Pet import requirements for the Central African Republic
What The Central African Republic asks for before a dog or cat can enter — the microchip, the rabies work, the permit and the paperwork — and how far ahead you need to start. We handle all of it on a move we arrange.
Import rules change, and they change without notice. Last verified 2026-06-18 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2026-04-27. Confirm every requirement with the authority named below, or with us on (424) 421-1650, before you book a flight or start any vet work.
The Central African Republic at a glance
| Requirement | For Central African Republic |
|---|---|
| Microchip Required | All pets must be microchipped with a 15-digit, non-encrypted microchip that complies with ISO 11784/11785 standards |
| Rabies | The pet must be vaccinated against rabies as follows: a) For a primary vaccination: It must be administered no less than 30 days and no more than 12 months prior to travel, and… |
| Import permit Required | Import permit is required for all pets entering Central African republic |
| Quarantine | Strongly advised |
| Minimum age to travel | For puppies and kittens, the minimum import age is 12 weeks, as this is the earliest age at which they can receive their first rabies vaccination |
| Customs clearance | Strongly advised |
| Agent at destination | Strongly advised |
Where this fits in the timeline. The order matters more than the effort: a rabies vaccination given before the microchip was implanted does not count in most regimes, and a titer test drawn too early restarts a waiting period. On a move we handle, we check your pet's existing dates against these rules on the free consultation before anything is booked.
The detail
Pets entering the Central African Republic that fully meet all import requirements, in cluding possession of a valid import permit, are not subject to quarantine upon arrival. The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country situated in the heart of Africa.
Import requirements
For puppies and kittens, the minimum import age is 12 weeks, as this is the earliest age at which they can receive their first rabies vaccination.
However, puppies or kittens younger than 12 weeks may be permitted entry if they are accompanied by their mother and her rabies vaccination is valid and up to date.
Pet Import Requirements – Central African Republic1. Import Permit (issued by the Ministry of Water, Forests, Hunting, and Fisheries)2. International Veterinary Health Certificate (issued within 5 days of departure)3. Valid Rabies Vaccination (primary or booster, with accepted vaccine types)4. Core Vaccinations (Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, etc. / Cats: FVRCP)5. ISO-Compliant Microchip (15-digit, non-encrypted)6. Internal & External Parasite Treatment (within 10 days of entry)7. Minimum Age Requirement (12 weeks; younger pets must travel with mother)CITES Permit (required for CITES-listed species)
All pets entering Central African Republic are considered commercial.
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Identification and microchip
All pets must be microchipped with a 15-digit, non-encrypted microchip that complies with ISO 11784/11785 standards. If your pet's microchip does not meet these specifications, you must provide a compatible microchip scanner upon entry.
*Note: This requirement may be waived for pets originating from rabies-free countries, provided the pet was born there or has continuously resided there for at least six months.*
The microchip number must be clearly recorded in both the vaccination booklet/certificate and the in ternational health certificate.
Rabies and vaccinations
The pet must be vaccinated against rabies as follows:
a) For a primary vaccination: It must be administered no less than 30 days and no more than 12 months prior to travel, and the animal must have been at least 3 months old at the time of vaccination.
b) For a booster vaccination: It must be administered within 12 months before the date of shipment.
c) The rabies vaccine used must be either an in activated virus vaccine or a recombinant vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein.
Dogs: Must be vaccinated against Rabies, Canine Distemper, Adenovirus (in cluding Hepatitis), Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Leptospira (canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae strains).
Cats: Must be vaccinated against Rabies, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.
Tests and treatments
None. Central African Republic has not published any tests requirements for pets entering Central African Republic
Pets must be treated for both in ternal and external parasites by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days prior to entry, and this treatment must be clearly recorded on the in ternational health certificate.
Additionally, it is strongly recommended that parasite treatment be administered no more than 120 hours (5 days) before the pet’s flight to ensure optimal protection during travel.
Health certificate and permits
Pets entering the Central African Republic must be accompanied by an in ternational veterinary health certificate issued and endorsed by the competent veterinary authority in the country of origin. This certificate should be completed no more than five (5) days before the pet’s departure, and the original document must travel with the animal.
Please note that the Central African Republic has not published a standardized national health certificate for pet imports. As such, the of ficial health certificate used in the country of origin—provided it meets in ternational standards and is duly endorsed—is accepted for entry.
Import permit is required for all pets entering Central African republic.
Quarantine
Pets entering the Central African Republic that fully meet all import requirements, in cluding possession of a valid import permit, are not subject to quarantine upon arrival.
However, pets that arrive without a valid import permit or with in complete documentation may be subject to mandatory quarantine at a government-approved facility for up to 14 days, at the owner’s expense. This measure is in place to ensure the health and biosecurity of local animal populations and to mitigate the risk of in troducing in fectious diseases.
To avoid delays or detention, pet owners are strongly advised to secure all required documents and ensure compliance with veterinary and import protocols prior to travel.
Restrictions and banned breeds
At present, there are no of ficially published breed-specific bans or restrictions for pet importation into the Central African Republic.
Customs, agents, and airports
Highly Recommended
Bangui M'Poko *International Airport* (IATA: *BGF*, ICAO: FEFF)
Animals should enter the Central African Republic should do so at Bangui M’Poko International Airport. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry to the Central African Republic. If your pet is found to be in poor health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.
Export notes
Export permit
Health certificate
Rabies vaccination
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
General CITES Import Requirements:
- Valid CITES Permits:
o All imports must be accompanied by the appropriate CITES permits or certificates, issued by the Management Authority of the exporting country. These documents confirm that the trade is legal, sustainable, and traceable, in accordance with Articles III, IV, and V of the Convention.
- Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs):
- For species listed in Appendix II, a Scientific Authority must determine that the export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. This assessment ensures that the trade does not threaten the species' existence in the wild.
- Legal Acquisition Findings:
Importing countries must be satisfied that the specimens were legally acquired, ensuring compliance with the laws of the country of origin.
CITES Management Authority
- Department: Directorate General of Water, Forests, Hunting, and Fisheries
- Contact Person: Mr. David Ouangando
- Position: Director of Wildlife and Protected Areas
- Phone: +236 72 07 72 82
CITES Scientific Authority
- Institution: University of Bangui
- Contact Person: Mr. Denis Beina
- Phone: +236 72 02 88 81
The Central African Republic has laws and regulations concerning animal welfare regarding wildlife protection and hunting. These regulations cover the protection of species, the establishment of protected areas, and the management of hunting practices. The Central African Republic does not have a specific, comprehensive animal welfare law that explicitly covers pets. However, some provisions related to animal welfare may exist within other legal frameworks, particularly those concerning property rights and the prohibition of cruel treatment. There are no specific laws that address the welfare of pet dogs or other domestic animals.
Name
Breed
Age
Weight
Micro chip
Rabies certificate
HIGH RISK RABIES COUNTRY.
Official contacts
Mons le Directeur de la Recherche
Diagnostic Veterinaire et du Controle
Sanitaire Dirn Gnrl de l'Elevage et des
Industries Animales BP 1509
Bangui
Tel: +236 616-164; 616-960;618-660
Fax: +236 616-083; 616-535
Contact: Dr Raphael Ngaye-Yankoisset
Reviewed by Hazel Imrie, PETport
The Embassy of the Central African Republic
2704 Ontario Road, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
telephone: (202) 483–7800 / 7801, fax: (202) 332–9893
Minister for Animal Health and Animal Health of Central African Republic
Ministry of Water, Forests, Hunting and Fishing in the Central African Republic
Current as of June 2025
Disclaimer
Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2026-06-18.
Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.
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Questions about moving a pet to Central African Republic
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for the Central African Republic?
All pets must be microchipped with a 15-digit, non-encrypted microchip that complies with ISO 11784/11785 standards
From the country profile, last verified 2026-06-18.
What rabies vaccination does the Central African Republic require?
The pet must be vaccinated against rabies as follows: a) For a primary vaccination: It must be administered no less than 30 days and no more than 12 months prior to travel, and…
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into the Central African Republic?
Import permit is required for all pets entering Central African republic
Will my pet be quarantined on arrival in the Central African Republic?
Strongly advised
How old does a puppy or kitten have to be to travel to the Central African Republic?
For puppies and kittens, the minimum import age is 12 weeks, as this is the earliest age at which they can receive their first rabies vaccination