Bringing a pet to Republic of the Congo

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

The Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) requires an import permit, rabies vaccination, ISO microchip, and an endorsed international health certificate for dogs. There is no routine quarantine for properly documented pets. The permit is issued by the Direction Générale de l'Élevage et des Services Vétérinaires under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries; start applications 4–6 weeks before travel. Rules are the same for all origins, though enforcement may be stricter for pets from high-risk rabies countries.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Republic of the Congo.

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 destination embassy/consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 1 year
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian and the Congolese embassy/consulate
Import permit issued by the Direction Générale de l'Élevage et des Services Vétérinaires (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries)
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Proof of ownership or non-commercial declaration

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit fee $50–150, certified French translation and courier $50–150. A rabies titer test ($100–250) is not required by the Republic of the Congo but may be required by some airlines for transit. Confirm current fees with a local vet and the Congolese Ministry of Agriculture.

The import permit is mandatory. Start the application at least 4 weeks before travel. The health certificate must be endorsed by the Congolese embassy or consulate in the origin country.

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 destination embassy/consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 1 year
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian and the Congolese embassy/consulate
Import permit issued by the Direction Générale de l'Élevage et des Services Vétérinaires (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries)
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Proof of ownership or non-commercial declaration

Rough budget

Same requirements as the 'free' tier. No additional titer test or quarantine for low-risk origins. Ensure the rabies vaccine is current and the certificate shows the vaccine batch number and date.

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 destination embassy/consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 1 year
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian and the Congolese embassy/consulate
Import permit issued by the Direction Générale de l'Élevage et des Services Vétérinaires (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries)
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Proof of ownership or non-commercial declaration

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit fee $50–150, certified French translation and courier $50–150. A rabies titer test ($100–250) is not officially required but may be requested at the discretion of Congolese veterinary authorities or by some airlines for transit. Confirm current fees with a local vet and the Congolese Ministry of Agriculture.

Officially, no additional requirements beyond the standard set, but in practice, pets from high-risk rabies countries may face increased scrutiny or requests for a rabies titer test at the discretion of the Congolese veterinary authorities. Carry all original documents.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. All dogs require an import permit issued by the Direction Générale de l'Élevage et des Services Vétérinaires (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries). Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel. The permit is usually valid for 30–60 days. The fee is typically around $50–150, but confirm with the Congolese embassy in your country.

No. The Republic of the Congo does not officially require a rabies titer test for any origin. However, some airlines may require it for transit, and if your dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country, the Congolese authorities may request one at their discretion. If needed, the test must be done at an approved laboratory and can take 2–4 weeks for results.

The Republic of the Congo does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet movement. In practice, up to 2–3 dogs per traveller are usually accepted as personal pets, but larger numbers may be considered commercial and require additional import licences. If you plan to bring more than 3 dogs, contact the Ministry of Agriculture in advance.

No. The Republic of the Congo does not exempt service dogs or emotional support animals from any import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must have a rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and microchip. Airlines may have their own policies for service animals in the cabin, but the destination country's rules still apply on arrival.

The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK). It must also be endorsed by the Congolese embassy or consulate in the origin country. The certificate should state that the dog is free from infectious diseases and has been vaccinated against rabies.

No. There is no routine quarantine for dogs with valid documentation. However, if the dog arrives without the required permit, health certificate, or rabies vaccination, it may be detained, quarantined at the owner's expense, or refused entry. Ensure all paperwork is complete before arrival.

The Republic of the Congo requires an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. If your dog has a non-ISO microchip (e.g., AVID 9-digit), you should bring your own scanner or have the dog re-chipped with an ISO chip. The microchip number must be recorded on the health certificate and import permit.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Republic of the Congo.

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 (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 (administered at least 21 days before travel and current at entry)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~US$30–50, health certificate ~US$100–200, rabies vaccination ~US$20–50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Congolese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.

Republic of the Congo does not publish a formal tiered system; these requirements reflect standard practice for cats from low-risk countries. No quarantine is imposed for cats from free-tier 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 veterinarian of the origin country (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 (administered at least 21 days before travel and current at entry)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier origins. No quarantine for cats from low-risk countries.

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 (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

Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel and current at entry)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
Import permit issued by the Congolese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~US$30–50, health certificate ~US$100–200, rabies vaccination ~US$20–50, FAVN titer test ~US$100–250, import permit fee ~US$50–150. No quarantine fee applies if documents are complete. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Congolese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.

Cats from high-risk countries must have a valid rabies titer test and an import permit obtained before travel. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are in order. The titer test must be done at an approved laboratory.

Frequently asked questions

Republic of the Congo does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet movement. In practice, up to 5 cats are generally treated as personal pets, but larger numbers may be considered commercial and require additional permits. Confirm with the Congolese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries before travelling with more than 5 cats.

Yes. Republic of the Congo does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats, regardless of function, must meet the same import requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk origins, a rabies titer test and import permit. No quarantine is imposed if documents are complete.

Yes. Cats from high-risk countries must have a FAVN rabies titer test showing ≥0.5 IU/ml, with blood drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The test result is valid for 12 months from the blood draw date. This is not required for cats from free or low-risk countries.

The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel and must be current at entry. For high-risk origins, the titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, so plan for a minimum of 90 days between vaccination and travel if a titer test is required.

The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian from the origin country. For US-origin cats, a USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian must complete and endorse the certificate.

No. Republic of the Congo does not impose quarantine on cats entering with a complete and valid set of documents (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk origins, titer test and import permit). If documents are missing or invalid, the animal may be quarantined or refused entry at the discretion of border officials.

An import permit is required only for cats originating from high-risk countries. Cats from free or low-risk countries do not need an import permit. The permit must be obtained from the Congolese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries before travel. Allow several weeks for processing.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Republic of the Congo.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Verify current prices locally.

Ferrets are not covered by the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Republic of the Congo has no published ferret-specific import protocol; general carnivore veterinary import rules apply. No quarantine for ferrets from free countries. Confirm with the Congolese veterinary authority (Direction Générale de l'Élevage et des Ressources Animales) before travel.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Verify current prices locally.

Ferrets are not covered by the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Republic of the Congo has no published ferret-specific import protocol; general carnivore veterinary import rules apply. No quarantine for ferrets from low-risk countries. Confirm with the Congolese veterinary authority (Direction Générale de l'Élevage et des Ressources Animales) 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 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

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

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Congolese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee varies (typically $50-200). No quarantine fee applies. Verify current prices with the Congolese embassy or Ministry of Agriculture.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries (as defined by CDC) must have a valid rabies titer test and an import permit. The 90-day wait after titer test is strictly enforced. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order, but the animal may be subject to inspection. Confirm with the Congolese veterinary authority (Direction Générale de l'Élevage et des Ressources Animales) before travel.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, ferrets are allowed into Republic of the Congo, but they are not covered by the EU Pet Travel Scheme. You will need a rabies vaccination certificate, an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and proof of microchip. If your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East), you also need a rabies titer test and an import permit. Always confirm with the Congolese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries before travel.

Republic of the Congo does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but generally up to 5 pets per traveller are considered non-commercial. If you bring more than 5, the shipment may be treated as commercial, requiring additional permits and inspections. Check with the Congolese veterinary authority for the current limit.

No. Republic of the Congo does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All ferrets must meet the same rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip rules. There is no waiver for service animals.

It depends on the origin country. If your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN or RFFIT titer test is required. The blood must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, and you must wait 90 days from the blood draw before entering Republic of the Congo. For low-risk or free countries, no titer test is required.

The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US).

Yes, if your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country. You must obtain an import permit from the Congolese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries before travel. For low-risk or free countries, no import permit is required, but we recommend confirming with the Congolese embassy.

The ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination, and you must wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. So the minimum age at entry is 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days). There is no separate minimum age for import beyond the rabies vaccination requirement.

Good to know

All dogs require an import permit regardless of origin. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel; permits are usually valid 30–60 days. A rabies titer test is not officially required for any origin, but some airlines may demand it for transit. All documents must be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation.

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 Republic of the Congo, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).