Bringing a pet to Seychelles

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Seychelles is a rabies-free island nation with strict pet import rules. All dogs require advance permission from the Veterinary Services Section, a microchip, rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate. A rabies antibody titer test is required for most origins. No quarantine applies if documents are complete, but rules vary by the rabies status of the departure country.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Seychelles does not maintain a breed ban list for dogs. However, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers may be subject to airline embargoes or additional fitness-to-fly requirements due to respiratory risks. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Seychelles Veterinary Services
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 12 months old)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Copy of owner's passport

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: import permit ~SCR 500-1,000 (~$40-80), microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, carrier fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Seychelles Veterinary Services.

Even for 'free' origins, Seychelles requires an import permit and a health certificate. No quarantine if documents are complete. Rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and no more than 12 months before.

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 30+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Seychelles Veterinary Services
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 12 months old)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done ≥30 days after vaccination)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Copy of owner's passport

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: import permit ~SCR 500-1,000 (~$40-80), microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, carrier fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Seychelles Veterinary Services.

For low-risk origins, a rabies titer test is mandatory. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and the result is valid for 12 months. No quarantine if all documents are in order.

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 30+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Seychelles Veterinary Services
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 12 months old)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done ≥30 days after vaccination)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Copy of owner's passport
Additional declaration from exporting government veterinarian confirming no rabies in the region of origin for the past 6 months

Rough budget

For high-risk origins, the same titer test and permit requirements apply as for low-risk, but the health certificate must include an additional declaration about rabies absence in the region. No quarantine if all documents are in order, but animals may be held for inspection at the owner's expense if paperwork is incomplete.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

A single non-commercial traveller may bring up to 5 dogs (or other pets) into Seychelles under the non-commercial pet import rules. If you are bringing more than 5, the shipment is classified as commercial and requires additional veterinary and trade approvals. Each pet must have its own import permit and documentation.

No. Seychelles does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from standard import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must have an import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (for most origins) a rabies titer test. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the destination country's veterinary rules apply on arrival.

There is no quarantine on arrival if all import documents are complete and valid. However, if the animal arrives without a valid import permit, health certificate, or titer test result, it may be held at the owner's expense until the situation is resolved, or refused entry. Ensure all paperwork is approved before travel.

For dogs from low-risk and high-risk rabies countries, a FAVN or RFFIT rabies antibody test is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and show a titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The result is valid for 12 months. Dogs from 'free' origins (e.g., EU-equivalent territories) are exempt from the titer test.

Apply for the import permit at least 2-4 weeks before your planned travel date. The permit is issued by the Veterinary Services Section of the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment. You will need to submit copies of the rabies vaccination certificate, microchip proof, titer test result (if applicable), and health certificate. The permit is usually valid for a specific window, so time your application accordingly.

You need an official health certificate issued by a government veterinarian in the exporting country within 10 days of travel. The certificate must confirm the dog is healthy, free from infectious diseases, and has been vaccinated against rabies. For high-risk origins, an additional declaration about rabies absence in the region is required. The certificate must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

Airlines may allow small dogs in the cabin on flights to Seychelles, but this depends on the carrier and aircraft type. All pets must arrive through Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) and be presented to customs and veterinary authorities. Check with your airline well in advance, as cabin pet policies vary and some carriers require pets to travel as manifested cargo.

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

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or documentation of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: import permit ~$50-100, microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or quarantine cost applies in this tier. Confirm current fees with MACCE and a local vet.

Seychelles requires an import permit for all cats regardless of origin. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. Cats must be at least 3 months old for rabies vaccination. No quarantine for cats from free-tier origins 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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or documentation of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier origins. No rabies titer test required for cats from low-risk countries. Quarantine is not imposed if all documentation is complete and the cat is healthy on arrival.

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE)
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 travel
Microchip certificate or documentation of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: import permit ~$50-100, microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250. No quarantine cost applies if all conditions are met. Confirm current fees with MACCE and a local vet.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test. The 90-day wait after titer test is mandatory. Quarantine is not required if all conditions are met, but the cat may be quarantined at the owner's expense if documentation is incomplete or the titer is insufficient.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Seychelles does not explicitly cap the number of cats for non-commercial import, but if you bring more than 5 cats, the shipment may be considered commercial and require additional permits and inspections. For 1-5 cats, the standard non-commercial import permit applies. Always confirm with MACCE before travel.

No. Seychelles does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same import permit, vaccination, microchip, and health certificate rules. There is no separate category for assistance animals in the Seychelles animal import regulations.

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, Middle East), a FAVN titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml is required, and it must be done at least 90 days before travel. For low-risk or free origins, no titer test is required.

The Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE) typically processes import permit applications within 2 weeks. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel to allow for any delays. The permit is valid for a specific date of arrival, so time your application accordingly.

No quarantine is required for cats that meet all entry requirements: valid import permit, rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test. If any document is missing or the cat shows signs of illness, it may be quarantined at the owner's expense until the issue is resolved.

Cats must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of rabies vaccination, and the vaccination must be valid for at least 21 days before travel. Therefore, the minimum age for import is typically 4 months (16 weeks) to allow for the 21-day wait after vaccination.

Seychelles allows cats to arrive as accompanied baggage or cargo, but airline policies vary. Most airlines allow cats in the cabin if they meet size and weight restrictions (typically under 8 kg including carrier). Check with your airline for specific rules. On arrival, the cat must be declared to customs and presented with all import documents.

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

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 · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit $50–100. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture.

Ferrets are classified as 'other pets' and follow the same import conditions as dogs and cats. The import permit must be obtained before travel and a copy should accompany the animal. All pets must be declared at the port of entry.

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 exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, FAVN titer test $100–250, import permit $50–100. No quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture.

The microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination. The titer test must be done at an approved laboratory. The import permit must be obtained before travel and a copy should accompany the animal.

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

30 days

Quarantine at an approved facility in Seychelles for 30 days at the owner's expense, unless the pet meets all requirements including a valid titer test and the Director of Veterinary Services grants an exemption. Quarantine must be arranged in advance.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)
Quarantine booking confirmation (if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, FAVN titer test $100–250, import permit $50–100, quarantine $500–1000. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Ferrets are allowed under the same rules as dogs and cats. You need an import permit, a rabies vaccination certificate, an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, and an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Ferrets from low-risk or high-risk countries also need a FAVN rabies titer test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, and those from high-risk countries face 30 days of quarantine unless exempted.

Seychelles does not set a maximum number for non-commercial pet imports. If you bring more than 5 ferrets, the import may be treated as commercial and additional requirements may apply. Check with the Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture before travelling with multiple ferrets.

No. Seychelles does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All ferrets must meet the same conditions, including permits, vaccinations, microchip, health certificate, and any applicable titer test or quarantine.

A FAVN rabies titer test is required for ferrets from low-risk and high-risk countries. The test must be done at least 90 days after rabies vaccination, show a titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml, and be valid for 12 months before travel. Ferrets from free countries do not need a titer test.

No quarantine is required for ferrets from free or low-risk countries if all other conditions are met. Ferrets from high-risk countries must undergo 30 days of quarantine at an approved facility unless the Director of Veterinary Services grants an exemption.

Ferrets must be at least 3 months old to enter Seychelles. They must also be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel.

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit $50–100, FAVN titer test $100–250 (if required), and quarantine $500–1000 (if required). Confirm current fees with the Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture and your vet.

Good to know

Seychelles is rabies-free. All pet imports require an import permit from the Veterinary Services Section, Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, applied for at least 2-4 weeks before travel. Pets must arrive as manifested cargo or accompanied baggage through Seychelles International Airport (SEZ); no pets on ferries or private boats without prior approval. A maximum of 5 pets per non-commercial traveller is allowed; above that, commercial import rules apply. No quarantine is imposed on arrival if all documents are in order, but animals may be held for inspection at the owner's expense if paperwork is incomplete.

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