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. If a titer test is required (high-risk origins), the test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, so plan for a minimum of 111 days between vaccination and travel.
The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days before arrival in DR Congo. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian of the origin country. Any older certificate will be rejected.
It depends on the origin country. For high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), an import permit from the DR Congo Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock is required. For low-risk or free origins (e.g., US, UK, EU), no import permit is required. The permit must be obtained before travel and can take 2-4 weeks to process.
No. DR Congo does not impose quarantine on cats arriving with valid documentation (rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test/import permit if required). If documents are missing or invalid, the cat may be detained or refused entry, but there is no standard quarantine period.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to DR Congo.

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, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel and be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
  • Import permit issued by the Direction de l'Élevage et de la Pêche (Ministry of Agriculture, DR Congo)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Owner's passport copy
  • Certified French translation of all documents if not in French

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-150. No FAVN titer test is required for free-tier origins. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the DRC Direction de l'Élevage.

DR Congo requires an import permit for all pets, including ferrets, regardless of origin. Ferrets are not listed as prohibited but are exotic pets and may be subject to additional scrutiny. The permit must be obtained before travel. The health certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. No quarantine on arrival if documents are in order.

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, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel and be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
  • Import permit issued by the Direction de l'Élevage et de la Pêche (Ministry of Agriculture, DR Congo)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Owner's passport copy
  • Certified French translation of all documents if not in French

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-150. No FAVN titer test is required for low-risk-tier origins. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the DRC Direction de l'Élevage.

Same requirements as free-tier origins. DR Congo does not differentiate between low-risk and free origins for ferrets. Import permit and health certificate are mandatory. No quarantine on arrival if documents are in order.

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, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel and be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • FAVN rabies antibody titration test result from an approved laboratory (titre ≥0.5 IU/ml, blood drawn at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
  • Import permit issued by the Direction de l'Élevage et de la Pêche (Ministry of Agriculture, DR Congo)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Owner's passport copy
  • Certified French translation of all documents if not in French

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the DRC Direction de l'Élevage.

For high-risk origins, DR Congo requires a rabies antibody titration test (FAVN) in addition to the standard requirements. The test must be done at an approved laboratory and the result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. The blood must be drawn at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order, but the animal may be subject to inspection. Ferrets from high-risk countries may face additional scrutiny due to rabies risk.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, ferrets are not prohibited, but they are considered exotic pets and are subject to the same import rules as dogs and cats. You must have a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian, and an import permit from the Direction de l'Élevage et de la Pêche. The process takes at least 21 days after rabies vaccination, and for high-risk origins, a FAVN titer test is required with a 90-day wait after vaccination and before travel.
DR Congo does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. In practice, a single traveller is generally allowed to bring up to 2-3 ferrets as personal pets, but larger numbers may be considered commercial and require additional permits. Confirm with the Direction de l'Élevage before travel. There is no official cap like the 5-pet rule in the EU.
No. DR Congo does not recognize 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, and import permit rules. Airlines may have their own policies, but the destination country's rules apply on arrival.
A rabies titer test (FAVN) is required only if your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East, Russia). The blood must be drawn at least 90 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, and the result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. For low-risk or free origins, no titer test is required.
The import permit from the Direction de l'Élevage et de la Pêche typically takes 2-4 weeks to process. Apply well in advance. The permit is valid for a specific period (usually 30-60 days) and must be presented at the port of entry. Fees vary; confirm current cost with the DRC embassy or the Ministry of Agriculture.
No, there is no mandatory quarantine for ferrets arriving in DR Congo if all required documents (rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and titer test if applicable) are in order. However, the animal may be inspected at the airport by a veterinary officer. If documents are missing or invalid, the animal may be quarantined or refused entry.
Rabies vaccination is mandatory. It must be given at least 21 days before travel and the certificate must be valid. Other vaccinations (e.g., distemper) are not required by DR Congo but are recommended for the ferret's health. The rabies vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and recorded on an official certificate.

Good to know

The import permit is issued by the Direction de la Production et de la Santé Animales (DPSA) under the Ministry of Agriculture. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. All documents must be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. A veterinary inspection is conducted at the port of entry, typically Kinshasa's N'djili Airport.

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 DR Congo, 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 DR Congo's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.