Bringing a pet to El Salvador

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

El Salvador is a relatively lenient destination for personal pet dogs, with no quarantine on arrival and no routine import permit requirement. The core requirements are a valid rabies vaccination, an ISO microchip, and a health certificate endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority within 10 days before arrival. The same requirements apply regardless of the origin country's rabies status, though airlines and transit countries may impose additional conditions.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to El Salvador.

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 veterinarian for the US, or equivalent for the EU) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

El Salvador does not impose country-level breed bans on dogs. However, some airlines refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers due to respiratory risks, especially on long-haul or multi-leg flights. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel or a booster within the previous 12 months
International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival and endorsed by the origin country's competent authority
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. Import permit fees do not apply. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and MAG/DGSVA.

No quarantine on arrival. The health certificate must be endorsed by the origin country's competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US). 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 of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent for the EU) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel or a booster within the previous 12 months
International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival and endorsed by the origin country's competent authority
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. Import permit fees do not apply. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and MAG/DGSVA.

No quarantine on arrival. The health certificate must be endorsed by the origin country's competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US). 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 of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent for the EU) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel or a booster within the previous 12 months
International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival and endorsed by the origin country's competent authority
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. Import permit fees do not apply. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and MAG/DGSVA.

No quarantine on arrival. The health certificate must be endorsed by the origin country's competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US). Airlines may require additional documentation. Some airlines may require a rabies titer test for pets from high-risk countries, but El Salvador does not mandate it.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

No. El Salvador does not require an import permit for personal pet dogs. You need a valid rabies vaccination certificate, an international health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival, and proof of an ISO microchip. The health certificate must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of your origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US).

No. There is no quarantine on arrival for dogs with proper documentation. Your dog can enter immediately after inspection by the Salvadoran agricultural authority (MAG/DGSVA) at the port of entry.

El Salvador does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet dogs. In practice, travellers routinely bring 1–2 pets without commercial import procedures. If you are bringing more than 3–5 dogs, expect additional scrutiny and possible commercial import requirements. Confirm with the Salvadoran embassy or MAG before travelling with multiple pets.

No. El Salvador does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must have a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate, and an ISO microchip. Airlines may have separate policies for service animals in the cabin, but the destination country's import rules still apply.

Rabies vaccination is mandatory. It must be administered at least 21 days before travel for a first vaccination, or a booster within the previous 12 months. Other vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, etc.) are not required by El Salvador but are strongly recommended for your dog's health and may be required by your airline or origin country for export.

No. El Salvador does not require a rabies titer test for dogs entering from any country, including high-risk rabies countries. A current rabies vaccination certificate is sufficient.

The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days before arrival in El Salvador. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for US-origin pets) and endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to El Salvador.

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 veterinarian for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing administration at least 21 days before travel and valid at time of entry
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip USD 30-50, health certificate USD 100-200, rabies vaccination USD 20-50. No import permit fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No rabies titer test or quarantine required for cats from countries with negligible rabies risk. Cats must be accompanied by the owner or a designated person on the same flight.

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

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing administration at least 21 days before travel and valid at time of entry
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip USD 30-50, health certificate USD 100-200, rabies vaccination USD 20-50. No import permit fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No rabies titer test or quarantine required for cats from countries with controlled rabies risk. Cats must be accompanied by the owner or a designated person on the same flight.

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

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing administration at least 21 days before travel and valid at time of entry
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip USD 30-50, health certificate USD 100-200, rabies vaccination USD 20-50. No import permit fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No rabies titer test or quarantine required for cats from countries with high rabies risk. Cats must be accompanied by the owner or a designated person on the same flight.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

No. El Salvador does not require an import permit for cats from any country. You need a rabies vaccination certificate, an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and proof of an ISO 11784/11785 microchip.

No. El Salvador does not require a rabies titer test for cats from any country, including high-risk countries. A current rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.

El Salvador does not set a specific limit for non-commercial travellers. If you bring more than 5 cats, the shipment may be treated as commercial and could face additional requirements. Contact the Salvadoran Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) in advance if you plan to travel with more than 5 cats.

Yes. El Salvador applies the same import rules to emotional support and service cats as to other cats: microchip, rabies vaccination, and a health certificate. Airlines may have separate cabin policies, but the destination country's import rules apply equally.

The rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of travel and administered at least 21 days before entry. El Salvador accepts vaccinations valid for 1 year or 3 years, depending on the vaccine used. The certificate must state the administration date and the vaccine's validity.

No. El Salvador does not require quarantine for cats from any country, provided they have a valid rabies vaccination certificate, an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and proof of an ISO 11784/11785 microchip.

The health certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian of the origin country within 10 days of travel. It must state that the cat is in good health and free from infectious diseases, and include the cat's microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and the owner's information. The certificate must be endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US).

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to El Salvador.

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

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Veterinary Health Certificate (original, endorsed by origin country's government veterinary authority)
Current rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
Proof of origin (may be requested)

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip not required, but if placed ~$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 El Salvador's Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) before travel.

El Salvador does not require a microchip for ferrets. Rabies vaccination is required for all ferrets over 3 months of age, with a 21-day waiting period after primary vaccination. No quarantine for ferrets from low-risk rabies countries. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

Apply / official ferret import page

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

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Veterinary Health Certificate (original, endorsed by origin country's government veterinary authority)
Current rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
Proof of origin (may be requested)

Rough budget

Same requirements as for free-tier origins. El Salvador does not impose additional restrictions for ferrets from low-risk rabies countries. No quarantine. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Not required

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 30+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by El Salvador's Ministry of Agriculture (MAG)
International Veterinary Health Certificate (original, endorsed by origin country's government veterinary authority)
Current rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Proof of origin

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip not required, but if placed ~$30-50; health certificate ~$100-200; rabies vaccination ~$20-50; FAVN titer test ~$100-250; import permit fee varies (contact MAG). No quarantine fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and El Salvador's Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) before travel.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries require an import permit, a rabies titer test, and a 3-month waiting period after the titer test before entry. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

No. El Salvador does not require a microchip for ferrets. If your ferret is microchipped, it should be an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip for international readability. Microchipping is not a condition of entry.

It depends on the origin country. If your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN or RFFIT titer test is required. The blood must be drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and the result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. You must then wait 3 months from the date of the blood sample before entering El Salvador. For low-risk or free countries, no titer test is required.

El Salvador does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but as a general rule, non-commercial pet movement is typically limited to 2-3 animals per traveller. If you are bringing more, they may be considered commercial and require additional permits. Contact El Salvador's Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) for confirmation before travelling with multiple ferrets.

No. El Salvador does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same import requirements: rabies vaccination, health certificate, and if applicable, import permit and titer test. Service animals are not exempt from these regulations.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in El Salvador. It must be an original document, endorsed by the official government veterinary authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US).

An import permit is required only if your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country. For low-risk or free countries, no import permit is required. The permit must be obtained from El Salvador's Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) before travel.

No. El Salvador does not require quarantine for ferrets, regardless of origin, provided all entry requirements (rabies vaccination, health certificate, and if applicable, titer test and import permit) are met. There is no post-arrival quarantine.

Good to know

El Salvador's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), through the General Directorate of Animal Health (DGSVA), oversees pet imports. Dogs with proper documentation are not quarantined. A rabies vaccination certificate must show vaccination at least 21 days before travel for a first vaccination, or a booster within the previous 12 months. The health certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian and endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country. Airlines may require additional documentation or impose breed restrictions. Confirm current requirements with the Salvadoran embassy or 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 El Salvador, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).