Bringing a pet to Vanuatu

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Vanuatu is rabies-free and requires an advance import permit from the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services (DLVS) in Port Vila for every dog, plus rabies vaccination, microchip, and an official veterinary health certificate. There is no routine quarantine for fully documented pets, but requirements differ by the origin country's rabies status, with stricter evidence from higher-risk origins.

Requirements for your pet

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

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

Documents checklist

Vanuatu import permit issued by DLVS before travel
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 or residency, where applicable

Rough budget

Rough estimate only, not a guaranteed price: microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150, plus courier or agent fees. Confirm current prices with DLVS and your vet.

Advance import permit required even from rabies-free origins. No quarantine if paperwork is 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)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

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

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Vanuatu import permit issued by DLVS before travel
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 or residency, where applicable

Rough budget

Same core requirements as the free tier. DLVS may request additional documentation for some low-risk origins; confirm when applying.

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 of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Vanuatu import permit issued by DLVS before travel
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN) result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 90 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 or residency, where applicable

Rough budget

Rough estimate only, not a guaranteed price: microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150, plus courier or agent fees. Confirm current prices with DLVS and your vet.

High-risk origins require a valid FAVN titer test, adding at least 3 months of preparation. No quarantine if all conditions are met, but incomplete paperwork can result in refusal of entry or quarantine at the owner's expense.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel. For high-risk origins requiring a FAVN titer test, start the process at least 4–5 months ahead because the titer test must be done at least 90 days before travel.

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

No routine quarantine if all import conditions are met. If paperwork is incomplete or the dog arrives without a valid permit, Vanuatu authorities may require quarantine or refuse entry at the owner's expense.

Vanuatu does not publish a fixed numeric limit for non-commercial pet movement, but imports are assessed case by case. Bringing more than a small number (typically 1–3) may be treated as commercial and require additional approvals. Confirm with DLVS before travelling with multiple dogs.

No. Vanuatu does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs must have an import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip. Service dogs may be allowed in the cabin by the airline, but they still need the same veterinary paperwork.

The dog may be refused entry, quarantined at the owner's expense, or returned to the origin country. Vanuatu is rabies-free and enforces this strictly. Always carry original documents and a copy of the import permit.

The Vanuatu Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services (DLVS) in Port Vila issues import permits. Applications are typically made by email or through a local agent. Contact DLVS directly for the current application form and fee schedule.

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

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 veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Vanuatu Biosecurity (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip identification certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment administered within 14 days before travel

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; confirm current fees with Vanuatu Biosecurity and a local veterinarian. Import permit ~VUV 5,000–10,000 (approx. USD 45–90), microchip ~USD 30–50, rabies vaccination ~USD 20–50, health certificate ~USD 100–200, parasite treatment ~USD 20–50.

Vanuatu is rabies-free. Cats from rabies-free countries require an import permit, rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and parasite treatment. No rabies titer test or quarantine is required.

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 veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Vanuatu Biosecurity
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE-approved laboratory, dated at least 90 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip identification certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment administered within 14 days before travel

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; confirm current fees with Vanuatu Biosecurity and a local veterinarian. Import permit ~VUV 5,000–10,000 (approx. USD 45–90), microchip ~USD 30–50, rabies vaccination ~USD 20–50, FAVN titer test ~USD 100–250, health certificate ~USD 100–200, parasite treatment ~USD 20–50.

Cats from low-risk (rabies-controlled) countries require a valid rabies vaccination and a satisfactory FAVN titer test at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine on arrival 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 180+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 6 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Vanuatu Biosecurity
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE-approved laboratory, dated at least 180 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip identification certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment administered within 14 days before travel
Additional declaration of no rabies in the country of origin for the past 12 months (or equivalent)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; confirm current fees with Vanuatu Biosecurity and a local veterinarian. Import permit ~VUV 5,000–10,000 (approx. USD 45–90), microchip ~USD 30–50, rabies vaccination ~USD 20–50, FAVN titer test ~USD 100–250, health certificate ~USD 100–200, parasite treatment ~USD 20–50.

Cats from high-risk (rabies-endemic) countries require a FAVN titer test at least 180 days before travel and must be at least 6 months old at import. No quarantine on arrival if all conditions are met.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Vanuatu does not set a specific numerical limit for non-commercial pet cats. Each cat requires its own import permit and must meet all health and vaccination requirements. If you are bringing more than three cats, they may be considered a commercial import, which triggers additional requirements. Confirm with Vanuatu Biosecurity before travel.

No. Vanuatu does not exempt emotional support or service animals from its import requirements. All cats must have an import permit, a valid rabies vaccination, a health certificate, and meet any titer test or parasite treatment requirements. There is no special lane for assistance animals.

It depends on the rabies risk of the origin country. Cats from rabies-free countries do not need a titer test. Cats from low-risk countries need a FAVN test at least 90 days before travel. Cats from high-risk countries need a FAVN test at least 180 days before travel. The test must show at least 0.5 IU/ml and be done at an OIE-approved laboratory.

Start at least 3 months in advance for low-risk origins (due to the 90-day titer test wait) and at least 7 months for high-risk origins (due to the 180-day titer test wait). The import permit application should be submitted at least 4 weeks before travel. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

No. Vanuatu does not require quarantine for cats that meet all import requirements. If the cat has a valid import permit, rabies vaccination, titer test (if required), health certificate, and parasite treatment, it can be released to the owner immediately after inspection at the port of entry.

Cats must be treated for internal and external parasites within 14 days before travel. The treatment must be documented by a veterinarian on the health certificate or a separate treatment record. Common treatments include praziquantel for tapeworms and a topical product for fleas and ticks. Confirm the specific products accepted by Vanuatu Biosecurity.

Yes. Australia is considered a rabies-free country by Vanuatu. Cats from Australia do not need a rabies titer test, but they must have a valid rabies vaccination (if required by Vanuatu for all cats), an import permit, a health certificate, and parasite treatment. Check current requirements with Vanuatu Biosecurity as rules may change.

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

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 Vanuatu Biosecurity (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity)
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government veterinarian
Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel)
Microchip certificate or documentation of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment (administered within 14 days before export)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only, actual fees vary: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-150, parasite treatment ~$20-50. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Vanuatu Biosecurity.

Ferrets are not listed as prohibited animals in Vanuatu, but import is subject to a case-by-case permit. All pets must be declared on arrival. No quarantine is imposed for ferrets from rabies-free countries, provided all documentation is complete.

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 Vanuatu Biosecurity
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government veterinarian
Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
Microchip certificate or documentation of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment (administered within 14 days before export)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only, actual fees vary: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150, parasite treatment ~$20-50. No quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Vanuatu Biosecurity.

Ferrets from low-risk rabies countries require a rabies titer test in addition to standard vaccination. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. All pets must be declared 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

7 days

Quarantine at a government-approved facility in Port Vila for 7 days upon arrival. The animal must be accompanied by a valid import permit and all required documents. Quarantine fees are payable by the importer.

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 Vanuatu Biosecurity
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government veterinarian
Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
Microchip certificate or documentation of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment (administered within 14 days before export)
Quarantine booking confirmation at a government-approved facility

Rough budget

Rough estimate only, actual fees vary: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150, parasite treatment ~$20-50, quarantine fees ~$200-500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Vanuatu Biosecurity.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must undergo 7 days of quarantine at an approved facility in Port Vila. The import permit application must be submitted at least 30 days before travel. All pets must be declared on arrival.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not on the standard approved pet list (which typically covers dogs and cats). You must obtain a special import permit from Vanuatu Biosecurity before travel. The permit is issued on a case-by-case basis, and additional conditions may apply. Start the process at least 3 months in advance.

Vanuatu does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but non-commercial imports are generally limited to a small number of animals (typically up to 5) per traveller. If you plan to bring more than 5, you will likely need to comply with commercial import regulations, which involve additional permits and inspections. Confirm with Vanuatu Biosecurity before travelling.

No. Vanuatu does not recognise emotional support animals as service animals, and even trained service animals must meet all import requirements, including permits, health certificates, and quarantine if applicable. There is no exemption for ferrets.

A valid rabies vaccination is required. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel, and the ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. For ferrets from low-risk or high-risk rabies countries, a rabies titer test (FAVN/RFFIT) showing ≥0.5 IU/ml is also required, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel.

Yes. Your ferret must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. If your ferret already has a microchip that is not ISO compliant, you will need to bring your own microchip scanner. The microchip number must be recorded on all veterinary certificates.

Vanuatu Biosecurity recommends applying at least 30 days before travel. Processing can take longer during peak periods. The permit is valid for a specific date of arrival, so you must have your travel dates confirmed before applying.

If your ferret arrives without a valid import permit, health certificate, or other required documents, it may be refused entry, placed in quarantine at your expense, or returned to the origin country at your cost. In some cases, the animal may be euthanised. Always verify all requirements with Vanuatu Biosecurity before travel.

Good to know

Vanuatu is rabies-free and enforces strict import controls. All dog imports require an advance import permit from DLVS in Port Vila. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel; high-risk origins requiring a rabies titer test should start 4–5 months ahead. Pets generally arrive via Port Vila (Bauerfield International Airport) or Luganville; inter-island movement after arrival may need local permission. Confirm current requirements directly with DLVS before booking flights.

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