Bringing a pet to São Tomé and Príncipe

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

São Tomé and Príncipe has no publicly accessible pet-import regulation database and is not part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme. In practice, authorities require a rabies vaccination certificate and an international health certificate, and the port veterinarian may impose quarantine or additional conditions if documentation is incomplete or the animal appears unhealthy. Enforcement is discretionary and can vary by port of entry and official on duty. Owners should verify requirements directly with the São Tomé veterinary authority well before travel, as there is no formal online application system.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to São Tomé and Príncipe.

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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ownership or identification of the animal

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50; microchip ~$30–50 if requested. No published fee schedule exists online; confirm current prices with a local vet and the São Tomé veterinary authority.

No published regulation distinguishes free-tier origins. A valid rabies certificate and health certificate are the practical minimum. Microchip is not routinely required but may be requested. Quarantine is not standard but can be imposed at the port veterinarian's discretion if documents are incomplete.

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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ownership or identification of the animal

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50; microchip ~$30–50 if requested. No published fee schedule exists online; confirm current prices with a local vet and the São Tomé veterinary authority.

No published regulation distinguishes low-risk origins from free-tier origins. Same documentation as free tier. Enforcement is discretionary; travellers from low-risk countries are not routinely subjected to additional requirements, but the port veterinarian may request a titer test or quarantine if rabies vaccination records are unclear.

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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ownership or identification of the animal

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50; microchip ~$30–50 if requested; FAVN titer test ~$100–250 if requested. No published fee schedule exists online; confirm current prices with a local vet and the São Tomé veterinary authority.

No published regulation distinguishes high-risk origins, but animals from high-risk rabies countries may face additional scrutiny, including a possible request for a rabies titer test or quarantine at the port veterinarian's discretion. There is no formal quarantine facility; any quarantine would likely be at the owner's expense in a designated location. Carry all original documents and be prepared for delays.

Frequently asked questions

No published regulation requires an import permit for a dog entering São Tomé and Príncipe. Because there is no online application system, contact the Directorate of Veterinary Services (Direcção dos Serviços Veterinários) under the Ministry of Agriculture in São Tomé before travel to confirm whether an informal permit or advance notification is required.
No, a rabies titer test is not routinely required by published regulation. If your dog is arriving from a country with high rabies risk, the port veterinarian may request a titer test at their discretion. If requested, the test must be processed at an OIE/WHO reference laboratory and can take 30–45 days to obtain results.
There is no published limit on the number of dogs a non-commercial traveller may bring into São Tomé and Príncipe. Bringing more than 2–3 dogs may attract scrutiny and could be treated as a commercial import, which would require additional permits and inspections. If you plan to bring more than one dog, contact the veterinary authority in advance to clarify the threshold.
No. São Tomé and Príncipe does not publish any exemption for emotional support or service animals. All dogs must meet the same requirements: valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and proof of ownership. Carry all original documentation and be prepared for inspection.
There is no standard quarantine requirement for dogs entering São Tomé and Príncipe with complete and valid documentation. The port veterinarian has discretionary authority to impose quarantine if documents are incomplete, if the animal appears unhealthy, or if the origin country is considered high-risk for rabies. There is no formal quarantine facility; any quarantine would likely be at the owner's expense in a designated location.
Rabies vaccination is required. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel and must be valid at the time of entry (typically a 1-year or 3-year vaccine). Other vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, etc.) are not required by regulation but are strongly recommended. Carry the original vaccination certificate.
You need an international health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian or an accredited private veterinarian endorsed by your origin country's competent authority. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and must state that the animal is healthy and fit to travel. It should also include the rabies vaccination details. Carry the original certificate; photocopies may not be accepted.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to São Tomé and Príncipe.

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 origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200. Import permit not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the São Tomé and Príncipe Directorate of Veterinary Services.

São Tomé and Príncipe does not publish a formal tiered system; these requirements reflect general practice for pet cats. Confirm with the Directorate of Veterinary Services (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development) 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 or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200. Import permit not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the São Tomé and Príncipe Directorate of Veterinary Services.

Same requirements as for free-tier origins. São Tomé and Príncipe does not impose additional restrictions based on the rabies risk category of the origin country for cats.

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 origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, sample taken ≥30 days after vaccination and ≥90 days before travel)
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, FAVN titer test $100–250, import permit fee $50–150. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the São Tomé and Príncipe Directorate of Veterinary Services.

High-risk origin countries are those flagged by the CDC as high-risk for dog rabies. For cats, the same titer test and permit requirements apply. Quarantine is not imposed if all documentation is in order, but the animal may be subject to inspection on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

There is no published limit for non-commercial pet cats, but the Directorate of Veterinary Services generally allows up to 5 pets per traveller without triggering commercial import rules. If you are bringing more than 5, contact the Directorate in advance as a commercial import licence may be required.
No. São Tomé and Príncipe 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. There is no waiver for service animals.
No. A rabies titer test is not required for cats arriving from low-risk or free countries. It is only required for cats originating from high-risk rabies countries as defined by the CDC (e.g., many African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries).
The veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days before arrival in São Tomé and Príncipe. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian or an accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority.
No quarantine is imposed for cats that meet all entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk origins, titer test and import permit). However, if documentation is incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness, it may be detained or quarantined at the owner's expense.
No. An ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip is required for all cats entering São Tomé and Príncipe. If your cat does not have one, it must be implanted before rabies vaccination and before the health certificate is issued.
No. São Tomé and Príncipe does not impose any breed-specific bans or restrictions on cats. All breeds are allowed as long as they meet the general import requirements.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to São Tomé and Príncipe.

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Not required
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by the Directorate of Livestock and Veterinary Services (Direcção de Pecuária e Serviços Veterinários), São Tomé
  • International veterinary health certificate (in Portuguese or with certified translation) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of origin (owner's declaration or export certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: import permit ~$50–150, health certificate ~$50–150, possible translation/notarisation ~$30–80. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current fees with the São Tomé veterinary authority before travel.

São Tomé and Príncipe has no published ferret-specific import protocol. The Directorate of Livestock and Veterinary Services treats ferrets as 'other carnivores' and requires a case-by-case import permit. No quarantine is imposed if the animal arrives with a valid health certificate and permit. Rabies vaccination is not required from rabies-free origins, but is strongly recommended because the country is rabies-free and any bite incident triggers immediate destruction testing.

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, endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by the Directorate of Livestock and Veterinary Services, São Tomé
  • International veterinary health certificate (in Portuguese or with certified translation) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days old at arrival)
  • Proof of origin (owner's declaration or export certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: import permit ~$50–150, health certificate ~$50–150, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, translation/notarisation ~$30–80. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current fees with the São Tomé veterinary authority.

Ferrets from low-risk rabies countries must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before arrival. No microchip or FAVN titer test is required. The import permit is mandatory and must be obtained before travel. No quarantine on arrival if documents are in order. São Tomé is rabies-free, so any ferret that bites a person may be confiscated and tested for rabies regardless of vaccination status.

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, endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by the Directorate of Livestock and Veterinary Services, São Tomé
  • International veterinary health certificate (in Portuguese or with certified translation) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days old at arrival)
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, at least 90 days before arrival)
  • ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate
  • Proof of origin (owner's declaration or export certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: import permit ~$50–150, health certificate ~$50–150, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, microchip ~$30–50, translation/notarisation ~$30–80. No quarantine fee applies if documents are complete. Confirm current fees with the São Tomé veterinary authority.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries face the strictest rules: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and a FAVN titer test ≥0.5 IU/ml at least 90 days before arrival. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are complete, but the import permit is mandatory and must be obtained well in advance. São Tomé is rabies-free; any lapse in documentation can result in refusal of entry or quarantine at the owner's expense.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Regardless of the origin country, you must obtain an import permit from the Directorate of Livestock and Veterinary Services (Direcção de Pecuária e Serviços Veterinários) in São Tomé before travel. Apply at least 30 days in advance. The permit is usually valid for 30–60 days, so time your application with your travel dates. There is no online application portal; you will need to contact the office directly by email or through a local agent.
It depends on where you are travelling from. If your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, the Middle East), a FAVN or RFFIT test showing ≥0.5 IU/ml is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before arrival. Ferrets from low-risk or rabies-free countries do not need a titer test, but they must have a valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days old.
São Tomé and Príncipe does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but the general practice for non-commercial pet movement is a maximum of 2–3 animals per traveller. If you bring more, the shipment may be reclassified as commercial, triggering additional veterinary inspections, higher fees, and possible import licence requirements. Always declare all animals on arrival.
No. São Tomé and Príncipe does not recognise emotional support animals or service ferrets as exempt from any veterinary import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must have the same import permit, health certificate, and rabies vaccination (and titer test if from a high-risk country). Do not expect any waiver at the border.
If you arrive without a valid import permit, health certificate, or rabies vaccination proof, the ferret may be refused entry and returned to the origin country at your expense, or placed in quarantine at your cost. São Tomé is rabies-free, so authorities take any lapse seriously. There is no option to 'fix' missing documents on arrival; you must have everything in order before you fly.
No. If your ferret has a complete set of documents — import permit, health certificate, and rabies vaccination (plus titer test if from a high-risk country) — there is no quarantine on arrival. However, if any document is missing or invalid, the animal may be quarantined at your expense or refused entry. Quarantine is not routinely imposed for compliant ferrets.
That depends on the airline, not on São Tomé and Príncipe's import rules. Most airlines do not allow ferrets in the cabin on international flights to São Tomé (TMS airport); they must travel as cargo in an IATA-approved crate. Check with your airline at least 4 weeks before travel. On arrival, the ferret will be inspected by the veterinary authority at the airport.

Good to know

São Tomé and Príncipe does not publish a rabies-free or rabies-controlled status list for origin countries. Requirements are enforced at the discretion of the Directorate of Veterinary Services (Direcção dos Serviços Veterinários) under the Ministry of Agriculture. Travellers should contact the consulate or the veterinary authority directly for current requirements, as rules can change without online notice.

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 São Tomé and Príncipe, 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 São Tomé and Príncipe's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.