Bringing a pet to Mauritius

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Mauritius is a rabies-free island nation with strict, non-negotiable dog import rules. Quarantine is mandatory for all dogs, with duration depending on origin country risk and whether a valid rabies antibody titer test is presented. Start planning 4–7 months ahead, secure an import permit before travel, and confirm every step with the Mauritius Veterinary Services; paperwork errors or missing tests can result in refusal of entry or extended quarantine at the owner's expense.

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

30 days

Quarantine at an approved Mauritius Veterinary Services facility for 30 days when all documentation is complete and the dog arrives healthy. If a rabies titer test is not provided or is below 0.5 IU/ml, quarantine may be extended to 6 months.

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

Breed restrictions

Mauritius does not maintain a country-level breed ban for dogs. However, many airlines refuse to transport brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Persian cats due to respiratory risks, especially on long-haul flights. Check with your airline for specific breed embargoes.

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Mauritius Veterinary Services
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months from the date of vaccination)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or documentation showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip number
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate from the origin country)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: import permit fee around MUR 1,000–2,000 (approx. USD 20–45), health certificate USD 100–200, quarantine boarding MUR 300–600 per day (approx. USD 7–14 per day), microchip USD 30–50. No titer test is required for this tier. Confirm current fees with the Mauritius Veterinary Services and your local vet; prices change.

Even from a rabies-free origin, Mauritius requires an import permit and a minimum 30-day quarantine for dogs. Book quarantine space well in advance; capacity is limited.

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

30 days

Quarantine at an approved Mauritius Veterinary Services facility for 30 days if a valid FAVN titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) is presented. Without a valid titer test, quarantine is 6 months. The dog must be healthy on arrival and all documents must be complete.

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

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Mauritius Veterinary Services
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months from the date of vaccination)
FAVN rabies antibody titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or documentation showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip number
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate from the origin country)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: import permit fee around MUR 1,000–2,000 (approx. USD 20–45), FAVN titer test USD 100–250, health certificate USD 100–200, quarantine boarding MUR 300–600 per day (approx. USD 7–14 per day), microchip USD 30–50. Confirm current fees with the Mauritius Veterinary Services and your local vet; prices change.

A valid FAVN titer test is mandatory to avoid a 6-month quarantine. The 90-day waiting period after the titer test means you must start the process at least 4 months before travel. Mauritius does not recognise all laboratories; check the approved list with the Veterinary Services.

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

30 days

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

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Mauritius Veterinary Services
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months from the date of vaccination)
FAVN rabies antibody titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or documentation showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip number
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate from the origin country)

Rough budget

Dogs from high-risk rabies countries face the same 30-day quarantine as low-risk origins if a valid FAVN titer test is presented, but the titer test is mandatory and must be done at least 90 days before travel. Without it, quarantine is 6 months. Some airlines may refuse to carry dogs from high-risk countries; check with your carrier.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Mauritius generally allows up to 2 dogs per passenger under non-commercial rules. If you are bringing more than 2 dogs, the shipment may be treated as commercial, requiring additional permits, higher fees, and compliance with commercial import regulations. Confirm the current limit with the Mauritius Veterinary Services before booking.

No. Mauritius does not grant exemptions from import permits, rabies vaccination, titer testing, or quarantine for emotional support or service dogs. All dogs must meet the same requirements. Plan for the full process, including quarantine, regardless of the animal's role.

Quarantine is 30 days if the dog has a valid FAVN rabies antibody titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) done at least 90 days before travel and all other documents are complete. Without a valid titer test, quarantine is extended to 6 months. Quarantine takes place at an approved Mauritius Veterinary Services facility.

The dog must be at least 3 months old at the time of import. It must also have a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, and the microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.

Yes. An import permit issued by the Mauritius Veterinary Services is mandatory for all dogs, regardless of origin country. Apply well in advance; processing can take several weeks. The permit is usually valid for a specific period, so time your application with your travel dates.

A rabies titer test (FAVN) is required for dogs from low-risk and high-risk rabies countries. It must be done at an approved laboratory and show at least 0.5 IU/ml, with a waiting period of at least 90 days before travel. Dogs from rabies-free countries may not need the titer test, but they still face a 30-day quarantine unless a titer test is presented to reduce it.

If any required document is missing or invalid, the dog may be refused entry, returned to the origin country at the owner's expense, or placed in quarantine for up to 6 months until the requirements are met. Always carry original documents and a copy, and have them checked by the Mauritius Veterinary Services before travel.

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

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting 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

Import permit issued by the Veterinary Services Division, Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mauritius
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 30 days and not more than 12 months at time of import)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or documentation showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment (within 14 days of travel)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Import permit ~MUR 1,000–2,000 (USD 20–45), microchip ~USD 30–50, rabies vaccine ~USD 20–50, health certificate ~USD 100–200, parasite treatment ~USD 20–50. Airline fees and cargo costs vary widely. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Mauritius Veterinary Services Division.

Mauritius is rabies-free and applies strict controls regardless of origin. All cats must have a valid import permit obtained before travel. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days before import. A 10-day quarantine may be imposed at the discretion of the Veterinary Services Division if documentation is incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness. Cats from 'free' territories (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican) still require the same permit and health certificate as any other origin.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting 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

Import permit issued by the Veterinary Services Division, Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mauritius
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 30 days and not more than 12 months at time of import)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or documentation showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment (within 14 days of travel)

Rough budget

Same requirements as the 'free' tier. Mauritius does not differentiate between low-risk and free origins for cats; all must meet the same entry conditions. A 10-day quarantine may be imposed at the discretion of the Veterinary Services Division if documentation is incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

10 days

Mandatory 10-day quarantine at the owner's expense at a facility approved by the Veterinary Services Division, unless the cat arrives with a valid titer test result and all other documents are in order, in which case quarantine may be waived at the discretion of the Director of Veterinary Services.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting 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

Import permit issued by the Veterinary Services Division, Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mauritius
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 30 days and not more than 12 months at time of import)
FAVN or RFFIT rabies titer test result from an OIE-approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml, at least 90 days after vaccination)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or documentation showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment (within 14 days of travel)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Import permit ~MUR 1,000–2,000 (USD 20–45), microchip ~USD 30–50, rabies vaccine ~USD 20–50, FAVN titer test ~USD 100–250, health certificate ~USD 100–200, parasite treatment ~USD 20–50, quarantine (if applicable) ~USD 200–500. Airline fees and cargo costs vary widely. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Mauritius Veterinary Services Division.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a valid rabies titer test. The 10-day quarantine is mandatory unless waived by the Director of Veterinary Services based on documented titer test and complete paperwork. Quarantine is at the owner's expense. Mauritius is rabies-free and enforces these measures strictly.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Mauritius does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet cats in its import regulations. However, the Veterinary Services Division assesses each import permit application on a case-by-case basis. Bringing more than 3–5 cats may trigger scrutiny and could be treated as a commercial import, requiring additional permits and compliance with commercial animal movement rules. For a single traveller, 1–2 cats is typical; if you plan to bring more, contact the Veterinary Services Division directly before applying.

No. Mauritius does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from its import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must have an import permit, rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) a rabies titer test. The only possible relaxation is that a service cat may be allowed in the cabin of an aircraft if the airline permits it, but this does not waive any veterinary or permit requirements. You must still comply with all entry conditions.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN or RFFIT test performed at an OIE-approved laboratory. The test must be done at least 90 days after the rabies vaccination and within 12 months before import. The result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. This test is not required for cats from low-risk or free countries.

For cats from free or low-risk countries, quarantine is not routinely required (0 days). However, a 10-day quarantine may be imposed at the discretion of the Veterinary Services Division if documentation is incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness. For cats from high-risk countries, a mandatory 10-day quarantine applies unless the Director of Veterinary Services waives it based on a valid titer test and complete paperwork. Quarantine is at the owner's expense.

A cat must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of import. This is because the rabies vaccination cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and a 30-day waiting period after vaccination is required before entry. So the earliest a kitten can enter is at 12 weeks + 30 days = approximately 16 weeks (4 months) of age.

The Veterinary Services Division typically processes import permit applications within 5–10 working days, but it is advisable to apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel to allow for any delays. The permit is valid for a specific period (usually 30–60 days) and must be obtained before the cat travels. You will need to provide details of the cat, its vaccination history, and the intended travel dates.

If a cat arrives without a valid import permit, rabies vaccination certificate, or health certificate, it may be refused entry, placed in quarantine at the owner's expense for up to 10 days (or longer), or returned to the origin country at the owner's cost. In severe cases, the animal may be euthanized. Mauritius is rabies-free and enforces these rules strictly. Always verify all documents with the Veterinary Services Division before travel.

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 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

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit issued by the Mauritius Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (Veterinary Services Division)
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implantation
Completed application form for import permit

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: 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 Mauritius Veterinary Services Division.

Ferrets are exotic pets in Mauritius and require an import permit. Submit the permit application at least 4 weeks before travel. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. Transport must be in an IATA-approved crate.

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

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE-approved laboratory, dated at least 90 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit issued by the Mauritius Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (Veterinary Services Division)
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implantation
Completed application form for import permit

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: 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 Mauritius Veterinary Services Division.

The FAVN test must be done at least 90 days before travel, and the ferret must be vaccinated at least 21 days before the blood draw. Submit the import permit application at least 4 weeks before travel. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. Transport must be in an IATA-approved crate.

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

30 days

Quarantine at a government-approved facility in Mauritius for 30 days at the owner's expense. The ferret must be in good health and have all required vaccinations and tests. Quarantine fees vary but expect ~$500-1000.

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

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE-approved laboratory, dated at least 90 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit issued by the Mauritius Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (Veterinary Services Division)
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implantation
Completed application form for import permit
Quarantine reservation confirmation

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, quarantine ~$500-1000. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Mauritius Veterinary Services Division.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must undergo a 30-day quarantine in Mauritius. The FAVN test must be done at least 90 days before travel. Submit the import permit application at least 4 weeks before travel. Transport must be in an IATA-approved crate. Quarantine space is limited; book well in advance.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are considered exotic pets and are subject to strict import regulations. You must obtain an import permit from the Mauritius Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (Veterinary Services Division) before travel. The permit application must be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance. All ferrets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. Depending on the origin country's rabies risk, a FAVN titer test and quarantine may also be required.

Mauritius does not explicitly state a maximum number for non-commercial pet ferrets, but generally, up to 5 ferrets may be imported under non-commercial rules. If you are bringing more than 5, the shipment may be considered commercial, requiring additional permits and compliance with commercial import regulations. Always confirm with the Veterinary Services Division before planning a move with multiple ferrets.

No. Mauritius does not recognize emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from standard import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same health, vaccination, and permit requirements. There is no exemption for service animals either; they must comply with the same regulations as pet ferrets.

For ferrets from low-risk or high-risk rabies countries, a FAVN rabies titer test is required. The test must be performed at an OIE-approved laboratory at least 90 days before travel and show a titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The ferret must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before the blood draw. For ferrets from rabies-free countries (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City), no titer test is required.

Quarantine requirements depend on the rabies risk of the origin country. Ferrets from rabies-free and low-risk countries do not require quarantine if all other conditions are met. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must undergo a 30-day quarantine at a government-approved facility in Mauritius at the owner's expense. Quarantine fees are approximately $500-1000, and space is limited, so book early.

You will need: (1) a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel, (2) an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, (3) an import permit from the Mauritius Veterinary Services Division, (4) proof of ISO microchip implantation, (5) a FAVN titer test result if required, and (6) a completed import permit application form. For high-risk countries, also include a quarantine reservation confirmation.

Costs vary. Rough estimates: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250 (if required), import permit fee ~$50-100, and quarantine ~$500-1000 (if required). These are ballpark figures only; confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Mauritius Veterinary Services Division.

Good to know

Mauritius is officially rabies-free. All dogs must have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, a rabies vaccination, and an official veterinary health certificate. An import permit from the Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security is mandatory. Dogs from low-risk and high-risk rabies countries require a FAVN rabies antibody titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) at least 90 days before travel; without it, quarantine extends to 6 months. Quarantine is never zero for dogs. Airlines may impose brachycephalic breed restrictions; check with the carrier.

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).