Bringing a pet to Mauritius

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Mauritius has strict pet import rules that vary by the animal's country of origin, reflecting its rabies-free status. Quarantine is generally required for pets from high-risk countries, while those from low-risk or rabies-free countries may have shorter or no quarantine. All pets need a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a government import permit, with processing taking several weeks.

Requirements for your pet

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

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

10 days

Mandatory quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Station, Beau Bassin. Owner pays daily fee (approx. MUR 500-1000 per day).

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

No breed-specific bans in Mauritius, but airlines may impose restrictions on brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) during hot months. Check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

Import permit from Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with microchip number)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate
Copy of passport of owner (if accompanying)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: import permit fee ~MUR 500-1000, health certificate ~$100-200, microchip ~$30-50, quarantine ~MUR 500-1000/day for 10 days. Confirm current prices with the Ministry and your vet.

Import permit application must be submitted at least 30 days before travel. Quarantine is non-negotiable for all dogs.

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

10 days

Mandatory quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Station, Beau Bassin. Owner pays daily fee (approx. MUR 500-1000 per day).

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

No breed-specific bans in Mauritius, but airlines may impose restrictions on brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) during hot months. Check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

Import permit from Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with microchip number)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate
Copy of passport of owner (if accompanying)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: import permit fee ~MUR 500-1000, health certificate ~$100-200, microchip ~$30-50, quarantine ~MUR 500-1000/day for 10 days. Confirm current prices with the Ministry and your vet.

Import permit application must be submitted at least 30 days before travel. Quarantine is non-negotiable for all dogs.

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

10 days

Mandatory quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Station, Beau Bassin. Owner pays daily fee (approx. MUR 500-1000 per day).

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

No breed-specific bans in Mauritius, but airlines may impose restrictions on brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) during hot months. Check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

Import permit from Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with microchip number)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate
Copy of passport of owner (if accompanying)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: import permit fee ~MUR 500-1000, health certificate ~$100-200, microchip ~$30-50, quarantine ~MUR 500-1000/day for 10 days. Confirm current prices with the Ministry and your vet.

Import permit application must be submitted at least 30 days before travel. Quarantine is non-negotiable for all dogs.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Apply to the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security at least 30 days before travel. The form is at https://agriculture.govmu.org. Submit microchip details, rabies vaccination certificate, and health certificate. Fee: ~MUR 500-1000.

Yes, all dogs must quarantine for 10 days at the Animal Quarantine Station in Beau Bassin. Daily fee: ~MUR 500-1000.

Yes, each dog needs a separate import permit. No official cap for non-commercial import, but more than 5 dogs may be treated as commercial shipment. Check with the Ministry.

No, Mauritius does not require a rabies titer test. A valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.

No, they must follow the same process: import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and 10-day quarantine.

The dog must be at least 3 months old at rabies vaccination, and at least 4 months old by travel to meet the 21-day wait and quarantine scheduling.

That depends on the airline's policy. Most airlines allow small dogs (under 8 kg) in the cabin in an approved carrier; larger dogs travel as checked baggage or cargo. Confirm with your airline.

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

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

Not required

Documents checklist

Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine batch, date, validity)
Official health certificate (endorsed by government vet authority)
Airline health certificate (if required by carrier)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200, government endorsement fees ~$50-150. No import permit or titer test needed for free-origin cats. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Mauritius Division of Veterinary Services.

Cats from rabies-free origins (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, etc.) face the same entry rules as low-risk origins — no special exemptions. Microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination.

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

Not required

Documents checklist

Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine batch, date, validity)
Official health certificate (endorsed by government vet authority)
Airline health certificate (if required by carrier)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200, government endorsement fees ~$50-150. No import permit or titer test needed for low-risk-origin cats. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Mauritius Division of Veterinary Services.

Low-risk origins include most of Europe, USA, UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, etc. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. No quarantine upon arrival.

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

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine batch, date, validity)
FAVN titer test certificate (from OIE-approved lab, showing ≥0.5 IU/mL)
Official health certificate (endorsed by government vet authority)
Import permit from Mauritius Division of Veterinary Services
Airline health certificate (if required by carrier)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, government endorsement fees ~$50-150, import permit fee ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Mauritius Division of Veterinary Services.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN titer test and an import permit. The titer test must be done at least 30 days post-vaccination and the sample sent to an OIE-approved lab. The import permit application should be submitted at least 4-6 weeks before travel. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

No. The USA is classified as a low-risk origin. Cats from low-risk countries do not require a FAVN titer test. Only cats from high-risk rabies countries need a FAVN test with a result ≥0.5 IU/mL, performed at an OIE-approved lab at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel.

Mauritius generally allows up to 2 cats per person under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 2, commercial import regulations may apply, including additional permits and possible quarantine. Check with the Division of Veterinary Services for the exact limit.

No. Mauritius does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit requirements. No special treatment is given.

No quarantine is required for cats arriving from any origin tier (free, low-risk, or high-risk) provided all documentation is complete and correct. If documents are missing or non-compliant, the cat may be quarantined at the owner's expense or refused entry. Quarantine facilities are limited — avoid this by preparing all paperwork in advance.

The official health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the cat's arrival in Mauritius. It must be endorsed by a government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK). Airlines may have their own additional health certificate requirements — check with your carrier.

Submit the import permit application to the Mauritius Division of Veterinary Services at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date. The permit is typically valid for 30 days from issue. You must also complete the FAVN titer test at least 90 days before travel, with the blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.

Yes, as long as the vaccine is licensed for a 3-year duration in the country of origin and the cat is vaccinated at least 21 days before travel. The vaccination certificate must clearly state the vaccine type, batch number, date of vaccination, and validity period. The cat must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of first vaccination.

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

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

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

ISO microchip certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip, with 21-day wait completed)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of origin from rabies-free territory (e.g., EU pet passport or equivalent)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-60. No titer test or permit fees. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No quarantine. Ferret must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination; no minimum age for travel beyond that.

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

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

ISO microchip certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip, with 21-day wait completed)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of origin from low-risk country (e.g., USDA-endorsed health certificate)

Rough budget

No quarantine. Ferret must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination; no minimum age for travel beyond that.

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

30 days

Mandatory quarantine at an approved facility in Mauritius. Owner bears all costs. Quarantine period may be extended if documentation is incomplete.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA, DEFRA, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

ISO microchip certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip, with 21-day wait completed)
FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL, sampled ≥30 days post-vaccination and ≥90 days pre-travel)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from Mauritius Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security
Proof of origin from high-risk country

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-60, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100, quarantine costs ~$15-30 per day. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

30-day quarantine required. Import permit must be obtained before travel. Ferret must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination; no minimum age for travel beyond that.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Mauritius does not set a specific cap on the number of ferrets for non-commercial travel, but if you bring more than 5 animals, customs may treat the shipment as commercial and require additional permits and fees. For 1-5 ferrets, standard non-commercial rules apply.

No. Only ISO 11784/11785 microchips are accepted. If your ferret has a non-ISO chip, you must bring your own scanner and have the chip implanted again with an ISO-compliant one, or the ferret may be refused entry.

No. Mauritius does not recognize emotional support or service animals as exempt from standard import rules. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, vaccination, health certificate, and quarantine requirements regardless of their role.

The rabies vaccination must be valid (not expired) on the day of travel. If it expires before departure, your ferret must be revaccinated and wait 21 days before entering Mauritius. A booster given before the previous vaccine expires does not require a new 21-day wait.

Most airlines do not allow ferrets in the cabin due to their odor and potential to cause allergic reactions. Ferrets typically travel as checked baggage or cargo. Check with your airline for specific policies, as some may accept them in cabin if in a soft carrier and under weight limits (usually 8 kg including carrier).

There is no minimum age for travel, but the ferret must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccination. If the ferret is younger than 12 weeks, it cannot be vaccinated and therefore cannot meet the rabies vaccination requirement, making it ineligible for entry.

You must present the original microchip certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel), and if from a high-risk origin, the FAVN titer test result and import permit. All documents must be in English or French, or accompanied by a certified translation.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination, and the import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agro-Industry before travel. Failure to meet any requirement can result in quarantine at the owner's expense or denial of entry.

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