Bringing a pet to Vietnam

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Vietnam applies the same core import rules to dogs from all countries: an import permit from the Department of Animal Health (DAH), a government-endorsed health certificate, a valid rabies vaccination, and an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. There is no routine quarantine for properly documented dogs, but animals arriving without valid paperwork can be held, vaccinated, or returned at the owner's expense. Start paperwork 4–8 weeks before travel.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, DEFRA-approved vet for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Vietnam does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines (e.g. Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways) restrict brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers in cargo due to breathing risks, especially in hot months. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from Vietnam Department of Animal Health (DAH)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Official health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian of the origin country
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccine ~$20–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150 (varies), airline pet fee ~$100–500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Vietnam DAH — these are estimates, not fixed.

No quarantine if paperwork is complete. The permit must be arranged before travel; processing can take 1–2 weeks.

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 origin country (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, DEFRA-approved vet for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Vietnam does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines (e.g. Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways) restrict brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers in cargo due to breathing risks, especially in hot months. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from Vietnam Department of Animal Health (DAH)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Official health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian of the origin country
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccine ~$20–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150 (varies), airline pet fee ~$100–500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Vietnam DAH — these are estimates, not fixed.

Same requirements as free tier. No titer test required. No quarantine if documents are in order. Start permit application at least 2 weeks before departure.

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 origin country (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, DEFRA-approved vet for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Vietnam does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines (e.g. Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways) restrict brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers in cargo due to breathing risks, especially in hot months. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from Vietnam Department of Animal Health (DAH)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Official health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian of the origin country
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccine ~$20–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150 (varies), airline pet fee ~$100–500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Vietnam DAH — these are estimates, not fixed.

Vietnam does not require a rabies titer test even from high-risk countries, but the animal must be vaccinated at least 21 days before travel. No quarantine if paperwork is complete. Some airlines may require additional health checks for pets from high-risk rabies areas — check with the carrier.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Vietnam generally allows up to 2–3 pets per traveller under non-commercial rules, but the import permit is issued per animal and the Department of Animal Health may ask for justification if you bring more than 3. For 4 or more dogs, commercial import rules apply, requiring a business licence and additional veterinary inspections. Confirm the current limit with the DAH before applying.
No. Vietnam does not require a rabies antibody titer test for dogs entering from any country, including high-risk rabies areas. A valid rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel is sufficient. This is different from many EU countries.
No routine quarantine if your dog has a valid import permit, health certificate, and rabies vaccination. However, if documents are missing or the dog shows signs of illness on arrival, it may be held at the port of entry for veterinary inspection, vaccinated, or returned at your expense. Quarantine can last up to 30 days in such cases.
Apply to the Vietnam Department of Animal Health (DAH) or its regional offices. You'll need a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate, microchip number, and flight details. Processing takes about 1–2 weeks. The permit is typically valid for 30–60 days. Some owners use a local agent in Vietnam to handle the paperwork.
Yes. Vietnam requires an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. If your dog was microchipped with a non-ISO chip (e.g. some US chips), you should bring your own scanner or have the chip number clearly documented on the health certificate. The microchip must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination.
No. Vietnam does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs, including service animals, must have an import permit, health certificate, and valid rabies vaccination. Some airlines may allow service dogs in the cabin, but the destination country's veterinary rules still apply. Plan ahead — there is no waiver.
If you arrive without an import permit or health certificate, the animal may be detained at the airport, vaccinated on arrival, or returned to the origin country at your expense. In some cases, the DAH may allow you to complete paperwork on arrival with a fine, but this is not guaranteed. Always carry originals and copies of all documents.

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

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
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not more than 12 months old
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit from Vietnam Department of Animal Health (DAH) if required by airline or for certain origins

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit (if required) ~$50-100, airline fees ~$100-300. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Vietnam DAH.

Vietnam does not quarantine cats from rabies-free countries if all documentation is complete. Cats must be at least 3 months old. The health certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian. Airlines may require an import permit even if not strictly required by DAH; check with your carrier.

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 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 more than 12 months old
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit from Vietnam Department of Animal Health (DAH)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-100, airline fees ~$100-300. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Vietnam DAH.

An import permit from DAH is required for cats from low-risk countries. Apply at least 2-4 weeks in advance. Cats must be at least 3 months old. No quarantine if 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)
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

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not more than 12 months old
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit from Vietnam Department of Animal Health (DAH)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100, airline fees ~$100-300. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Vietnam DAH.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test. The titer test must be done at least 90 days after vaccination. No quarantine if all documents are complete, but DAH may impose quarantine on a case-by-case basis. Apply for import permit at least 4-6 weeks in advance.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Vietnam does not specify a fixed number for non-commercial pet import, but generally up to 2-3 pets per passenger are allowed without a commercial import licence. For more than 3 pets, you may need a commercial import permit and comply with additional regulations. Check with the Department of Animal Health (DAH) in advance.
No. Vietnam 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 import permit (if applicable). Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the destination country's veterinary rules apply equally.
Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) must have a FAVN rabies titer test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at least 90 days after rabies vaccination. The result is valid for 12 months. This test is not required for cats from low-risk or rabies-free countries.
No quarantine is required if all import documents are complete and valid. However, if documents are missing or invalid, DAH may impose quarantine at the owner's expense. Quarantine duration varies but can be up to 30 days. Ensure your paperwork is perfect to avoid this.
Cats must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old and have a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel. Kittens younger than 3 months are not allowed.
Apply for the import permit from the Vietnam Department of Animal Health (DAH) at least 2-4 weeks in advance for low-risk countries, and 4-6 weeks for high-risk countries. The permit is valid for a specific period, usually 30-60 days, so time your application with your travel dates.
You need an international health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian or an accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and state that the cat is healthy and free of infectious diseases. It must also include rabies vaccination details.

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

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

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Official veterinary health certificate
  • Import permit issued by Vietnam Department of Animal Health (DAH)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit $50–150, plus possible agent fees. No titer test or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Vietnam DAH.

Ferrets are classified as 'other animals' and require a DAH import permit before travel; apply at least 7 working days before arrival. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. No quarantine for ferrets from free countries if documents are complete, but port-of-entry inspection may occur.

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 exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Official veterinary health certificate
  • Import permit issued by Vietnam Department of Animal Health (DAH)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit $50–150, plus possible agent fees. No titer test or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Vietnam DAH.

Same requirements as free countries. No rabies titer test or quarantine if rabies vaccination is valid and the DAH import permit is obtained before travel; permit processing takes at least 7 working days.

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

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Official veterinary health certificate
  • Import permit issued by Vietnam Department of Animal Health (DAH)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit $50–150, FAVN titer test $100–250, plus possible agent fees. No quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Vietnam DAH.

Ferrets from high-risk countries require a valid FAVN rabies titer test result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after primary vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. No quarantine if documents are complete, but port-of-entry inspection occurs. Obtain the DAH import permit before travel.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are classified as 'other animals' and require a DAH import permit. Apply at least 7 working days before arrival. All ferrets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, and accompanied by an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.
Vietnam does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but non-commercial imports are generally limited to 1–2 animals per traveller. More than 2 may be treated as commercial, requiring additional permits. Confirm with DAH before travel.
No. Vietnam does not recognise emotional support or service animals as exempt. All ferrets must meet the same requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit.
Only for ferrets from high-risk rabies countries (as defined by the CDC). A FAVN test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml is required, performed at least 30 days after primary rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. Ferrets from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.
No quarantine is required if all import requirements are met: valid rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and import permit. The animal will be inspected at the port of entry. If documents are incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness, quarantine or return may be imposed at the owner's expense.
The ferret 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 at import is approximately 15 weeks.
Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, rabies vaccination $20–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit $50–150, and FAVN titer test $100–250 if required. Additional costs may include agent fees, travel crate, and airline charges. Confirm current prices with your vet and Vietnam DAH.

Good to know

Vietnam's Department of Animal Health (DAH), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, issues import permits for pets. The permit is typically valid for 30–60 days and must be obtained before arrival. A licensed veterinarian in Vietnam examines the animal on arrival at the port of entry and issues a local health check. Rabies vaccination must be current: at least 21 days and not more than 12 months before travel for most vaccines. Pets from rabies-free or low-risk countries still need the same permit and health certificate; there is no fast-track. Airlines may impose their own crating and health rules; check with the carrier separately.

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