Bringing a pet to Equatorial Guinea

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Equatorial Guinea is a high-friction destination for pet dogs: an import permit from the national veterinary authority, a rabies titer test, and a government-endorsed health certificate are required for all origins. There is no routine quarantine for dogs; pets are cleared on arrival if paperwork is complete, but missing documents can mean refusal of entry or an ad hoc hold. Requirements do not vary by the origin country's rabies status.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Equatorial Guinea.

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, DEFRA-approved LVI for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

No national breed ban in Equatorial Guinea. However, brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, etc.) are at high risk on the Malabo route due to heat and are refused by some airlines (e.g. Air France, Ethiopian Airlines) for cargo transport. Confirm with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

Import permit from Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Agriculture
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, ≥21 days old)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, ≥30 days post-vaccination, ≥90 days before travel)
Official health certificate endorsed by government veterinarian, issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate / proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–40, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150 (varies, often paid in CFA francs), airline pet fee ~$150–400. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Equatorial Guinea embassy or Ministry of Agriculture.

Even 'free' origins (EU-equivalent) must obtain the import permit and FAVN titer. The permit is usually issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services in Malabo; applications can be submitted via the Equatorial Guinea embassy in your country or through a local agent in Malabo. Processing can take 4–8 weeks.

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, DEFRA-approved LVI for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit from Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Agriculture
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, ≥21 days old)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, ≥30 days post-vaccination, ≥90 days before travel)
Official health certificate endorsed by government veterinarian, issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate / proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and flight itinerary

Rough budget

No difference from free-tier origins: the same permit, titer, and health certificate apply. US travellers should start the FAVN process at least 4 months before departure because the Kansas State University lab takes 2–4 weeks to return results and the permit adds another 4–8 weeks.

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, DEFRA-approved LVI for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit from Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Agriculture
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, ≥21 days old)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, ≥30 days post-vaccination, ≥90 days before travel)
Official health certificate endorsed by government veterinarian, issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate / proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Equatorial Guinea does not add extra quarantine or a second titer for high-risk origins — the requirements are identical to free and low-risk tiers. However, airlines flying from high-risk countries may impose their own additional checks (e.g. proof of titer at check-in), so confirm with your carrier.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Equatorial Guinea does not publish a specific numeric cap for non-commercial pet dogs, but in practice the veterinary authority treats more than 2–3 dogs as a commercial import, which triggers additional requirements (commercial import licence, VAT, and possible quarantine). For a single family pet, one dog per traveller is routine. If you plan to bring more than 3 dogs, contact the Ministry of Agriculture in Malabo before travel — do not assume the non-commercial rules apply.

No. Equatorial Guinea does not recognise emotional-support animals as a separate category, and service dogs are not exempt from the import permit, rabies titer, or health certificate requirements. All dogs — including guide dogs — must have the same paperwork. Some airlines may allow a service dog in the cabin, but that is an airline policy, not a border exemption. Expect to present the same documents at Malabo airport as any other pet.

Yes. Equatorial Guinea requires a FAVN rabies titer test for dogs from all origins, including the UK, USA, and EU countries. The test must be done at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, with a result of 0.5 IU/ml or higher. The sample must be sent to an approved laboratory (e.g. Kansas State University in the US, or APHA in the UK). Plan for 4–6 months from start to travel.

The import permit is issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forests and Environment in Malabo. There is no online portal; applications are typically submitted through the Equatorial Guinea embassy in your country or via a local agent in Malabo. Processing takes 4–8 weeks. You will need to send copies of the rabies vaccination certificate, FAVN titer result, and a health certificate. Do not book flights until the permit is issued — it is valid for a specific date window, usually 30–60 days.

If the import permit, titer test, or health certificate is missing, the veterinary officer at Malabo International Airport can refuse entry. In practice, the dog may be held at the airport (in a kennel or with a local vet) at your expense until the documents are produced, or returned to the origin country on the next available flight. There is no routine quarantine facility for pets, so a hold is ad hoc and can be stressful. Always carry originals and copies.

Yes. The microchip must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant and implanted before the rabies vaccination (or at the same time, but the vaccination must be linked to the microchip number). The microchip number must appear on the rabies certificate, titer test result, and health certificate. If your dog has a non-ISO chip (common in the US), bring your own ISO-compatible scanner or arrange for a vet to verify the number at the airport.

Malabo (SSG) is served by Air France (from Paris), Ethiopian Airlines (from Addis Ababa), and Royal Air Maroc (from Casablanca). All accept dogs as checked baggage or cargo, but each has its own rules: Air France requires a health certificate issued within 5 days of travel and may refuse brachycephalic breeds; Ethiopian requires a titer test for all dogs. Pet fees range from $150 to $400 each way. Book the pet as early as possible — each flight has a limit of 2–3 pets in the hold.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Equatorial Guinea.

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 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 not expired
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Prices vary by provider and country; confirm locally.

Equatorial Guinea does not publish detailed pet import regulations online. In practice, border officials request a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Cats with valid documents are not routinely quarantined. Confirm with the Equatorial Guinea Embassy or consulate 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 or accredited 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 not expired
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Prices vary by provider and country; confirm locally.

Equatorial Guinea does not publish a formal pet import scheme. Entry is at the discretion of border veterinary officials, who typically require a health certificate and rabies vaccination proof. No quarantine for cats with valid documents. Verify with the Equatorial Guinea Embassy or consulate before travel.

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 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 not expired
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by the Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (or equivalent authority)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fees vary. Import permit may require a local sponsor or agent in Equatorial Guinea. Prices vary by provider and country; confirm locally.

Equatorial Guinea does not have a publicly accessible online application for import permits. In practice, an import permit is often requested for pets from high-risk rabies countries. The permit must be obtained in advance from the Equatorial Guinea veterinary authority. Quarantine is not routinely imposed if all documents are valid, but the border veterinarian may impose quarantine at the owner's expense if documents are incomplete. Confirm all requirements with the Equatorial Guinea Embassy or consulate well in advance.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the rabies risk of the country you are travelling from. If your cat is coming from a high-risk country (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East, South America), a rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) is required. The blood must be drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and you must wait at least 3 months (90 days) from the date of blood sampling before entry. For low-risk or rabies-free countries, a titer test is not required.

Equatorial Guinea does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet import. In practice, a single traveller may bring up to 2 or 3 pets without triggering commercial import rules, but this is not codified. If you are bringing more than 3 cats, contact the Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food in advance to confirm whether a commercial import permit is required.

No. Equatorial Guinea does not recognise any exemption for emotional support or service animals. All cats, regardless of function, must meet the same import requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) titer test and import permit. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the destination country's veterinary rules apply on arrival.

The kitten must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination, and then you must wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. So the minimum age for entry is 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days). Some airlines also require a minimum age of 8–12 weeks for travel, so check with your carrier.

There is no routine quarantine for cats entering Equatorial Guinea if all required documents are valid. However, if the border veterinarian finds missing or invalid documents, they may impose quarantine at the owner's expense. Quarantine conditions are not publicly specified, so ensure your paperwork is complete to avoid delays.

You need an international health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian or an accredited veterinarian endorsed by your country's competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK). The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and must state that the cat is healthy and free of infectious diseases. It should also include the rabies vaccination details and microchip number.

If your cat is travelling from a high-risk rabies country, an import permit is required. You must obtain it in advance from the Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food. For low-risk or rabies-free countries, an import permit is not required. The permit application process is not well documented online, so contact the Equatorial Guinea Embassy or consulate for guidance.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Equatorial Guinea.

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 valid for at least 12 months from the date of vaccination
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of microchip implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry.

Equatorial Guinea does not publish a formal pet import scheme for ferrets. In practice, airlines and arrival officials request a rabies vaccination certificate and an international health certificate. Ferrets are not recognised as pets under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, so no EU pet passport is valid for this species.

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 valid for at least 12 months from the date of vaccination
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of microchip implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Same practical requirements as for free-tier origins. Airlines may require a fit-to-fly certificate for ferrets.

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 valid for at least 12 months from the date of vaccination
FAVN/RFFIT rabies antibody test result (titre ≥ 0.5 IU/ml)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by the Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry
Proof of microchip implantation (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 Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry.

Equatorial Guinea applies stricter controls for ferrets from high-risk rabies countries. An import permit must be obtained in advance from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry. The 90-day wait after the titer test is mandatory. Ferrets are not recognised as pets under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, so no EU pet passport is valid.

Frequently asked questions

Equatorial Guinea does not have a published pet import scheme for ferrets. In practice, entry is allowed with a rabies vaccination certificate, an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and proof of microchip. For ferrets from high-risk rabies countries, an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry and a FAVN rabies titer test are also required.

Equatorial Guinea does not specify a maximum number of ferrets for non-commercial import. Airlines typically limit pets per passenger (often 1 or 2 in cabin, more in cargo). If you are bringing more than 5 ferrets, customs may consider it a commercial import, which requires additional permits and veterinary inspections.

No. Equatorial Guinea does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All ferrets must meet the same import requirements: rabies vaccination, health certificate, microchip, and for high-risk origins, a titer test and import permit. Airlines may have their own policies for service animals, but they do not override national import rules.

The ferret must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be administered when the ferret is at least 12 weeks old. A valid rabies vaccination certificate showing the date of vaccination, vaccine manufacturer, and batch number is required. The vaccination must be valid for at least 12 months from the date of administration.

A rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) is required only if the ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and the ferret must wait 90 days from the date the blood sample was drawn before entering Equatorial Guinea. The test result must show a rabies antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml. For ferrets from low-risk or free countries, no titer test is required.

An international health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian or an accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority is required. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and must state that the ferret is in good health and free from infectious diseases. The certificate should also include the ferret's microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and the owner's information.

No. Equatorial Guinea does not require quarantine for ferrets entering the country, regardless of the origin country's rabies risk status. However, if the ferret arrives without the required documentation, it may be detained or refused entry. Ensure all paperwork is complete before travel.

Good to know

Equatorial Guinea requires an import permit issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forests and Environment (Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería, Bosques y Medio Ambiente) before travel. The permit application typically needs a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate, and a FAVN rabies titer test result. Allow 4–8 weeks for permit processing; do not book travel until the permit is in hand. The country has no published breed ban, but brachycephalic dogs may be refused by airlines on the Malabo route due to heat and short-nose risk.

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