Bringing a pet to Nepal

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Nepal requires a rabies vaccination, an official veterinary health certificate, and an import permit from the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) for dogs and cats. There is no routine quarantine for properly documented pets, but clearance can be inconsistent at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and land borders. Nepal does not formally differentiate by the origin country's rabies status in its published rules, though pets from high-risk origins may face more scrutiny in practice.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Nepal does not have a nationwide breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines (e.g., Nepal Airlines) may refuse brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, etc.) or require additional health certificates. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 1 year old)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from Nepal Department of Livestock Services
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Owner's passport copy
Flight/transport details

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$20-50 (verify with DLS), rabies vaccination ~$20-50. FAVN titer test not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and DLS.

Apply for the import permit at least 2-4 weeks in advance. The permit is typically valid for a specific entry date and port.

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 or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 1 year old)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from Nepal Department of Livestock Services
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Owner's passport copy
Flight/transport details

Rough budget

Same requirements as free tier. No additional titer test or quarantine for low-risk origins.

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 or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 1 year old)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from Nepal Department of Livestock Services
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Owner's passport copy
Flight/transport details

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$20-50 (verify with DLS), rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and DLS.

Nepal does not officially publish a high-risk list, but pets from countries with endemic dog rabies (e.g., India, Thailand, most of Africa) may be asked for a titer test. Quarantine is not routinely imposed, but the quarantine officer at the port of entry may order isolation if documents are incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Nepal does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet imports. In practice, 1-2 dogs per traveller are treated as personal pets. Bringing more than 3 dogs may be considered commercial and require additional import permits and veterinary inspections. Confirm with DLS before travelling with multiple pets.

No. Nepal does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All dogs, including service animals, must have a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate, and an import permit. Some airlines may allow service dogs in the cabin, but the import rules still apply.

It depends on the origin country. For pets from low-risk or free countries (e.g., EU, USA, UK, Japan), a titer test is not required. For pets from high-risk countries (e.g., India, Thailand, most of Africa), Nepal may require a FAVN test with a minimum titer of 0.5 IU/ml, done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Check with DLS for your specific case.

There is no routine quarantine for dogs entering Nepal with complete and valid documentation. Quarantine is only imposed if the animal arrives without proper paperwork, shows signs of illness, or if the quarantine officer deems it necessary. In such cases, isolation may last until the animal is cleared, typically a few days to a week.

You must apply to the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) in Kathmandu, typically by email or through a local agent. You will need to submit a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate, the dog's microchip number, and sometimes a health certificate. The permit is usually issued within 1-2 weeks and is valid for a specific entry date. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel.

Yes, but land border crossings are handled by local quarantine posts and the process can be less predictable. You will still need a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate, and an import permit. The quarantine officer at the border may inspect the animal and documents. It is advisable to have all paperwork in order and to notify the border quarantine office in advance.

A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. It must be administered at least 21 days before travel and not more than 1 year before entry. Other vaccinations (e.g., distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis) are not officially required for entry but are strongly recommended for the dog's health. Your veterinarian can advise on a full vaccination schedule.

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

Microchip

Not required

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 · 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 and not expired
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government veterinarian
Import permit issued by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Nepal
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current fees locally. Import permit from DLS ~NPR 1,000–2,000 (USD 8–15), health certificate from a government vet ~USD 50–150, rabies vaccination ~USD 20–50. No titer test or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm with the Nepal Department of Livestock Services and your local vet.

Nepal requires an import permit for all cats regardless of origin. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel; the permit is typically valid for 30 days. Cats must arrive via Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport) where veterinary inspection occurs. No quarantine for cats from free-tier origins if documents are in order.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Not required

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 · 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 and not expired
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government veterinarian
Import permit issued by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Nepal
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier origins. Nepal does not differentiate between low-risk and free origins for cats. Import permit required. No quarantine if documents are complete. Cats must enter via Kathmandu.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Not required

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 · 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 and not expired
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from a WHO-approved lab, dated at least 90 days before travel
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government veterinarian
Import permit issued by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Nepal
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current fees locally. Import permit from DLS ~NPR 1,000–2,000 (USD 8–15), health certificate from a government vet ~USD 50–150, rabies vaccination ~USD 20–50, FAVN titer test ~USD 100–250. No quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm with the Nepal Department of Livestock Services and your local vet.

Nepal requires a rabies titer test for cats from high-risk countries. The 90-day waiting period after the titer test is strictly enforced. No quarantine if all documents are valid. Cats must enter via Kathmandu. Start the process at least 4–5 months before travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Nepal does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet cats in its import regulations. In practice, the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) issues import permits on a case-by-case basis. Bringing more than 2–3 cats may trigger scrutiny and could be treated as commercial import, requiring additional business and tax documentation. For a single traveller, 1–2 cats is the safe non-commercial threshold. Confirm with DLS before travelling with more.

No. Nepal does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from veterinary import requirements. All cats, regardless of function, must have a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate, and a DLS import permit. Airlines may allow an emotional support cat in the cabin, but Nepali customs and veterinary authorities will still require the full document set on arrival at Kathmandu.

No. Nepal does not require a microchip for cats. However, if your cat is travelling from a high-risk country and you are doing a FAVN titer test, the lab will need a permanent ID (microchip or tattoo) to link the cat to the test result. In practice, a microchip is strongly recommended for any cat travelling internationally, even if not legally required by Nepal.

The DLS import permit typically takes 7–14 working days to process. It is generally valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Apply no earlier than 30 days before travel and no later than 2–3 weeks before departure. You must submit a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate and the health certificate (or a draft) with your application.

It depends on the origin country. If your cat is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, or the Middle East), Nepal requires a FAVN or RFFIT titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at a WHO-approved lab at least 90 days before travel. If your cat is coming from a low-risk or free country (e.g., USA, UK, EU, Japan, Australia), no titer test is required.

No. Nepal does not impose quarantine on cats arriving with a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate issued within 10 days, and a DLS import permit. If any document is missing or expired, the cat may be held at the airport quarantine facility until the issue is resolved, or refused entry. Ensure all paperwork is complete before departure.

You must declare your cat to customs and present the rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate, and DLS import permit. A veterinary officer from the Department of Livestock Services will inspect the cat and the documents. If everything is in order, the cat is cleared immediately. There is no fee for the inspection itself, but the import permit must be paid for in advance. Arrive during business hours (Sunday–Friday, 10:00–17:00) if possible, as after-hours veterinary inspection may be delayed.

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

Microchip

Not required

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 origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin, 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 30 days and not more than 12 months before import
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the government veterinary authority of the origin country
Import permit issued by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Nepal
Proof of origin (e.g., owner's passport, flight itinerary)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only; confirm current fees with DLS and your vet. DLS import permit: NPR 1,000–2,000 (about $8–15 USD). Private-vet health certificate: $50–150 USD depending on country. Rabies vaccination: $20–50 USD. No titer test or quarantine applies for free-tier origins.

Nepal does not publish a formal rabies-free country list for ferrets. All ferrets require a DLS import permit. Ferrets are not listed as prohibited but are exotic pets and may face additional scrutiny. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days before travel; a 1-year vaccine is standard. No quarantine is imposed for free-tier origins, but the animal is inspected at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Not required

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 origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin, 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 30 days and not more than 12 months before import
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the government veterinary authority of the origin country
Import permit issued by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Nepal
Proof of origin (e.g., owner's passport, flight itinerary)

Rough budget

Nepal applies the same requirements to low-risk and free-tier origins for ferrets: DLS import permit, rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel, and an official health certificate. No routine quarantine. Ensure the rabies vaccine is current and not expired.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Not required

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ 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-origin, 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 30 days and not more than 12 months before import
FAVN rabies titer test result (at least 0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory, with blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the government veterinary authority of the origin country
Import permit issued by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Nepal
Proof of origin (e.g., owner's passport, flight itinerary)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only; confirm current fees with DLS and your vet. DLS import permit: NPR 1,000–2,000 (about $8–15 USD). Private-vet health certificate: $50–150 USD. Rabies vaccination: $20–50 USD. FAVN titer test: $100–250 USD plus shipping to an approved lab. No quarantine applies, but the titer test adds significant cost and time.

Nepal requires a rabies titer test for ferrets from high-risk countries (CDC-flagged for dog rabies). Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The test must be done at an OIE/WHO-approved lab. Even with a valid titer, the ferret is inspected at the port of entry. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are in order, but the animal may be held briefly if paperwork is incomplete.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but it is not straightforward. Nepal's Department of Livestock Services (DLS) issues import permits for ferrets on a case-by-case basis. You must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate, an official veterinary health certificate, and an import permit. Ferrets are considered exotic pets, and there are no specific published regulations for them, so requirements can change. Always contact DLS directly before travel.

Nepal does not have a published limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. In practice, DLS typically allows one or two ferrets per traveller as personal pets. Bringing more than two may trigger commercial import requirements, including additional permits, taxes, and inspections. If you plan to bring more than two, contact DLS in advance to clarify.

It depends on the origin country. If you are travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN rabies titer test is required. The blood must be drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. For low-risk or free-tier origins (e.g., USA, UK, EU, Japan, Australia), no titer test is required.

No. Nepal does not impose quarantine on ferrets if all import documents are valid and the animal is healthy. However, the ferret will be inspected at the port of entry (Tribhuvan International Airport). If paperwork is incomplete or the animal appears sick, it may be detained or refused entry.

No. Nepal does not recognize emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit rules. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but Nepali border authorities will not waive veterinary requirements.

Approximate ranges: DLS import permit fee NPR 1,000–2,000 ($8–15 USD); health certificate from a vet $50–150 USD; rabies vaccination $20–50 USD; FAVN titer test $100–250 USD if required. These are estimates only; confirm current fees with DLS and your vet. Additional costs may include microchipping (not required by Nepal but may be needed for travel), airline pet fees, and customs brokerage.

If you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport without a valid DLS import permit, the ferret may be denied entry, quarantined at your expense, or returned to the origin country. In some cases, the animal may be euthanized. Always obtain the permit before travel. The permit application typically takes 1–2 weeks, so apply early.

Good to know

The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is the competent authority. Import permits are issued by DLS in Kathmandu; applications typically require a rabies vaccination certificate and sometimes a health certificate. Pets are usually cleared at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) by the quarantine office. Land border crossings (e.g., from India) are handled by local quarantine posts and can be less predictable. Confirm current requirements with DLS or the Nepali embassy/consulate 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 Nepal, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).