Bringing a pet to Maldives

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

The Maldives requires advance import permission for every dog, cat, or ferret, and the paperwork burden is high. There is no routine government quarantine facility for privately owned pets that meet entry conditions, but animals arriving without a valid permit or with incomplete documentation may be refused entry, returned, or held at the owner's expense. Requirements differ by the rabies status of the origin country, so the same pet may face different rules depending on where it is travelling from.

Requirements for your pet

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

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

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

The Maldives does not publish a breed-specific ban for dogs. However, airlines serving Malé (Velana International Airport) may refuse to carry brachycephalic breeds (e.g. pugs, bulldogs, boxers) or snub-nosed dogs as cargo due to respiratory risk, especially in hot weather. Check with your airline before booking. The Maldives itself does not ban any breed, but the import permit is issued for the individual animal and may be refused if the animal is deemed a risk.

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: import permit fee may be around USD 50–150 depending on the current schedule; microchip ~USD 30–50; health certificate ~USD 100–200; courier and administrative costs extra. Confirm current fees directly with the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and your local vet — prices change and are not guaranteed.

Even for free-tier origins, the Maldives requires an import permit. Apply well in advance — processing can take several weeks. The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel, and the health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival. The pet must travel with the original documents.

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

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Rabies titer test result (FAVN or equivalent) with a value of at least 0.5 IU/ml, dated at least 90 days before travel
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: import permit fee may be around USD 50–150; microchip ~USD 30–50; rabies titer test ~USD 100–250; health certificate ~USD 100–200; courier and administrative costs extra. Confirm current fees directly with the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and your local vet — prices change and are not guaranteed.

The titer test adds significant lead time: plan for at least 3–4 months from the date of blood draw to travel. The test must be done at an approved laboratory. The pet must be microchipped before the rabies vaccination and titer test for the documentation to be valid. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival.

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

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Rabies titer test result (FAVN or equivalent) with a value of at least 0.5 IU/ml, dated at least 90 days before travel
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and flight itinerary

Rough budget

High-risk origins face the same core requirements as low-risk origins for the Maldives: permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, titer test, and health certificate. There is no additional quarantine for high-risk origins if the titer test and vaccination are documented, but the Maldives may impose conditions on a case-by-case basis. The titer test must be done at an approved laboratory and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. Plan for at least 3–4 months of preparation.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

The Maldives does not publish a fixed numeric cap for non-commercial pet imports, but each animal requires its own import permit and full documentation. In practice, bringing more than one or two pets triggers closer scrutiny and may be treated as commercial import, which has additional requirements. If you plan to bring more than one dog, apply for separate permits and be prepared to show they are personally owned pets, not for sale or breeding.

No. The Maldives does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from the standard import requirements. A service dog still needs an import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, titer test (if applicable), and health certificate. Airlines may allow a service dog in the cabin, but that is an airline policy, not a waiver of the Maldives' import rules. Do not travel with a service dog without the full permit and veterinary paperwork.

There is no routine quarantine for privately owned dogs that arrive with a valid import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, titer test (if required), and health certificate. However, if the documents are incomplete or the animal is not compliant, the Maldives authorities may refuse entry, return the animal, or hold it at the owner's expense. There is no government quarantine facility for pets in the usual sense, so compliance before travel is critical.

The titer test (FAVN or equivalent) must be done at an approved laboratory, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be performed at least 90 days before travel. Add time for the blood draw, shipping to the lab, and reporting — realistically, start the process at least 4 months before your flight. The pet must be microchipped before the rabies vaccination and the titer test.

The official health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in the Maldives. It must be issued by an official government veterinarian or an accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority in the origin country. The certificate must be in English or accompanied by an official English translation. Keep the original with the pet during travel.

Most airlines do not allow dogs in the cabin on flights to Malé (Velana International Airport); pets generally travel as checked baggage or cargo. A few airlines may permit small service dogs in the cabin, but this is airline-specific and does not waive the Maldives import permit or veterinary requirements. Check with your airline well in advance, as cargo space for pets is limited and heat embargoes can apply.

If your dog arrives without a valid import permit or with incomplete documentation, the Maldives authorities may refuse entry, return the animal to the origin country at your expense, or hold it under quarantine conditions until the situation is resolved. There is no guarantee of entry, and the decision rests with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare. Always apply for the permit before booking travel and carry the original documents.

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

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare (MAAW)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 1 year before import
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Completed application form for import permit
Copy of passport of owner
Flight itinerary or booking confirmation

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only; verify locally. Import permit ~$50-100, microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200, possible courier/endorsement fees. No titer test is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and a local vet.

Maldives requires an import permit for all cats, regardless of origin. The permit must be obtained before travel. The health certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian. Cats from rabies-free countries still need a valid rabies vaccination. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order. Cats must be transported in an IATA-compliant carrier.

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 accredited private 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 issued by the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare (MAAW)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 1 year before import
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Completed application form for import permit
Copy of passport of owner
Flight itinerary or booking confirmation

Rough budget

Same requirements as for free-tier origins. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order. Cats must be transported in an IATA-compliant carrier. The import permit application should be submitted at least 2 weeks before travel.

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 accredited private 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 issued by the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare (MAAW)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 1 year before import
Rabies antibody titration test (FAVN or RFFIT) certificate from an approved laboratory showing titre ≥0.5 IU/ml
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Completed application form for import permit
Copy of passport of owner
Flight itinerary or booking confirmation

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only; verify locally. Import permit ~$50-100, microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, possible courier/endorsement fees. Confirm current prices with the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare and a local vet.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must have a rabies antibody titration test. The test must be done at an approved laboratory (e.g., Kansas State University, EU-approved labs). The test result is valid for 1 year. The import permit application must include the titer test result. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order, but the cat may be subject to inspection. Cats must be transported in an IATA-compliant carrier.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Maldives does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet imports. However, if you are bringing more than 5 cats, the import may be considered commercial and additional requirements (such as a business registration and import licence) may apply. For 1-2 pets, the standard non-commercial rules apply. Always confirm with the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare before travelling with multiple pets.

Yes. Maldives does not grant any exemption for emotional support or service animals. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same import requirements: import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip. There is no special lane or waiver for assistance animals. You must comply with all standard regulations.

It depends on the origin country. If your cat is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a rabies antibody titration test (FAVN or RFFIT) is required. The test must be done at an approved laboratory at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before import, with a minimum titre of 0.5 IU/ml. For cats from low-risk or rabies-free countries, no titer test is required.

The Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare typically processes import permit applications within 5-10 working days. However, it is recommended to apply at least 2-4 weeks before travel to allow for any delays. The permit is valid for a specific period, usually 30 days from issuance, so time your application accordingly.

The rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of import. The vaccine must have been administered at least 21 days before travel and not more than 1 year before travel. If the vaccine is older than 1 year, a booster is required. The vaccination certificate must show the date of vaccination, vaccine manufacturer, batch number, and validity.

No quarantine is required for cats entering Maldives if all import conditions are met. However, if the documents are incomplete or the cat shows signs of illness upon arrival, it may be detained or quarantined at the owner's expense. It is essential to have all paperwork in order before travel.

Most airlines allow cats in the cabin on flights to Maldives, but this depends on the airline's policy and the aircraft type. Cats must be in an IATA-compliant carrier that fits under the seat. Some airlines have restrictions on brachycephalic breeds. Check with your airline well in advance. Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, the cat will be inspected by biosecurity officers.

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

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

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 1 year before travel
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–100. No titer test is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare.

Ferrets are not listed as prohibited pets in Maldives, but import is subject to case-by-case approval. All pets must enter via Velana International Airport (MLE) and be declared to customs. A 30-day advance application for the import permit is recommended. No quarantine on arrival 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 or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 1 year before travel
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Same requirements as free tier. Ferrets from low-risk countries do not need a rabies titer test. All pets must enter via Velana International Airport (MLE). A 30-day advance application for the import permit is recommended. No quarantine on arrival 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)

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

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 1 year before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

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

Ferrets from high-risk countries require a rabies titer test. The 90-day wait after titer test is mandatory. All pets must enter via Velana International Airport (MLE). A 30-day advance application for the import permit is recommended. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order, but the titer test effectively adds a 90-day waiting period before travel.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but it is not straightforward. Maldives allows pet ferrets under specific conditions: you need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, a rabies vaccination certificate, a veterinary health certificate, and a microchip. Ferrets are not on the prohibited species list, but approval is case-by-case. Start the process at least 30 days before travel.

Maldives does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. In practice, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare evaluates each import permit application individually. If you are bringing more than 2-3 ferrets, you may be asked to provide additional justification and could be subject to commercial import rules. Confirm with the Ministry before booking travel.

No. Maldives does not recognise emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from standard pet import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same import conditions: import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip. Airlines may have their own policies, but the country's import rules apply equally.

It depends on the origin country. If your ferret is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN test is required. The test must be done at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Ferrets from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.

Apply at least 30 days before travel. The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare processes applications on a case-by-case basis. Delays can occur, so submit your application early and follow up. The permit is usually valid for a specific date and entry point (Velana International Airport).

No, there is no quarantine on arrival if all import requirements are met. However, if your ferret is from a high-risk country and lacks a valid titer test or other documents, it may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at your expense. Ensure all paperwork is complete before travel.

The ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination, and the vaccination must be valid for at least 21 days before travel. So the minimum age at entry is 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days). There is no maximum age limit.

Good to know

The Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare (formerly the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture) issues pet import permits. Applications must be submitted before travel, and the permit is generally valid for a limited period. Pets are not permitted to enter as cargo on some routes; confirm with the airline. The Maldives is a rabies-free country and treats pet import as a disease-control matter, not a tourism service.

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