Bringing a pet to Tanzania

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Tanzania applies a uniform, permit-based import regime for dogs regardless of origin rabies status. All dogs require a microchip, rabies vaccination, a FAVN rabies antibody titer test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, a government-issued import permit, and a 30-day quarantine at the government facility in Dar es Salaam. There are no reduced requirements for rabies-free or low-risk origins.

Requirements for your pet

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

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
30 days
Government quarantine facility in Dar es Salaam. The owner is responsible for feeding and care costs. Quarantine may be extended if documents are incomplete or the dog shows signs of illness on arrival.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) endorsed within 10 days of travel. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

No specific breed bans for dogs entering Tanzania. Brachycephalic breeds may face airline carrier restrictions depending on the airline and route; check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from Tanzania Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • International health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of internal and external parasite treatment

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$50–100, quarantine fees ~$10–20 per day (30 days = ~$300–600). Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

No exceptions are currently granted for free-tier origins; the titer test and 30-day quarantine apply.

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
30 days
Government quarantine facility in Dar es Salaam. The owner is responsible for feeding and care costs. Quarantine may be extended if documents are incomplete or the dog shows signs of illness on arrival.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) endorsed within 10 days of travel. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

No specific breed bans for dogs entering Tanzania. Brachycephalic breeds may face airline carrier restrictions depending on the airline and route; check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from Tanzania Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • International health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of internal and external parasite treatment

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$50–100, quarantine fees ~$10–20 per day (30 days = ~$300–600). Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

Same requirements as free-tier origins; no reduced quarantine or titer exemption for low-risk countries.

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
30 days
Government quarantine facility in Dar es Salaam. The owner is responsible for feeding and care costs. Quarantine may be extended if documents are incomplete or the dog shows signs of illness on arrival.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) endorsed within 10 days of travel. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

No specific breed bans for dogs entering Tanzania. Brachycephalic breeds may face airline carrier restrictions depending on the airline and route; check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from Tanzania Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • International health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of internal and external parasite treatment

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$50–100, quarantine fees ~$10–20 per day (30 days = ~$300–600). Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

Same requirements as free and low-risk origins; no additional restrictions beyond the standard titer test and quarantine.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Tanzania does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet movement. In practice, up to 2–3 dogs per family are typically allowed under the non-commercial import permit. If you are bringing more than 3 dogs, the shipment may be classified as commercial and require additional permits and inspections. Confirm with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries before travel.
No. Tanzania does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, FAVN titer test, import permit, health certificate, and undergo 30 days of quarantine. There is no fast-track or exemption for service animals.
Yes, the 30-day quarantine at the government facility in Dar es Salaam is mandatory for all dogs, regardless of origin country's rabies status. There are no exceptions for pets from rabies-free countries. The quarantine period may be extended if your paperwork is incomplete or if the dog shows signs of illness upon arrival.
Your dog must have a rabies antibody titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml, measured by a FAVN test at an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory. The test must be done at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination. The titer test result is valid for the import permit application.
Start at least 3–4 months before travel. The rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days before the titer test, and the titer test takes 2–4 weeks for results. The import permit application should be submitted at least 30 days before arrival. Quarantine booking is also required in advance.
No. The quarantine is at a government facility in Dar es Salaam, and pets are housed in kennels. You may visit during designated hours, but the dog cannot stay with you. You are responsible for providing food and any medications, and for paying daily quarantine fees.
If the titer is below 0.5 IU/ml, your dog will not be granted an import permit. You must revaccinate against rabies and wait at least 30 days before repeating the titer test. This can delay travel by 1–2 months. Plan accordingly.

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

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-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 showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • International 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, rabies vaccination $20-50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Tanzanian authorities.

Tanzania does not officially recognize a 'rabies-free' tier; all cats must meet the same core requirements. For cats from countries with negligible rabies risk (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City), the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries may waive the rabies titer test if the cat has a documented vaccination history. Confirm with the Tanzanian consulate or the Ministry 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)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (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 showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • International 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, rabies vaccination $20-50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Tanzanian authorities.

Tanzania applies the same rules for cats from low-risk countries as for those from high-risk countries, except that a rabies titer test is not required for low-risk origins. Some airlines may require a titer test for transit; check with your airline.

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 (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 showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit issued by the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30-50, health certificate $100-200, rabies vaccination $20-50, FAVN titer test $100-250, import permit $50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Tanzanian authorities.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 90 days before travel. The import permit must be obtained in advance from the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. Quarantine is not routinely imposed if all documents are in order, but the authorities may impose quarantine at the owner's expense if there are discrepancies.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Tanzania does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet cats, but generally, up to 5 cats per person are allowed under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, the shipment may be considered commercial and require additional permits and inspections. Confirm with the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries before travel.
No. Tanzania 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, health certificate, and for high-risk origins, a rabies titer test and import permit. Airlines may have their own policies, but Tanzanian law applies equally.
Yes, if the United States is considered a high-risk rabies country by Tanzania. As of 2026, Tanzania requires a FAVN rabies titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml for cats from high-risk countries. The test must be done at least 90 days before travel. Check the current list of high-risk countries with the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.
The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days before arrival in Tanzania. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian. If the certificate is older than 10 days, it will not be accepted, and the cat may be quarantined or denied entry.
No. Tanzania requires all cats to be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. If your cat does not have one, it must be implanted before rabies vaccination and before the health certificate is issued. Without a microchip, the cat will not be allowed entry.
Quarantine is not routinely required if all import requirements are met. However, if the cat arrives without proper documentation, or if the authorities suspect a health risk, quarantine may be imposed at the owner's expense. The quarantine period can vary but is typically up to 30 days. Ensure all paperwork is complete to avoid quarantine.
The import permit fee for a cat entering Tanzania is approximately $50-100, but this can vary. You must apply in advance to the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. Additional costs may include courier fees and possible veterinary inspections upon arrival. Confirm current fees with the Ministry.

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

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, endorsed by the competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by Tanzania Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 12 months
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-100. No FAVN titer test is required for free-tier origins. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

Ferrets are classified as 'other carnivores' under Tanzanian animal import rules. The import permit must be obtained before travel; processing can take 2-4 weeks. Ferrets may be subject to inspection on arrival. No quarantine if documents are in order.

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, endorsed by the competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by Tanzania Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 12 months
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-100. No FAVN titer test is required for low-risk-tier origins. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

Same requirements as free tier. Ensure the rabies vaccine is current (not expired) at the time of travel. The import permit must be obtained in advance; processing can take 2-4 weeks. No quarantine if documents are in order.

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, endorsed by the competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by Tanzania Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 12 months
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-100, FAVN titer test ~$100-250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

Ferrets from high-risk countries must have a valid FAVN rabies titer test. The import permit must be obtained in advance; processing can take 2-4 weeks. No quarantine if all documents are in order, but the ferret may be subject to inspection on arrival.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Tanzania does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but the general non-commercial pet import rules allow up to 5 pets per traveller. If you bring more than 5, the shipment may be considered commercial and require additional permits and inspections. Confirm with the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries before travel.
No. Tanzania does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All ferrets must meet the same vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and permit rules. There is no special provision for assistance animals.
It depends on the origin country. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) must have a FAVN rabies titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Ferrets from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.
Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your travel date. The permit is issued by the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and must be presented upon arrival.
A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. It must be administered at least 21 days before travel and be current (not expired). Other vaccinations (e.g., distemper) are recommended but not required by Tanzanian authorities.
No quarantine is required if all import documents are in order. However, if the rabies titer test is missing for a high-risk origin or the health certificate is invalid, quarantine may be imposed at the owner's expense. Ensure all paperwork is complete.
Airline policies vary. Most airlines do not allow ferrets in the cabin; they must travel as cargo. Check with your airline well in advance. Tanzania does not prohibit ferrets from entering as cargo, but they must meet all import requirements.

Good to know

An import permit must be obtained from the Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries before travel; apply at least 30 days in advance. All dogs must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, vaccinated against rabies, and tested for rabies antibodies by FAVN at an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. A 30-day quarantine at the government quarantine station in Dar es Salaam applies to all arrivals; no bilateral exemptions are currently recognized. The health certificate must be issued or endorsed by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel.

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 Tanzania, 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 Tanzania's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.