Bringing a pet to Marshall Islands

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

The Marshall Islands is an island nation with extremely limited veterinary infrastructure and no dedicated animal quarantine station. Pet import rules are strict in principle but enforcement is inconsistent. The country is not rabies-free and has historically reported canine rabies cases. Owners should expect to need advance permission from the Chief of Agriculture, a rabies vaccination certificate, and a health certificate, but should not assume a formal quarantine facility exists. Rules do not meaningfully differ by origin country's rabies status in practice, though paperwork requirements may be applied more strictly for pets from high-risk countries.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Marshall Islands.

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 exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not more than 12 months old)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from Marshall Islands Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (Agriculture Division)
Proof of recent internal and external parasite treatment

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: import permit fee approximately $25–$50 USD; health certificate from a private vet $100–$250 USD; rabies vaccination $20–$50 USD. No titer test or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current fees directly with the Marshall Islands Agriculture Division and your exporting veterinarian.

Even for pets from rabies-free countries, the Marshall Islands requires an import permit. There is no quarantine station, so pets are typically released to the owner after document inspection at the port of entry (Majuro). Enforcement is inconsistent; do not travel without a permit.

Apply / official dog 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 exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not more than 12 months old)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from Marshall Islands Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (Agriculture Division)
Proof of recent internal and external parasite treatment

Rough budget

The Marshall Islands does not formally differentiate between low-risk and free countries for pet imports. The same permit, vaccination, and health certificate requirements apply. However, pets from low-risk countries may face additional scrutiny at the port of entry if rabies vaccination records are incomplete.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip

Not required

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 exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not more than 12 months old)
Rabies titer test result (FAVN or RFFIT) with titer ≥ 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from Marshall Islands Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (Agriculture Division)
Proof of recent internal and external parasite treatment

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: import permit fee approximately $25–$50 USD; health certificate from a private vet $100–$250 USD; rabies vaccination $20–$50 USD; FAVN titer test $150–$300 USD (including shipping to an approved laboratory). No quarantine fee applies because there is no quarantine facility, but the 90-day post-titer waiting period may require boarding costs. Confirm current fees directly with the Marshall Islands Agriculture Division and your exporting veterinarian.

The Marshall Islands applies stricter requirements for pets from high-risk rabies countries, including a titer test and a 90-day waiting period after the blood draw. There is no quarantine station, so pets are not quarantined on arrival, but the pre-travel waiting period effectively serves as a quarantine. Enforcement is inconsistent; travellers from high-risk countries should expect delays and additional scrutiny.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

The Marshall Islands does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet imports. In practice, the Agriculture Division issues permits on a case-by-case basis, and more than 2–3 dogs may trigger commercial import requirements. Contact the Agriculture Division directly before planning to bring multiple dogs.

It depends on the rabies risk of the country you are travelling from. If your dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN titer test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml is required, and you must wait 90 days after the blood draw before travel. From low-risk or rabies-free countries, no titer test is required.

No. The Marshall Islands has no dedicated animal quarantine station. Pets are not routinely quarantined on arrival, but if a pet arrives without proper documents, it may be held at the owner's expense under private arrangements or refused entry. For high-risk origin countries, the 90-day post-titer waiting period acts as a pre-travel quarantine.

No. The Marshall Islands does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must have a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate, and an import permit. Service dogs may be allowed in the cabin on some airlines, but that is an airline policy, not a government exemption.

Contact the Marshall Islands Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (Agriculture Division) directly by phone or email at least 30 days before travel. Provide proof of rabies vaccination, a health certificate, and for high-risk countries, a titer test result. The permit fee is approximately $25–$50 USD. There is no online application portal; the process is manual and can take several weeks.

No. The Marshall Islands does not require a microchip for pet dogs. However, a microchip is recommended for identification and may be required by some airlines for international travel. If your dog has a microchip, it should be ISO 11784/11785 compliant.

If you arrive without a valid import permit, rabies vaccination certificate, or health certificate, your dog may be refused entry, held at your expense, or returned to the origin country at your cost. There is no quarantine facility to hold the animal, so the Agriculture Division may order immediate re-export. Always carry original documents and confirm requirements with the Agriculture Division before travel.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Marshall Islands.

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

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Marshall Islands Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (MNRC), Division of Agriculture
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by a government veterinarian
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip or legible tattoo if microchipped before 2011
Completed customs declaration for live animals

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$25-50, customs clearance ~$50-100. No titer test or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current fees with MNRC and a local veterinarian.

Marshall Islands is rabies-free. Cats from rabies-free origins still require an import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip. No quarantine on arrival if documents are in order. Rabies vaccination must be given at 12 weeks of age or older, and travel must occur at least 21 days after the first vaccination.

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 origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Marshall Islands Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (MNRC), Division of Agriculture
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by a government veterinarian
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip or legible tattoo if microchipped before 2011
Completed customs declaration for live animals

Rough budget

Marshall Islands applies the same entry conditions to cats from low-risk and rabies-free origins. No quarantine on arrival if documents are valid. Rabies vaccination must be given at 12 weeks of age or older, and travel must occur at least 21 days after the first vaccination.

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 origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Marshall Islands Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (MNRC), Division of Agriculture
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN/RFFIT) certificate showing ≥0.5 IU/ml, from an approved laboratory, with blood drawn at least 90 days before travel
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by a government veterinarian
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip or legible tattoo if microchipped before 2011
Completed customs declaration for live animals

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$25-50, customs clearance ~$50-100. No quarantine fee applies. Confirm current fees with MNRC and a local veterinarian.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid rabies titer test in addition to vaccination. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order, but the titer test result must be available before travel. Rabies vaccination must be given at 12 weeks of age or older, and travel must occur at least 21 days after the first vaccination.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

The Marshall Islands does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet cats. Importing more than 5 cats at once may be considered commercial and require additional permits and inspections. For personal pets, contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (MNRC) in advance to confirm if any quantity restrictions apply. Each cat must have its own import permit and health certificate.

Yes. The Marshall Islands does not grant exemptions 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 waiver for service animals. You must comply with all regulations before arrival.

It depends on the origin country. If your cat is arriving from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) showing at least 0.5 IU/ml is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Cats from low-risk or rabies-free countries do not need a titer test.

There is no quarantine on arrival if all import documents are valid and in order. The Marshall Islands is rabies-free and does not require quarantine for cats that meet the entry requirements. However, if documents are missing or invalid, the cat may be detained or refused entry at the owner's expense.

Start at least 2-3 months before travel. You need time for rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), possibly a titer test (if from a high-risk country, add 30-45 days for results and ensure blood draw is at least 90 days before travel), and obtaining the import permit from MNRC (allow 2-4 weeks). The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Last-minute applications risk delays.

Rough estimates: import permit ~$25-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, microchip ~$30-50, and if required, rabies titer test ~$100-250. Customs clearance may add ~$50-100. These are estimates only; confirm current fees with the Marshall Islands Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce and your veterinarian.

Airlines determine cabin policies. Most international carriers allow small cats in the cabin if they fit in an approved carrier under the seat, but some require advance booking and charge a fee (~$100-200). However, the Marshall Islands' import rules apply regardless of transport method. Check with your airline for specific cabin pet policies and ensure your cat meets all entry requirements.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Marshall Islands.

Microchip

Not required

Rabies vaccine

Not required

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Marshall Islands Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (MNRC), Division of Agriculture
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of origin (e.g., breeder or owner declaration)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: import permit approximately $25–$50 USD; health certificate $50–$150 USD depending on the veterinarian. Microchip and rabies vaccination are not required for ferrets from rabies-free origins. Confirm current fees with the Marshall Islands MNRC and your local veterinarian.

Marshall Islands has no published ferret-specific import protocol. The MNRC treats ferrets as 'other animals' under the Animal Quarantine Act. An import permit is required for all live animals, including ferrets, regardless of origin. There is no quarantine on arrival for ferrets from rabies-free countries. Ferrets are not on the prohibited species list, but the Director of Agriculture has discretionary power to deny entry. Confirm permit issuance before booking 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 · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Marshall Islands Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (MNRC), Division of Agriculture
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not more than 12 months prior)
Proof of origin

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: import permit approximately $25–$50 USD; rabies vaccination $20–$50 USD; health certificate $50–$150 USD. Microchip not required but recommended for identification. Confirm current fees with the Marshall Islands MNRC and your local veterinarian.

Rabies vaccination is required for ferrets from low-risk countries. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel. No rabies titer test is required. No quarantine on arrival. The import permit must be obtained before travel; processing may take 2–4 weeks. Ferrets are not a prohibited species, but the Director of Agriculture may impose additional conditions.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Marshall Islands Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (MNRC), Division of Agriculture
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not more than 12 months prior)
Rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) result from an approved laboratory, showing ≥0.5 IU/ml, with test date at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel
Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785) implanted before rabies vaccination
Proof of origin

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: import permit approximately $25–$50 USD; rabies vaccination $20–$50 USD; microchip $30–$50 USD; FAVN titer test $100–$250 USD (plus shipping to approved lab); health certificate $50–$150 USD. Confirm current fees with the Marshall Islands MNRC and your local veterinarian.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries face stricter requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, and a rabies titer test. The titer test must be done at an approved laboratory (e.g., Kansas State University, Auburn University, or EU-approved labs). The 90-day waiting period after titer test means total planning time from vaccination to travel is at least 111 days. No quarantine on arrival, but the import permit may include additional conditions. The Director of Agriculture may require quarantine on a case-by-case basis.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, ferrets are not on the prohibited species list, but you must obtain an import permit from the Marshall Islands Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (MNRC), Division of Agriculture. The permit is required for all live animals, including ferrets. You will also need an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Rabies vaccination and titer test requirements depend on the rabies risk level of the origin country. There is no quarantine on arrival for ferrets from low-risk or free countries, but the Director of Agriculture may impose quarantine on a case-by-case basis for high-risk origins.

The Marshall Islands does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. In practice, the MNRC issues import permits on a case-by-case basis. If you are bringing more than 2–3 ferrets, the authorities may consider it a commercial import, which triggers additional requirements such as a business license and compliance with the Animal Quarantine Act. To avoid delays, declare the exact number when applying for the import permit and be prepared to explain that the animals are personal pets.

It depends on the rabies risk level of the country you are travelling from. If your ferret is coming from a rabies-free country (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City), no rabies vaccination or titer test is required. From low-risk countries (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia), rabies vaccination is required at least 21 days before travel, but no titer test is needed. From high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) showing ≥0.5 IU/ml is required, with the test performed at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel.

The MNRC typically takes 2–4 weeks to process an import permit application, but this can be longer if additional information is requested. Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel date, especially if you need a rabies titer test (which adds 90 days to the timeline). The permit is valid for a specific period, usually 30–60 days, so time your application accordingly.

No. The Marshall Islands does not recognize emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must comply with the same import permit, health certificate, and vaccination requirements. There is no legal provision for service ferrets in the Marshall Islands, and airlines may have their own policies. Do not assume your ferret can enter without proper documentation.

If your ferret arrives without a valid import permit, it may be denied entry, quarantined at your expense, or re-exported to the origin country. The MNRC can impose fines under the Animal Quarantine Act. In practice, airlines will not board a ferret without proof of an import permit for the destination. Always carry the original permit and health certificate with you, and have copies ready for inspection at Majuro airport.

There is no routine quarantine for ferrets entering the Marshall Islands from rabies-free or low-risk countries. For high-risk countries, quarantine is not automatically required, but the Director of Agriculture may impose quarantine on a case-by-case basis if the animal's health status or documentation is questionable. If quarantine is imposed, it is typically at the owner's expense at a designated facility in Majuro. Confirm quarantine requirements with the MNRC before travel.

Good to know

The Marshall Islands has no official published pet import protocol online. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (Agriculture Division) handles permits on a case-by-case basis. Travellers should contact the Marshall Islands Agriculture Division directly at least 30 days before travel. There is no recognized quarantine facility on Majuro; pets may be held at the owner's expense under private arrangements if quarantine is imposed. Inter-island travel within RMI may have additional restrictions.

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