Bringing a pet to Guatemala

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Guatemala requires a rabies vaccination certificate, an international health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian, and an import permit issued by MAGA for all dogs and cats, regardless of origin. Quarantine is not routinely imposed on properly documented pets. The same core requirements apply to pets from all countries.

Requirements for your pet

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

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

Breed restrictions

Guatemala does not impose breed-specific bans on dogs. However, airlines may have restrictions on brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs) for transport, especially in cargo. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, given at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
  • Import permit issued by MAGA (Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Alimentación)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$50–100. No titer test fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAGA.

No quarantine. Pets must enter through an official port of entry. The import permit must be obtained before travel; application typically requires a copy of the rabies certificate and health certificate.

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

Breed restrictions

Guatemala does not impose breed-specific bans on dogs. However, airlines may have restrictions on brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs) for transport, especially in cargo. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, given at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
  • Import permit issued by MAGA (Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Alimentación)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$50–100. No titer test fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAGA.

No quarantine. Pets must enter through an official port of entry. The import permit must be obtained before travel; application typically requires a copy of the rabies certificate and health certificate.

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

Breed restrictions

Guatemala does not impose breed-specific bans on dogs. However, airlines may have restrictions on brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs) for transport, especially in cargo. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, given at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
  • Import permit issued by MAGA (Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Alimentación)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$50–100. No titer test fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAGA.

No quarantine. Pets must enter through an official port of entry. The import permit must be obtained before travel; application typically requires a copy of the rabies certificate and health certificate.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Guatemala does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet imports, but in practice a single traveller may bring up to 2 or 3 pets for personal use. If you are bringing more, contact MAGA in advance to confirm whether a commercial import permit is required.
No. Guatemala does not require a rabies titer test for dogs entering from any country. A valid rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine was given at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.
No. Guatemala does not impose quarantine on dogs with proper documentation (rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit). Your dog can enter immediately after inspection at the port of entry.
Apply for an import permit from MAGA before travel. The application typically requires a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate and the international health certificate. Processing can take several days to weeks, so apply early. The permit is usually valid for a specific period (e.g., 30 days) and must be presented at the port of entry.
The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US). It must state that the dog is free from infectious diseases and has been vaccinated against rabies.
Yes. Guatemala does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from the standard import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must have a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate, and an import permit. Airlines may have additional requirements for service dogs in the cabin.
Rough estimates: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$50–100. These are approximate; confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and MAGA. There is no titer test fee because it is not required.

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

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 vet for US, or EU official veterinarian), endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • International Health Certificate for companion animals, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
  • Current rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days (but not more than 12 months) before travel

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Health certificate from a private vet: US$50–150; government endorsement fee: US$30–80; rabies vaccination: US$15–40. No import permit or titer test required for this tier, so total pre-travel veterinary cost is typically US$100–250. Confirm current prices with your vet and the Guatemalan Ministry of Agriculture (MAGA).

Guatemala does not require a microchip for cats from any origin. The rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of entry — a cat vaccinated less than 21 days before arrival may be refused. Guatemala recognises the standard international health certificate format; the certificate must be in Spanish or accompanied by a Spanish translation. No quarantine is imposed on cats from free-tier origins.

Apply / official cat 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 vet for US, or EU official veterinarian), endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • International Health Certificate for companion animals, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
  • Current rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days (but not more than 12 months) before travel

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Health certificate from a private vet: US$50–150; government endorsement fee: US$30–80; rabies vaccination: US$15–40. No import permit or titer test required for this tier, so total pre-travel veterinary cost is typically US$100–250. Confirm current prices with your vet and the Guatemalan Ministry of Agriculture (MAGA).

Same requirements as the free tier. Guatemala does not differentiate between free and low-risk origins for cats — no microchip, no titer test, no import permit, and no quarantine. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary service. Cats from the US, UK, EU, Japan, Australia, etc. fall into this tier and face no additional restrictions.

Apply / official cat 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, endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • International Health Certificate for companion animals, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
  • Current rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days (but not more than 12 months) before travel

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Health certificate from a private vet: US$50–150; government endorsement fee: US$30–80; rabies vaccination: US$15–40. No import permit or titer test required for this tier, so total pre-travel veterinary cost is typically US$100–250. Confirm current prices with your vet and the Guatemalan Ministry of Agriculture (MAGA).

Guatemala does not impose additional requirements on cats from high-risk rabies countries beyond the standard health certificate and rabies vaccination. No microchip, no FAVN titer test, no import permit, and no quarantine. However, airlines may have stricter rules for pets originating from high-risk countries — check with your carrier. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary service.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

No. Guatemala does not require a microchip for cats (or dogs) entering the country, regardless of origin. The rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate are the only mandatory documents. If your cat already has an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, that's fine, but it is not a condition of entry.
At least 21 days before arrival, and the vaccination must be current (not expired). The vaccine must have been given when the cat was at least 12 weeks old. If your cat was vaccinated less than 21 days before you fly, it can be refused entry. A rabies vaccination certificate showing the date of vaccination and the vaccine's validity period is required.
No. Guatemala does not require a rabies antibody titer test for cats from any country, including high-risk rabies countries. Only the standard rabies vaccination certificate is needed. This is different from the EU or Japan, where titer tests are mandatory for pets from certain origins.
Guatemala does not publish a specific numerical limit for non-commercial pet imports in its animal health regulations. In practice, travellers routinely bring 1–2 pets without issue. If you are bringing more than 5 cats, expect customs or MAGA (Ministry of Agriculture) to treat the shipment as commercial, which triggers additional import permit and inspection requirements. For 3–5 pets, contact MAGA in advance to confirm whether a permit is needed.
No. Guatemala does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from its veterinary import requirements. Your cat — whether a service animal or an emotional support animal — must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate and an international health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. Airlines may allow emotional support cats in the cabin, but that is a carrier policy, not a government exemption. You will still need to clear the cat through customs and present the same documents as any other pet.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days before arrival in Guatemala. It must be issued by an official government veterinarian (or an accredited veterinarian whose signature is endorsed by the national veterinary authority) and should state that the cat is healthy and free of infectious diseases. A certificate older than 10 days at the time of entry may be rejected.
No. Guatemala does not impose quarantine on cats entering the country, regardless of the rabies-risk status of the origin country. Once your cat clears customs with the required documents, it can enter directly. There are no government quarantine facilities for pets in Guatemala.

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

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

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • International Health Certificate for Small Mammals (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Current rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAGA.

Ferrets are not covered under the standard dog/cat import scheme. Guatemala's MAGA treats ferrets as 'other pets'. Verify requirements with MAGA before 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 vet for US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • International Health Certificate for Small Mammals (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Current rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months)
  • Import permit from MAGA (apply at least 2 weeks in advance)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, import permit ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAGA.

Import permit required for ferrets from low-risk countries. Apply through MAGA's Department of Animal Health. Processing can take 5-10 business days.

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

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • International Health Certificate for Small Mammals (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Current rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days post-vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
  • Import permit from MAGA (apply at least 4 weeks in advance)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAGA.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test. Import permit required. MAGA may impose quarantine on arrival if paperwork is incomplete. Plan at least 3 months for titer test and permit processing.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not covered under the standard dog/cat import rules. You must obtain an import permit from MAGA (Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Alimentación) and meet vaccination and health certificate requirements. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries also need a FAVN titer test.
Guatemala does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but non-commercial imports are generally limited to 2-3 pets per traveller. For more than 3 ferrets, commercial import rules apply, requiring additional permits and inspections. Confirm with MAGA before travel.
No. Guatemala does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All ferrets must meet the same health, vaccination, and permit rules regardless of their role.
A current rabies vaccination is required. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and be valid for at least 12 months. Other vaccinations (e.g., distemper) are recommended but not mandatory for entry.
Only if your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country. In that case, an ISO 11784/11785 microchip is required before rabies vaccination. For low-risk or rabies-free origins, a microchip is not mandatory.
Apply at least 2 weeks in advance for low-risk origins, and 4 weeks for high-risk origins. Processing times can vary; submit your application early to avoid delays.
No quarantine is required if all import documents (health certificate, rabies vaccination, permit, and titer test if applicable) are complete and valid. If paperwork is missing, MAGA may impose quarantine at your expense.

Good to know

The import permit (Permiso de Importación) is issued by MAGA. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, or the equivalent national authority). The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and within its validity period (usually 1 year). No rabies titer test (FAVN) is required for any origin country. Pets must enter through an official port of entry (e.g., La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City) and be presented to MAGA officials for inspection.

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