Bringing a pet to Mozambique

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Mozambique requires an import permit, a rabies vaccination, and an official veterinary health certificate for dogs. The permit is issued by the Directorate of Animal Health (DNDP) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and should be requested at least 30 days before travel. There is no routine quarantine for properly documented pets, but paperwork is extensive and approvals can be slow. Requirements are the same on paper for all origins, though a rabies titer test is added for high-risk rabies countries.

Requirements for your pet

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

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) endorsed by the national authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit issued by Mozambique's Directorate of Animal Health
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of ownership or identification

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Mozambican veterinary authority.

Start the permit application at least 30 days before travel. The pet must be accompanied by 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)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) endorsed by the national authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit issued by Mozambique's Directorate of Animal Health
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of ownership or identification

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Mozambican veterinary authority.

No additional titer test or quarantine for low-risk origins, but the import permit is mandatory.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) endorsed by the national authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN/RFFIT) result with titre ≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit issued by Mozambique's Directorate of Animal Health
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of ownership or identification

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, rabies titer test ~$100–250, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Mozambican veterinary authority.

For high-risk origins, a rabies titer test is required in addition to the standard requirements. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are in order, but the permit application may take longer to process.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Mozambique requires an import permit issued by the Directorate of Animal Health (DNDP) under the Ministry of Agriculture. Apply at least 30 days before travel. The permit is typically valid for 30–60 days and must accompany the dog. Without it, the dog may be denied entry or quarantined at your expense.
It depends on the origin country. If you are travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East, Russia, Thailand), a FAVN or RFFIT titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. For low-risk or free origins, no titer test is required.
Mozambique does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet imports in its official regulations. In practice, a single traveller is generally allowed to bring up to 2–3 pets for personal companionship, but larger numbers may be treated as commercial imports and require additional permits and inspections. Confirm with the DNDP before travelling with more than one pet.
No. Mozambique does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from standard import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must have a rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and (if from a high-risk country) a titer test. Airlines may allow service dogs in the cabin, but the destination country's import rules still apply.
The puppy must be at least 3 months old (12 weeks) at the time of rabies vaccination, and then wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. So the minimum age at entry is 15 weeks (about 3.5 months). Puppies younger than this cannot meet the rabies vaccination requirement and are not eligible for import.
No routine quarantine is imposed if all import requirements are met (valid rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and titer test if applicable). However, if documents are missing or the dog shows signs of illness, it may be detained or quarantined at the owner's expense. Ensure all paperwork is complete before arrival.
You need an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a government-approved veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK). The certificate must state that the dog is free from infectious diseases, has been vaccinated against rabies, and is fit to travel. It must be endorsed by the national veterinary authority and presented with the import permit.

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

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

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and current at time of entry
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Mozambique's Ministry of Agriculture.

Cats from negligible-rabies-risk countries do not require a rabies titer test or import permit. All cats must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by a health certificate. Border officials may request additional documentation.

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 (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

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and current at time of entry
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Mozambique's Ministry of Agriculture.

Cats from low-risk rabies countries do not require a rabies titer test or import permit. Ensure the rabies vaccine is current and the health certificate is issued within 10 days of arrival.

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 (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 Mozambique's Ministry of Agriculture
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and current at time of entry
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, blood drawn at least 30 days after first vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100. No quarantine fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Mozambique's Ministry of Agriculture.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid import permit, a FAVN rabies titer test with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml, and a health certificate. The titer blood sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine is required if all documents are in order. Obtain the import permit before travel; processing may take several weeks.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Mozambique does not publish a fixed maximum for non-commercial pet imports, but up to 5 cats per traveller are generally treated as personal pets. More than 5 may be classified as commercial, requiring additional permits and inspections. Confirm with Mozambique's Ministry of Agriculture before travel.
Yes. Mozambique does not exempt emotional support or service cats. All cats must comply with the same rules: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and, if applicable, import permit and titer test. Airlines may have separate policies, but the country's import regulations apply equally.
It depends on the origin country. Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America) must have a FAVN rabies titer test with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml, with blood drawn at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Cats from low-risk or free countries do not require a titer test.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Mozambique. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian and include the cat's microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and general health status.
Yes, but only for cats originating from high-risk rabies countries. The import permit must be obtained from Mozambique's Ministry of Agriculture before travel. Processing can take several weeks, so apply early. Cats from low-risk or free countries do not need an import permit.
No. Mozambique does not require quarantine for cats entering the country, provided all import requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and, if applicable, import permit and titer test) are met. If documentation is incomplete, the animal may be detained at the border until the issue is resolved.
All cats must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. If your cat does not have one, it must be implanted before rabies vaccination. The microchip number must be recorded on all veterinary certificates.

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

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, endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by the Mozambique Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER) – Direcção Nacional de Desenvolvimento Pecuário
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • International veterinary health certificate in Portuguese or with certified translation, issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip or clear identification matching the health certificate
  • Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimates only; confirm current fees with MADER and a local veterinarian. Import permit: ~$50–150. Health certificate: ~$100–200. Rabies vaccination: ~$20–50. Microchip: ~$30–50. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier.

Ferrets are not listed as a restricted species in Mozambique, but an import permit is required for all live animals and must be obtained before travel. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for carnivores, with a 21-day waiting period after the first vaccination. No quarantine is required 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 of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by MADER
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • International veterinary health certificate in Portuguese or with certified translation, issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimates only; confirm current fees with MADER and a local veterinarian. Import permit: ~$50–150. Health certificate: ~$100–200. Rabies vaccination: ~$20–50. Microchip: ~$30–50. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier.

Same requirements as the free tier. No titer test or quarantine for ferrets from low-risk countries. Ensure the rabies vaccine is current and the health certificate is issued within 10 days of arrival.

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, endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by MADER
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory, dated at least 90 days before travel
  • International veterinary health certificate in Portuguese or with certified translation, issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimates only; confirm current fees with MADER and a local veterinarian. Import permit: ~$50–150. Health certificate: ~$100–200. Rabies vaccination: ~$20–50. Microchip: ~$30–50. FAVN titer test: ~$100–250. No quarantine fee applies in this tier.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid rabies titer test. The 90-day waiting period after the titer test is strictly enforced. No quarantine is required if all documents are in order, but the animal may be inspected at the port of entry. Ensure the titer test is done at a laboratory approved by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you need an import permit from MADER, a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate, and a microchip. Ferrets are not banned, but they are subject to the same rules as other carnivores.
Mozambique does not have a specific limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. However, if you are bringing more than 5 animals, they may be considered a commercial shipment and require additional permits and veterinary inspections. Check with MADER before travelling with multiple ferrets.
Only if your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East). The test must be done at least 90 days before travel and show a titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Ferrets from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.
No, quarantine is not required for ferrets if all import documents are valid and the animal is healthy. However, the veterinary authority may inspect the animal at the port of entry and could order quarantine if there are concerns.
No. Mozambique does not exempt emotional support animals from import requirements. Your ferret must have an import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip, just like any other pet ferret.
The ferret must be at least 3 months old and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. This ensures the vaccine is effective.
It can take 2–4 weeks to process an import permit. Apply well in advance of your travel date. The permit is issued by MADER and is valid for a specific period, usually 30–60 days.

Good to know

The DNDP issues import permits for live animals. The permit is typically valid for 30–60 days and must accompany the dog. Airlines may require IATA-compliant crates and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Confirm current requirements with the Mozambican embassy or the DNDP before travel.

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