Bringing a pet to Papua New Guinea

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Papua New Guinea runs a permit-first dog import regime administered by the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA). Quarantine on arrival is mandatory, with length and conditions set by the dog's origin-country rabies status. Apply to NAQIA well before travel and do not book flights until the written import permit is issued.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Papua New Guinea.

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

Held at the NAQIA-approved quarantine facility in Port Moresby; owner pays boarding and veterinary inspection costs. Release is subject to a negative post-arrival health inspection.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g. USDA APHIS-endorsed, DEFRA, or equivalent national veterinary authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Papua New Guinea does not publish a national breed ban list for dogs. However, individual airlines serving Port Moresby (including Air Niugini and Qantas) restrict brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and boxers from travelling as checked baggage or cargo, especially in the tropical heat — confirm with the carrier before booking.

Documents checklist

NAQIA import permit (original, issued before travel)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days post-vaccination
International health certificate endorsed by the origin government veterinarian within 10 days of departure
Proof of ISO-compliant microchip
Air waybill / booking confirmation naming the animal

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify with NAQIA and a local vet: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, NAQIA permit fee typically in the low hundreds of USD, quarantine boarding in Port Moresby often $20-40 per day. Confirm current prices directly with NAQIA before budgeting.

Even for the least-regulated origins, PNG does not waive quarantine for dogs. The 30-day figure is the standard minimum; NAQIA can extend it if the animal arrives with incomplete paperwork or shows signs of illness.

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

Held at the NAQIA-approved quarantine facility in Port Moresby; owner pays boarding and veterinary inspection costs. Release is subject to a negative post-arrival health inspection.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g. USDA APHIS-endorsed, DEFRA, or equivalent national veterinary authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

NAQIA import permit (original, issued before travel)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days post-vaccination
FAVN rabies antibody test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from a WOAH-approved laboratory
International health certificate endorsed by the origin government veterinarian within 10 days of departure
Proof of ISO-compliant microchip
Air waybill / booking confirmation naming the animal

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify with NAQIA and a local vet: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, NAQIA permit fee typically in the low hundreds of USD, quarantine boarding in Port Moresby often $20-40 per day. Confirm current prices directly with NAQIA before budgeting.

Most European, North American, Japanese and Australian origins fall here. The titer test is the step that most often delays applications — allow 6-8 weeks from blood draw to permit issuance.

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

60 days

Extended holding at the NAQIA-approved quarantine facility in Port Moresby, with a rabies vaccination and health check on entry and again before release. Owner pays all boarding, testing and veterinary costs.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g. USDA APHIS-endorsed, DEFRA, or equivalent national veterinary authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

NAQIA import permit (original, issued before travel)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days post-vaccination
FAVN rabies antibody test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from a WOAH-approved laboratory
International health certificate endorsed by the origin government veterinarian within 10 days of departure
Proof of ISO-compliant microchip
Air waybill / booking confirmation naming the animal
Declaration of origin country rabies status

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify with NAQIA and a local vet: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, NAQIA permit fee typically in the low hundreds of USD, quarantine boarding in Port Moresby often $20-40 per day for 60 days. Confirm current prices directly with NAQIA before budgeting.

Origins on the CDC high-risk-for-dog-rabies list (much of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, parts of Eastern Europe) face the longest quarantine. NAQIA may refuse entry outright if the titer test or permit is missing — there is no on-arrival discretion to waive these.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

NAQIA treats up to 2 dogs per travelling household as a non-commercial import. Three or more dogs on the same itinerary are assessed under commercial import rules, which require a different permit, additional testing and a longer quarantine period. If you are moving with more than 2 dogs, apply as a commercial importer from the outset.

No. Papua New Guinea does not recognise an exemption for emotional-support or service animals from rabies vaccination, titer testing, import permits or quarantine. A service dog must meet exactly the same NAQIA requirements as any other dog, including the 30- or 60-day quarantine depending on origin. Plan for the dog to be held at the Port Moresby quarantine facility on arrival.

Allow at least 4-6 weeks for NAQIA to process a complete application, and longer (8-10 weeks) if a FAVN titer test is required, because the blood sample must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination and the result sent to a WOAH-approved laboratory. Do not book flights until the permit is in hand — airlines will not board the dog without it.

Yes. Origins such as the UK, USA, Australia, Japan and most of Europe are treated as low-risk but still require a FAVN rabies antibody test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Only a small number of rabies-free territories are exempt from the titer test, and even they still face 30 days of quarantine.

Quarantine is at the NAQIA-approved facility in Port Moresby, not at your home. You pay boarding directly — typically $20-40 per day — plus any veterinary treatment. Visits may be allowed at the facility's discretion, but do not assume daily access. Arrange a local agent or vet in Port Moresby to check on the dog if you cannot be there.

NAQIA can refuse entry, order the dog returned to the origin country at the owner's expense, or place it in quarantine under conditions that may include a longer hold. There is no on-arrival waiver. Carry the original permit, the endorsed health certificate and the titer test result in hand luggage — not in checked baggage.

Most airlines serving Port Moresby only carry dogs as manifested cargo, and Air Niugini generally does not allow pets in the cabin on international sectors. Even where cabin carriage is permitted, the dog still enters NAQIA quarantine on arrival. Confirm the carrier's live-animal policy and the aircraft type before booking, as some routes use aircraft without a suitable cargo hold.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Papua New Guinea.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by NAQIA
Rabies vaccination certificate
Official veterinary health certificate
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: import permit ~PGK 200-500, health certificate ~PGK 300-600, microchip ~PGK 100-200, rabies vaccine ~PGK 100-200. No titer test or quarantine cost applies in this tier. Confirm current fees with NAQIA and a local vet.

Papua New Guinea requires an import permit for all cats, regardless of origin. Apply to NAQIA at least 4 weeks before travel. Cats must be at least 3 months old. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order.

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 of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by NAQIA
Rabies vaccination certificate
Official veterinary health certificate
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Same requirements as for free-tier origins. No quarantine on arrival if documents are complete. Cats must be at least 3 months old.

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 of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by NAQIA
Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN rabies titer test result
Official veterinary health certificate
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: import permit ~PGK 200-500, health certificate ~PGK 300-600, microchip ~PGK 100-200, rabies vaccine ~PGK 100-200, FAVN titer test ~PGK 500-1000. No quarantine cost applies in this tier. Confirm current fees with NAQIA and a local vet.

Additional FAVN titer test required for cats from high-risk rabies countries. The test must be done at an approved laboratory. No quarantine on arrival if all conditions are met. Cats must be at least 3 months old.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Papua New Guinea does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet cats. However, if you are bringing more than 5 cats, they may be considered a commercial import and require additional permits and inspections. Contact NAQIA for guidance if you plan to bring more than 5.

Yes. Papua New Guinea does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats, regardless of their role, must have an import permit, rabies vaccination, microchip, and health certificate. There is no separate category for assistance animals.

There is no quarantine on arrival if all import conditions are met. However, if documents are incomplete or the cat shows signs of illness, it may be detained and quarantined at the owner's expense. Ensure all paperwork is correct before travel.

Apply for the NAQIA import permit at least 4 weeks before travel. Processing can take 2-4 weeks. The permit is valid for a specific period, usually 30 days from issuance, so time your application accordingly.

Yes. Cats from high-risk rabies countries must have a FAVN rabies titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. The test result must be valid at the time of import.

Papua New Guinea requires an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. If your cat has a non-ISO microchip, you will need to carry your own scanner. The microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination.

No. Papua New Guinea does not have any breed-specific bans or restrictions for cats. All breeds are allowed as long as they meet the health and documentation requirements.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Papua New Guinea.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by NAQIA
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian
Rabies vaccination certificate
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: import permit fee ~PGK 100-200 (approx. USD 30-60), health certificate ~USD 100-200, microchip ~USD 30-50, rabies vaccination ~USD 20-50. No titer test is required in this tier. Confirm current fees with NAQIA and a local veterinarian.

Ferrets are not on Papua New Guinea's approved species list. An import permit is required and will only be granted if NAQIA explicitly approves the import. Quarantine may be imposed at NAQIA's discretion.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by NAQIA
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian
Rabies vaccination certificate
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

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 · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by NAQIA
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian
Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN rabies titer test result
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: import permit fee ~PGK 100-200 (approx. USD 30-60), health certificate ~USD 100-200, microchip ~USD 30-50, rabies vaccination ~USD 20-50, FAVN titer test ~USD 100-250. Confirm current fees with NAQIA and a local veterinarian.

Ferrets are not on Papua New Guinea's approved species list. An import permit is required and will only be granted if NAQIA explicitly approves the import. From high-risk countries, a FAVN titer test is required. Quarantine may be imposed at NAQIA's discretion.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Ferrets are not on Papua New Guinea's approved list of importable species. You must obtain an import permit from NAQIA (National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority) before travel. Without a permit, entry will be denied. Contact NAQIA directly at least 3 months in advance to discuss whether an exception can be made.

A valid rabies vaccination is required. The ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination and wait 21 days after the vaccination before travel. Other vaccinations (e.g., distemper) are not officially required but are recommended for the animal's health.

Yes, if your ferret is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East). The FAVN test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and you must wait 90 days after the blood draw before entering PNG. No titer test is required for ferrets from rabies-free or low-risk countries.

Papua New Guinea does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. However, because ferrets are not on the approved species list, each import is assessed case-by-case. In practice, only 1-2 ferrets are likely to be considered for a personal import permit. Larger numbers would be treated as commercial and require additional permits.

No. Papua New Guinea does not recognise emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same import conditions: import permit, health certificate, rabies vaccination, and (if applicable) titer test. There is no exemption for service animals.

There is no standard quarantine period for ferrets if all import conditions are met. However, NAQIA may impose quarantine at its discretion, especially if the animal's health status or documentation is questionable. Quarantine, if required, would be at the owner's expense.

You need: (1) an import permit from NAQIA, (2) a veterinary health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian in the origin country, issued within 10 days of travel, (3) a rabies vaccination certificate, (4) a microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785), and (5) for high-risk countries, a FAVN rabies titer test result. All documents should be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

Good to know

NAQIA's Animal Health and Quarantine division in Port Moresby is the sole competent authority for dog imports. All arrival formalities are handled at Jacksons International Airport (Port Moresby); other ports of entry generally do not process companion animals. Because PNG has rabies present in parts of the country and limited post-arrival veterinary infrastructure outside the capital, origin-country rabies status drives permit conditions.

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 Papua New Guinea, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).