Bringing a pet to Namibia

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Namibia enforces strict, origin-dependent import rules for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Expect mandatory microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a rabies titer test for pets from high-risk countries, plus a 30-day quarantine unless your pet qualifies for direct entry. Start preparations at least 4–6 months ahead, as the titer test result must be issued at least 3 months before travel.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 microchip number
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by exporting country's veterinary authority
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: 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 dogs from rabies-free origins.

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 microchip number
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by exporting country's veterinary authority
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: 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 dogs from low-risk origins.

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 microchip number
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by exporting country's veterinary authority
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: 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 dogs from high-risk origins.

Frequently asked questions

No, Namibia does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for dogs from any origin country. A valid rabies vaccination with a 21-day wait after the primary vaccine is sufficient.
No, there is no mandatory quarantine for dogs entering Namibia from any country, provided all documentation (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate) is in order.
Namibia does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet movement, but bringing more than 5 dogs may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the Namibian Directorate of Veterinary Services if you plan to bring multiple animals.
No, Namibia does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. All dogs must be microchipped, rabies-vaccinated, and accompanied by a health certificate regardless of their working status.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the dog's arrival in Namibia. It must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the exporting country.
Yes, the microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine certificate should reference the microchip number. Only ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchips are accepted.
Puppies under 12 weeks of age cannot be vaccinated against rabies, so they cannot meet the rabies vaccination requirement. Namibia requires a minimum age of 12 weeks for the rabies vaccine, plus a 21-day wait, meaning the puppy must be at least 15 weeks old at the time of travel.

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

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 microchip number, vaccine details, and validity)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel, signed by official veterinarian)
  • Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip)

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 Directorate of Veterinary Services (Namibia).

No import permit or titer test required for cats from rabies-free origins.

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 microchip number, vaccine details, and validity)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel, signed by official veterinarian)
  • Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip)

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 Directorate of Veterinary Services (Namibia).

No import permit or titer test required for cats from low-risk origins.

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 microchip number, vaccine details, and validity)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel, signed by official veterinarian)
  • Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip)
  • Import permit from Namibia's Directorate of Veterinary Services
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)

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 Directorate of Veterinary Services (Namibia).

Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply at least 4-6 weeks in advance.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Namibia generally allows up to 5 cats per person under non-commercial rules. Bringing more than 5 may trigger commercial import requirements, including additional permits and possible quarantine. Confirm with the Directorate of Veterinary Services.
No, Namibia does not accept the EU pet passport as a standalone document. You must obtain a health certificate issued by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, regardless of origin tier.
No. Namibia does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from high-risk origin) titer test and import permit rules.
That depends on the airline's policy, not Namibia's import rules. Namibia's Directorate of Veterinary Services does not regulate in-cabin vs. cargo travel. Check with your airline for their pet-in-cabin rules, weight limits, and carrier size restrictions.
Namibia requires that the rabies vaccination be valid at the time of entry. If it expires during your stay, you should have your cat revaccinated by a local veterinarian in Namibia to maintain coverage, especially if you plan to travel onward to another country.
If your cat remains in the aircraft or stays in a bonded transit area and does not enter Namibia, no import permit is needed. If you clear customs or stay overnight, the full import rules for your origin tier apply, including the import permit for high-risk origins.
No. Namibia requires rabies vaccination at a minimum age of 12 weeks, plus a 21-day waiting period after vaccination. The earliest a kitten can enter is 15 weeks old (12 weeks + 21 days). No exceptions for younger kittens.

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

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
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation

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 Directorate of Veterinary Services (Namibia).

Ferrets are allowed as pets. No import permit needed from free-origin countries. Ensure microchip is 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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation

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 Directorate of Veterinary Services (Namibia).

Ferrets are allowed as pets. No import permit needed from low-risk origin countries. Ensure microchip is 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)
Required
Blood draw 90+ 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
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate
  • Import permit from Namibia Directorate of Veterinary Services

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 Directorate of Veterinary Services (Namibia).

Ferrets are allowed as pets. Import permit required from high-risk origin countries. Apply at least 30 days before travel. Titer test must be done at an approved lab. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, for ferrets arriving from high-risk origin countries, a rabies titer test (FAVN) is required. The blood sample must be taken at least 90 days before travel and sent to an EU-approved or OIE-recognized laboratory. The result must show an antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Namibia generally allows up to 5 pets per person under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5 ferrets, commercial import regulations may apply, which could require additional permits and inspections. Confirm with the Directorate of Veterinary Services before travel.
No. Namibia does not provide any exemptions 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 regardless of their role.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the date of arrival in Namibia. It must be signed by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian. If travel is delayed, you may need a new certificate.
No, an import permit is not required for ferrets arriving from free or low-risk origin countries. It is only required for ferrets from high-risk origin countries. For high-risk origins, apply to the Directorate of Veterinary Services at least 30 days before travel.
No. Ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination, and the vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. In practice, the minimum age for entry is around 15 weeks (12 weeks for vaccine + 21-day wait). There is no separate minimum age requirement beyond that.
If the titer result is below 0.5 IU/ml, the ferret will not meet Namibia's entry requirements. You will need to revaccinate your ferret and repeat the titer test after at least 30 days. The ferret cannot enter Namibia until a passing result is obtained.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine must be administered after microchipping, and the pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.

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