Bringing a pet to Uganda

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Uganda requires an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) for all dog imports, plus a rabies vaccination certificate, an international health certificate, and an ISO-compliant microchip. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries also need a FAVN titer test. No routine quarantine applies to properly documented pets, but animals arriving without valid paperwork may be detained or refused entry.

Requirements for your pet

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

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

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Uganda does not maintain a national breed ban list for dogs. However, airlines flying into Uganda may refuse brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs, boxers) due to respiratory risks, especially in cargo. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months from date of vaccination)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from MAAIF
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO-compliant microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$27 (UGX 100,000). No titer test or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAAIF.

Apply for the import permit at least 2 weeks before travel. The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel.

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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months from date of vaccination)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from MAAIF
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO-compliant microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier origins. No additional titer test or quarantine 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 90+ days before travel

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

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months from date of vaccination)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, taken ≥30 days post-vaccination and ≥90 days before travel)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from MAAIF
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO-compliant microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit ~$27 (UGX 100,000). No quarantine fee applies if documents are in order. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAAIF.

No quarantine is required if all documents are in order, but MAAIF may impose quarantine on arrival if paperwork is incomplete.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Uganda does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet imports, but MAAIF generally treats up to 3 dogs per traveller as personal pets. More than that may be considered commercial and require additional veterinary import permits and inspections. Confirm with MAAIF before travelling with multiple dogs.

Yes. All dogs entering Uganda require an import permit issued by MAAIF. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance. The permit is valid for 30 days from issuance.

It depends on the rabies risk status of the origin country. Dogs from high-risk countries (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN test result of ≥0.5 IU/ml taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Dogs from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.

No quarantine is required if your dog has a valid rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and (if applicable) titer test. If documents are missing or invalid, MAAIF may detain the dog for quarantine at the owner's expense.

The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days before arrival in Uganda. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian or an accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority.

No. Uganda does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must meet the same rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and titer test (if applicable) rules.

Rough estimates: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$27 (UGX 100,000), FAVN titer test ~$100–250 if required. These are not fixed prices; verify current fees with a local veterinarian and MAAIF.

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

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

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 of travel
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: 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 Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

Uganda does not require a rabies titer test or import permit for cats from free-tier origins. Cats must be at least 3 months old at vaccination. No quarantine 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)

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

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 of travel
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier origins. No quarantine 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 veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent 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 (≥0.5 IU/ml, blood sampled at least 30 days post-vaccination)
Import permit issued by Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100 (verify with MAAIF). Confirm current prices with a local vet and Uganda's MAAIF.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test and an import permit. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order. Allow at least 3-4 months to complete the process.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Uganda does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet cats. 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 MAAIF before travel.

Yes. Uganda does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import rules. All cats, regardless of function, must meet the same vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and permit requirements.

It depends on the origin country. Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN titer test ≥0.5 IU/ml done at least 30 days after vaccination. Cats from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.

For high-risk origins, start at least 3-4 months ahead: rabies vaccination (day 0), titer test 30 days later, then wait for results and apply for an import permit. For low-risk/free origins, 1-2 months is sufficient for vaccination and health certificate.

No. Uganda does not impose quarantine on cats arriving with valid documentation. However, if documents are missing or invalid, the cat may be detained or refused entry.

The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian or an accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority.

Airlines set their own cabin policies. Most allow cats in the cabin on flights to Entebbe (EBB) if they fit in an approved carrier under the seat. Check with your airline well in advance; Uganda's import rules do not prohibit cabin transport.

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

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 origin country's national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months from date of vaccination)
International veterinary health certificate (in English or with certified English translation)
Proof of ISO microchip implantation
Origin country veterinary export certificate

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, verify locally: import permit ~$50-100, microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200, possible broker/customs fees ~$50-150. Confirm current prices with MAAIF and a local vet in Kampala.

Ferrets are not listed as exempt species under Uganda's Animal Diseases Act. All pet ferrets require an import permit from MAAIF regardless of origin. Apply at least 30 days before travel. Ferrets are considered 'other carnivores' and may face additional scrutiny at Entebbe International Airport.

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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months from date of vaccination)
International veterinary health certificate (in English or with certified English translation)
Proof of ISO microchip implantation
Origin country veterinary export certificate

Rough budget

Same requirements as free tier. Uganda does not currently differentiate rabies-risk tiers for ferret imports; all origins require an import permit and health certificate. Ferrets from low-risk countries are not subject to quarantine on arrival.

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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months from date of vaccination)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
International veterinary health certificate (in English or with certified English translation)
Proof of ISO microchip implantation
Origin country veterinary export certificate

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, verify locally: import permit ~$50-100, microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, possible broker/customs fees ~$50-150. Confirm current prices with MAAIF and a local vet in Kampala.

Uganda applies stricter controls for high-risk rabies origins. A valid rabies titer test is mandatory. Ferrets may be held at the port of entry for inspection; if documents are incomplete, the animal may be quarantined at the owner's expense or returned. No official quarantine facility for ferrets exists in Uganda, so ensure all paperwork is complete before arrival.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Uganda does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. In practice, MAAIF treats up to 5 ferrets as a personal pet movement; larger numbers may be classified as commercial import and require additional veterinary and trade permits. Confirm with MAAIF before travelling with more than 5.

No. Uganda does not recognise emotional support animals as a separate category, and service animals are not exempt from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of role, must meet the same import permit, rabies vaccination, microchip, and health certificate rules.

It depends on the origin country's rabies risk. Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN/RFFIT test with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days after vaccination and within 12 months before import. Ferrets from low-risk or free countries do not require a titer test.

Apply at least 30 days before travel. MAAIF typically issues permits within 2-4 weeks, but processing can take longer during peak periods. The permit is valid for a specific window (usually 30-60 days) and must accompany the animal.

Airlines set cabin policy, not Uganda. Most international carriers do not allow ferrets in the cabin — they must travel as cargo in an IATA-compliant crate. Check with your airline at least 72 hours before departure. On arrival, ferrets are inspected by MAAIF veterinary officials at Entebbe International Airport.

If the import permit, health certificate, or vaccination records are missing or invalid, MAAIF may order the ferret into quarantine at the owner's expense, return it to the origin country, or in extreme cases euthanise it. Uganda has no dedicated ferret quarantine facility, so the animal may be held in a general facility or refused entry.

Yes. An ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip is required for identification. The microchip number must be recorded on the import permit, vaccination certificate, and health certificate. If your ferret was microchipped with a non-ISO chip, bring your own scanner.

Good to know

The import permit is issued by the Commissioner for Animal Health at MAAIF; processing typically takes 5–10 working days. All documents must be original, stamped, and in English. The 2026 permit fee is UGX 100,000 (approx. USD 27) for a single pet, payable to MAAIF. Airlines may impose stricter carrier-specific rules (e.g., brachycephalic embargoes) than Uganda's national requirements.

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