Bringing a pet to Samoa

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Samoa is a rabies-free island nation with strict pet import rules. Every dog needs an import permit issued in advance by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (Quarantine Division) in Apia, and arrivals are inspected at Faleolo International Airport (APW). Requirements differ by the rabies status of the origin country: pets from recognised rabies-free countries normally avoid quarantine, while high-risk origins face a FAVN titer test, a 90-day post-blood-draw wait and 30 days in quarantine. Start the permit and vaccination process 3–6 months before travel; Samoa's small veterinary service processes permits slowly and airline pet space to Apia is limited.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 exporting country (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, APHA/DEFRA for the UK, or the national CVO for EU/other states), endorsed by the government authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Samoa does not publish a breed ban list for dogs. However, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers and Boston terriers are at higher risk on long-haul flights and many airlines restrict or refuse them on routes to Apia; check with your carrier. Dangerous-dog legislation exists but is applied locally, not as an import ban.

Documents checklist

Samoa import permit (issued by Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Quarantine Division)
Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, at least 21 days before travel)
Official government health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate / proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Internal and external parasite treatment record (within 14 days of travel)
Airline AWB and booking confirmation

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: import permit application ~WST 100–200 (approx. USD 35–75), microchip ~USD 30–50, rabies vaccination ~USD 20–50, government health certificate ~USD 100–250, parasite treatment ~USD 30–60, plus airline pet fees (often USD 200–600 depending on route). No titer test or quarantine applies in this tier. Confirm current fees with the Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and your vet.

Even for a rabies-free origin, Samoa still requires a permit and a health certificate. The 21-day post-vaccination wait is enforced. There is no quarantine for pets from recognised rabies-free countries provided all paperwork is in order, but the on-arrival vet may order isolation if documents are incomplete.

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Samoa import permit (issued by Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Quarantine Division)
Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, at least 21 days before travel)
Official government health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate / proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Internal and external parasite treatment record (within 14 days of travel)
Airline AWB and booking confirmation

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: import permit application ~WST 100–200 (approx. USD 35–75), microchip ~USD 30–50, rabies vaccination ~USD 20–50, government health certificate ~USD 100–250, parasite treatment ~USD 30–60, plus airline pet fees (often USD 200–600 depending on route). A titer test is not routine in this tier but may be requested if the origin country has had a rabies case in the last 12 months; if required, add ~USD 150–300. No quarantine applies if all documents are complete. Confirm current fees with the Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and your vet.

Most European, North American, Japanese and Australian pets fall here. Samoa may ask for a rabies antibody titration (FAVN) result if the origin country has had any rabies case in the last 12 months — check with the Quarantine Division when you apply. No routine quarantine if all documents are complete.

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

Mandatory 30-day quarantine at the government quarantine station in Apia (or another approved facility) at the owner's expense, unless the animal has a valid FAVN titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml taken at least 90 days before travel and all other documents are in order — in that case quarantine may be reduced or waived at the discretion of the Quarantine Division. Expect to pay for food, boarding and veterinary care during quarantine.

Health certificate

Required

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 6 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Samoa import permit (issued by Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Quarantine Division)
Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, at least 21 days before travel)
FAVN rabies antibody titration certificate from an approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml, blood drawn ≥30 days after vaccination and ≥90 days before travel)
Official government health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate / proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Internal and external parasite treatment record (within 14 days of travel)
Airline AWB and booking confirmation
Quarantine booking confirmation (if applicable)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: import permit application ~WST 100–200 (approx. USD 35–75), microchip ~USD 30–50, rabies vaccination ~USD 20–50, FAVN titer test ~USD 150–300, government health certificate ~USD 100–250, parasite treatment ~USD 30–60, quarantine boarding ~USD 20–50 per day for 30 days (USD 600–1,500), plus airline pet fees (often USD 200–600 depending on route). Confirm current fees with the Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and your vet.

High-risk origins (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) face the full package: permit, FAVN titer, 90-day wait after blood draw, and 30 days quarantine in Apia. Start the process at least 6 months before travel. Puppies under 6 months are generally not eligible from high-risk countries because they cannot complete the titer and waiting periods.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Every dog entering Samoa needs an import permit issued in advance by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (Quarantine Division) in Apia. Apply at least 4–8 weeks before travel; the permit is usually valid for a limited window (often 30–60 days) so time it with your flight. You will need to supply vaccination records, microchip details and the intended arrival date.

It depends on where you are coming from. Dogs from recognised rabies-free countries (e.g. UK, Australia, New Zealand, most of the EU) normally have no quarantine if all documents are complete. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa and South Asia) face 30 days at the government quarantine station in Apia, unless they have a valid FAVN titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml taken at least 90 days before travel — in which case quarantine may be reduced or waived at the Quarantine Division's discretion. Quarantine is at the owner's expense.

All dogs must be vaccinated against rabies with an inactivated vaccine at least 21 days before arrival, and the vaccine must be given when the dog is at least 12 weeks old. For high-risk origins, a FAVN (fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation) test is required: blood must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml, and the dog must wait at least 90 days after the blood draw before entering Samoa. There is no titer requirement for free or low-risk origins unless Samoa specifically asks for one.

Samoa generally treats up to 5 dogs per travelling family as a non-commercial import, provided each animal meets the same health and permit requirements. If you are bringing more than 5, or if the animals are intended for sale, breeding or resale, the shipment is classified as commercial and needs additional veterinary and business approvals. Confirm the current cap with the Quarantine Division when you apply, as it can change.

No. Samoa does not exempt emotional-support animals, psychiatric service dogs or other assistance dogs from the standard import requirements — the same permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate and quarantine rules apply. Some airlines may allow a service dog in the cabin, but that is an airline policy, not a border exemption. Plan for the full veterinary process regardless of the dog's role.

You need an official government health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by a government veterinarian (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet in the US, APHA/DEFRA in the UK, or the national CVO in the EU). The certificate must confirm the dog is free of infectious disease and has been treated for internal and external parasites within 14 days of travel. Rabies vaccination must be current and recorded. Keep the original certificate with you — copies are not accepted at Faleolo airport.

There are no non-stop flights from Europe or North America to Apia; typical routes connect via Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney or Nadi. Each transit country has its own pet rules — Australia and New Zealand in particular require advance permits and health checks even for transit, so check with the airline and the transit country's agriculture authority before booking. Most airlines carry dogs as checked baggage or cargo into Faleolo (APW); cabin carriage is rare on these routes. Book the pet space early — there is limited capacity.

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

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 national authority (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for US-origin cats) · 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
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit issued by Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF)
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a guaranteed price: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current fees with a local veterinarian and Samoa MAF.

For cats from rabies-free countries, no rabies titer test or quarantine is required. An import permit must be obtained before travel.

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 or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the national authority (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for US-origin cats) · 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
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit issued by Samoa MAF
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a guaranteed price: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current fees with a local veterinarian and Samoa MAF.

For cats from low-risk countries, a rabies titer test is required and must be done at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met.

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

30 days

Cats from high-risk countries must undergo 30 days of quarantine at a government-approved facility in Samoa. Quarantine must be booked in advance.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the national authority (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for US-origin cats) · 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
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit issued by Samoa MAF
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Quarantine booking confirmation

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a guaranteed price: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, quarantine fees ~$500-1000 for 30 days. Confirm current fees with a local veterinarian and Samoa MAF.

For cats from high-risk rabies countries, 30 days of quarantine at a government-approved facility is required. Quarantine must be arranged in advance.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Samoa generally allows up to 5 cats per person for non-commercial purposes. If you are bringing more than 5 cats, they will be considered a commercial import and you must comply with additional requirements, including a commercial import permit and possibly stricter quarantine. Confirm with Samoa MAF before travel.

No. Samoa does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same import requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, titer test (if applicable), health certificate, and import permit. Quarantine applies based on the origin country's rabies risk.

A rabies titer test (FAVN) is required for cats from low-risk and high-risk countries. The test must be done at an approved laboratory at least 90 days before travel, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be performed after microchipping and rabies vaccination. Cats from rabies-free countries are exempt.

Quarantine is 0 days for cats from rabies-free countries, 0 days for cats from low-risk countries if all requirements (including titer test) are met, and 30 days for cats from high-risk countries. Quarantine must be at a government-approved facility and booked in advance.

Cats must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of rabies vaccination, and thus at least 3 months old at import. The rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. So the minimum age at entry is effectively 3 months + 21 days, but check with MAF for exact timing.

Yes, an import permit is required for all cats entering Samoa, regardless of origin. Apply through the Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) well in advance. The permit is typically valid for a specific period and must accompany the cat.

An official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival is required. It must be issued by a government veterinarian or an accredited veterinarian endorsed by the national authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for US-origin pets). The certificate must confirm the cat is healthy and has met all vaccination and testing requirements.

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

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

Quarantine may be imposed at the discretion of the Quarantine Officer if the animal shows signs of illness or documentation is incomplete.

Health certificate

Required

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) – Quarantine Division
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government veterinary authority
Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel, when ferret was at least 12 weeks old)
Microchip implantation certificate or record (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment (administered within 14 days of travel)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices with Samoa MAF Quarantine Division and a local veterinarian. Import permit application fee ~WST 50–100 (approx. USD 20–40), microchip ~USD 30–50, health certificate ~USD 100–200, parasite treatment ~USD 20–50. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier.

Samoa requires an import permit for all live animals, including ferrets, and it must be obtained before travel. Ferrets are not listed as prohibited animals but are exotic pets and may be subject to additional scrutiny. Transport must be in an IATA-compliant crate.

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

Quarantine may be imposed at the discretion of the Quarantine Officer if the animal shows signs of illness or documentation is incomplete.

Health certificate

Required

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) – Quarantine Division
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government veterinary authority
Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel, when ferret was at least 12 weeks old)
Microchip implantation certificate or record (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment (administered within 14 days of travel)

Rough budget

Samoa applies the same requirements for low-risk and rabies-free countries for ferrets. Transport must be in an IATA-compliant crate.

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

Quarantine may be imposed at the discretion of the Quarantine Officer if the animal shows signs of illness or documentation is incomplete.

Health certificate

Required

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) – Quarantine Division
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government veterinary authority
Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel, when ferret was at least 12 weeks old)
FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (minimum 0.5 IU/ml, test done at least 90 days before travel)
Microchip implantation certificate or record (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment (administered within 14 days of travel)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices with Samoa MAF Quarantine Division and a local veterinarian. Import permit application fee ~WST 50–100 (approx. USD 20–40), microchip ~USD 30–50, health certificate ~USD 100–200, FAVN titer test ~USD 100–250, parasite treatment ~USD 20–50. No fixed quarantine fee applies in this tier, but quarantine may be imposed at the Quarantine Officer's discretion.

Samoa requires a rabies titer test for ferrets from high-risk countries. The import permit application must include the titer test result. Transport must be in an IATA-compliant crate.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are considered exotic pets and are subject to strict import requirements. You must obtain an import permit from the Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) before travel, provide a veterinary health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination, and a microchip. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries also require a rabies titer test. Quarantine may be imposed on arrival at the discretion of the Quarantine Officer.

Samoa does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but the general non-commercial pet import policy allows up to 5 pets per traveller. If you are bringing more than 5 ferrets, they may be considered a commercial import and require additional permits and inspections. Contact MAF Quarantine Division for confirmation.

No. Samoa does not recognize 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, microchip, and titer test if from a high-risk country. There is no exemption for service animals.

If your ferret is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), a FAVN rabies titer test is required. The test must be done at an approved laboratory at least 90 days before travel, and the result must show a minimum of 0.5 IU/ml. The test is not required for ferrets from rabies-free or low-risk countries.

The import permit application should be submitted at least 4–6 weeks before travel. Processing time can vary, but typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply early, especially if a rabies titer test is required, as that adds at least 90 days to the timeline.

Your ferret must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be administered when the ferret is at least 12 weeks old. Other vaccinations (e.g., distemper) are recommended but not required by Samoa. A veterinary health certificate must confirm the rabies vaccination.

Samoa does not routinely require quarantine for ferrets from rabies-free or low-risk countries, but the Quarantine Officer may impose quarantine if the animal shows signs of illness or if documentation is incomplete. For ferrets from high-risk countries, quarantine may also be imposed at the discretion of the Quarantine Officer. There is no fixed quarantine period; it is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Good to know

Samoa requires an import permit for every dog, cat and ferret regardless of origin; apply to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (Quarantine Division) in Apia. All pets fly into Faleolo International Airport (APW) and are inspected on arrival. Direct flights are limited — most routes connect via Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney or Nadi, so check the transit country's rules too (Australia and New Zealand both have strict transit/import requirements of their own).

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