Bringing a pet to Mozambique

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Mozambique's pet import rules are moderately strict and depend heavily on where your pet is travelling from. There is no routine quarantine for pets meeting all requirements, but animals from high-risk rabies areas face stricter conditions. Expect to provide a valid rabies vaccination certificate, microchip, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival and dog at least 12 weeks old at time of vaccination
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation showing ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for free-origin countries.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival and dog at least 12 weeks old at time of vaccination
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation showing ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for low-risk origin countries.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival and dog at least 12 weeks old at time of vaccination
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation showing ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for high-risk origin countries.

Frequently asked questions

No. Mozambique does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for dogs from any origin country. A valid rabies vaccination and health certificate are sufficient.
The rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before arrival in Mozambique. The dog must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
No. Mozambique does not impose any quarantine for dogs arriving from any country, provided all documentation is in order.
Mozambique does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet imports, but bringing more than 2-3 dogs may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the National Directorate of Veterinary Services for guidance on larger numbers.
No. Emotional support and service dogs are not exempt from standard import requirements. They must still meet microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules.
A health certificate issued by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. It must confirm the dog is healthy and free from infectious diseases.
No. Only ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchips are accepted. If your dog has a different chip, you must bring your own compatible scanner or have the chip replaced before travel.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm with local vet and destination agency.

No import permit or titer test required for cats from rabies-free origins. Entry via Maputo International Airport (MPM) is standard.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm with local vet and destination agency.

No import permit or titer test required for cats from low-risk origins. Ensure rabies vaccine is administered at least 21 days before travel.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees ~$50-150. Confirm with local vet and destination agency.

Import permit must be obtained from MADER before travel. Apply at least 30 days in advance. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Mozambique generally allows up to 5 cats per person under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, the shipment is treated as commercial and requires additional permits, a customs broker, and may be subject to duties.
No. The United States is classified as low-risk, so a FAVN test is not required. A rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival are sufficient.
No. Mozambique does not provide any exemption for emotional support or service animals. All cats must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk origin) titer test and import permit requirements.
There is no official minimum age set by Mozambique, but the rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and the 21-day waiting period after vaccination means the kitten will be at least 15 weeks old at entry. Airlines may impose their own minimum age (usually 8-10 weeks for cabin travel).
Cabin travel depends on the airline's policy, not Mozambique's import rules. Most airlines allow cats in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat (typically max 8 kg including carrier). Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Persians, Exotic Shorthairs) are often banned from cargo and may be restricted in cabin due to breathing risks.
No. South Africa is considered low-risk, so no import permit is required. You still need a microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.
Mozambique does not require booster vaccinations for resident pets, but if you plan to travel back to your origin country or to another country, the rabies vaccine must be current (usually within 1-3 years depending on the vaccine brand). Local vets in Maputo can administer boosters.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO chip implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No import permit needed for ferrets from rabies-free origins. Health certificate must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO chip implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No import permit needed for ferrets from low-risk origins. Health certificate must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO chip implantation
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit from the National Directorate of Veterinary Services (Direcção Nacional de Serviços Veterinários)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Import permit required for ferrets from high-risk origins. Apply to the National Directorate of Veterinary Services in Maputo at least 30 days before travel.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a FAVN test showing ≥0.5 IU/mL, performed at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before arrival.
Mozambique does not publish a specific numeric cap for non-commercial pet ferrets. For more than 2-3 animals, commercial import rules likely apply. Check with the National Directorate of Veterinary Services before travel.
No. Mozambique does not grant any exemption for emotional support or service animals. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit requirements.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the date of arrival in Mozambique.
No. Import permits are only required for ferrets arriving from high-risk rabies countries. For free and low-risk origins, no permit is needed.
Mozambique requires rabies vaccination at a minimum age of 12 weeks, followed by a 21-day wait. A ferret younger than 15 weeks cannot meet this requirement and will be denied entry.
You must bring your own ISO-compatible scanner. Mozambique does not guarantee availability of scanners for non-ISO chips, and the animal may be refused entry if the chip cannot be read.

Good to know

All pets must be identified by a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant) before rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before travel and be valid at time of entry. A veterinary health certificate endorsed by the originating country's official veterinary authority is required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.

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.