Bringing a pet to Ghana

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Ghana requires an import permit from the Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD) before travel, a rabies vaccination certificate, and a government-endorsed health certificate for dogs. No routine quarantine applies when documentation is complete; animals arriving without valid paperwork may be held at the owner's expense or refused entry. Requirements are broadly the same regardless of the origin country's rabies status, but dogs from high-risk countries must also provide a rabies titer test.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit from Ghana Veterinary Services Directorate
Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days and not more than 1 year old)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges: microchip $30-50, health certificate $100-200, import permit fee $50-100, rabies vaccination $20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Ghana Veterinary Services Directorate.

Import permit and health certificate are required even for dogs from rabies-free countries.

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 veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit from Ghana Veterinary Services Directorate
Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days and not more than 1 year old)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Same documentation as rabies-free countries; no quarantine when paperwork is complete.

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit from Ghana Veterinary Services Directorate
Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days and not more than 1 year old)
Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate with result ≥0.5 IU/ml
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges: microchip $30-50, health certificate $100-200, FAVN titer test $100-250, import permit fee $50-100, rabies vaccination $20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Ghana Veterinary Services Directorate.

Titer test required for dogs from high-risk rabies countries. No quarantine if all documents are in order, but authorities may impose quarantine if the titer test is missing or fails.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Ghana does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet movement, but generally up to 2-3 pets per family are considered personal pets. Larger numbers may be treated as commercial import and require additional permits and inspections. Confirm with the Veterinary Services Directorate before travelling with more than 3 dogs.

Yes. An import permit issued by the Ghana Veterinary Services Directorate is required before travel. Apply at least 2-4 weeks in advance and provide a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate. The permit is usually valid for a specific period, so time your application accordingly.

It depends on the origin country. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East) must have a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and completed at least 3 months before travel. Dogs from low-risk or rabies-free countries generally do not need a titer test, but the Veterinary Services Directorate may request one at its discretion.

No quarantine is imposed if your dog has a valid import permit, rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate, and (if required) titer test. If documents are missing or invalid, the dog may be quarantined at the owner's expense or refused entry. Quarantine, if imposed, is typically at the Kotoka International Airport animal holding facility.

No. Ghana does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must meet the same entry rules: import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip. Airlines may have additional policies for service dogs in cabin, but the destination country's veterinary rules still apply.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Ghana. It must be endorsed by a government veterinarian or an accredited veterinarian authorized by the competent authority in the origin country. The certificate should state that the dog is free from infectious diseases and fit to travel.

Ghana does not impose specific breed bans for dogs entering the country. However, airlines may have restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds due to respiratory risks during transport. Always check with your airline before booking.

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

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 USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
International health certificate
Import permit from Veterinary Services Directorate of Ghana

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-100. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Veterinary Services Directorate of Ghana.

Ghana requires an import permit for all cats, regardless of origin. The permit must be obtained before travel. A rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior to entry is required. 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 USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
International health certificate
Import permit from Veterinary Services Directorate of Ghana

Rough budget

Same requirements as for free-tier origins. Ghana does not differentiate based on rabies risk of the origin country for cats; an import permit and health certificate are 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 USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · 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 Veterinary Services Directorate of Ghana

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100. No quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Veterinary Services Directorate of Ghana.

For cats from high-risk rabies countries, Ghana requires a rabies titer test (FAVN) in addition to the standard requirements. The test must be done at least 30 days post-vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are valid.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Ghana does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet cats. In practice, up to 2-3 cats per traveller are generally treated as personal pets, but larger numbers may be considered commercial and require additional permits. Confirm with the Veterinary Services Directorate before travel.

Yes. Ghana does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All cats, regardless of function, must have an import permit, rabies vaccination, and health certificate. There is no separate fast-track or exemption.

It depends on the origin country. Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN test with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Cats from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.

Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel. The Veterinary Services Directorate typically issues permits within 2-3 weeks after receiving a complete application, which includes the health certificate and vaccination records.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival. It must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK).

No quarantine is required if the cat has a valid import permit, rabies vaccination certificate, and health certificate. If documents are missing or invalid, the cat may be quarantined at the owner's expense or refused entry.

Most airlines allow cats in the cabin on flights to Accra, but policies vary. Check with your airline. Ghana's import rules apply regardless of how the cat travels. Cats must be in an IATA-approved carrier.

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

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

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months from date of vaccination)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from Ghana Veterinary Services (Ministry of Food and Agriculture)
Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Ghana Veterinary Services.

Ferrets are not listed as prohibited animals in Ghana, but import is subject to discretionary approval by the Chief Veterinary Officer. A permit must be obtained before travel. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days prior to import. No quarantine required if all 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 (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

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months from date of vaccination)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from Ghana Veterinary Services (Ministry of Food and Agriculture)
Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Ghana Veterinary Services.

Same requirements as for free-tier origins. Ferrets from low-risk rabies countries do not need a rabies titer test for Ghana. Ensure the rabies vaccine is current and administered at least 21 days 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 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

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months from date of vaccination)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE-approved laboratory
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from Ghana Veterinary Services (Ministry of Food and Agriculture)
Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Ghana Veterinary Services.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination, and the animal must wait at least 90 days from the date of blood sampling before entering Ghana. Quarantine is not required if all conditions are met, but the Chief Veterinary Officer may impose quarantine on a case-by-case basis.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you need an import permit from Ghana Veterinary Services (Ministry of Food and Agriculture) before travel. Ferrets are not on the prohibited list, but the Chief Veterinary Officer must approve the import. Start the permit application at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date.

A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel, and the certificate must be valid for at least 12 months from the date of vaccination. Other vaccines (e.g., distemper) are not required by Ghana but are recommended for the ferret's health.

It depends on the origin country. If your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East, South America), a FAVN test with a titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and you must wait at least 90 days from the date of blood sampling before entering Ghana. For low-risk or free countries, no titer test is required.

Ghana does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. However, importing more than 5 ferrets at once may be considered commercial and require additional permits and inspections. For personal pets, keep the number small (1-2) to avoid customs issues. Always declare all animals to customs on arrival.

No. Ghana does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals, and there is no exemption from import requirements for ferrets. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must have an import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip. Service animals (e.g., guide dogs) may have some leniency, but ferrets are not typically recognized as service animals in Ghana.

There is no mandatory quarantine for ferrets if all import conditions are met (valid rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and titer test if required). However, the Chief Veterinary Officer may order quarantine on a case-by-case basis if documents are incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness. Plan for a possible 7-14 day quarantine at your expense if issues arise.

You need: (1) Rabies vaccination certificate, (2) International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government veterinarian, (3) Import permit from Ghana Veterinary Services, (4) Proof of ISO microchip, and (5) FAVN titer test result if coming from a high-risk rabies country. Carry originals and copies. The health certificate must be endorsed by the government veterinary authority of the origin country.

Good to know

The Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD) under Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture is the competent authority. Apply for the import permit well in advance (2-4 weeks) and confirm current procedures with the VSD or Ghana's embassy/consulate. Airlines may impose additional requirements.

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