Pet import requirements for Cuba

Cuba at a glance

The detail

Cuba, of ficially the Republic of Cuba,is an island country located where the northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean meet. Airports: 1. Must be a minimum of 12 to 16 weeks of age or older and have their in itial rabies vaccine 30 days prior to departure.

Import requirements

Must be a minimum of 12 to 16 weeks of age or older and have their in itial rabies vaccine 30 days prior to departure. There do not appear to be any restrictions or restrictions for pregnant females.

Importation to Cuba is extremely strict, please see below for export from Canada and the United States. All other countries need to source requirements from their Origin.

From Canada, a Phytosanitary Certificate is required, one copy stays with the Airline (Westjet) and one copy goes to Havana. https://in spection.canada.ca/about-cfia/find-a-form/privacy-notice/eng/1445601295813/1445601296610

The personal in formation collected for the Plant Protection Program appears in Personal Information Bank CFIA PPU 120 / CFIA IPP 155 for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which is described within [InfoSource](https://in spection.canada.ca/about-cfia/transparency/atip/info-source/eng/1388355218800/1388355393470?chap=2).

Additional Information:

• Contact the Cuban embassy or consulate in country of origin to obtain the necessary forms and requirements for importing your pet.
• Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in country of origin. The certificate must be signed by the veterinarian and must state that the pet is healthy and free from any in fectious diseases.
• Obtain a USDA endorsement on the health certificate. This is required for all pets traveling to Cuba from the United States.
• Obtain an import permit from the Cuban Ministry of Agriculture. This can take several weeks to process, so it is important to apply well in advance of travel.
• Upon arrival in Cuba, pets will be examined by a veterinarian, and client/agent will need to present all of the necessary documents, in cluding the health certificate, USDA endorsement, and import permit.

For Military Personnel Stationed in NSGB (Guantanamo Bay Naval Base) Guantanamo Bay:

All dogs and cats over 2 years of age must be spayed or neutered prior to arrival at NSGB. If your pet has a valid medical reason for not being spayed or neutered, have your veterinarian contact the NSGB veterinarian; documentation outlining the medical condition will be required.

No additional in formation found.

Cuba is not currently part of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), which is an in ternational system that allows for easier travel with pets between certain countries. However, pets can still be brought into Cuba as long as all of the necessary requirements are met.

Identification and microchip

Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) Cuba requires that pets be identified with an ISO compliant microchip.

For Military Personnel Stationed in Gunantanamo Bay: Microchips are required for all pets traveling to NSGB. Any microchip that is able to be scanned by a U.S. microchip scanner is acceptable.

Rabies and vaccinations

Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) Cuban ministerial entity specified that the certificate must in clude: type/brand of the anti-rabies vaccine administered, dosage, date, validity and batch number, among others that can be provided.

Pets (Dogs or cats) must be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days prior to entering the country.

3 year Rabies are not accepted.

For Military Personnel Stationed in NSGB (Guantanamo Bay Naval Base) Gunantanamo Bay:

Pets over the age of 12 weeks must have a current rabies vaccination and certificate (DD 2208) in order to travel. If the vaccine expires during your travel or shortly the reafter, it is recommended to update this vaccine prior to travel. There is not a waiting period after vaccination prior to entry to NSGB.

Vaccines for canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies are considered core vaccines. The core feline vaccines are those for feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV – kittens) and rabies.

It is recommended that pets be vaccinated against other common diseases as well, such as distemper and parvovirus.

For Military Personnel Stationed in Guantanamo Bay:

Dogs are required to be up-to-date on the distemper/adenovirus/parvovirus (DAP or DA2PP) vaccine prior to travel. It is strongly recommended that dogs also be up-to-date on leptospirosis and Bordetella/parainfluenza (kennel cough) vaccines prior to travel, but this is not required.

Cats are required to be up-to-date on the feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus /panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine prior to travel.

Tests and treatments

A rabies Titre test is not required to enter Cuba from any country.

Parasite treatment is not required but recommended due to limited availability of these products in the country.

For Military Personnel Stationed in Guantanamo Bay:

NSGB NSGB (Guantanamo Bay Naval Base) is located in a Caribbean climate. It is strongly encouraged that pets be on flea and tick prevention prior to travel to avoid contracting flea and tick-borne diseases.

Heartworm Prevention

There is a large mosquito population on NSGB. The overall heartworm disease risk is unknown, as studies have not been conducted. However, the mosquito vector is present and feral dogs living on NSGB have tested positive for heartworms. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that all dogs and cats be placed on heartworm prevention prior to travel and maintain prevention during their time at NSGB.

Health certificate and permits

The Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) requirements if you wish to bring your pet to Cuba, the first thing you must do is to go to a veterinary clinic in your country to request an of ficial health certificate and apply all the necessary vaccinations to the pet, especially the rabies vaccine. In the document, the veterinarian must state the general data of the animal:

• Species
• Breed
• Pet's name
• Age and DOB
• Sex
• Color
• Identification of the animal (description of the tag, tattoo or microchip), as well as the name of the person in charge of transporting it.

It is also important to in dicate the general state of health of the pet, if it is dewormed, if it has been given preventive vaccinations, being an in dispensable requirement that the data on the anti-rabies vaccination appear.

Required, must in clude vaccination history and certification that the animal is in good health. Must be completed 10 days previous to travel.

The health certificate bears the original ink signature and embossed seal.

USA https://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS7001.pdf

Canada

CFIA Trilingual Health Certificate

https://in spection.canada.ca/DAM/DAM-animals-animaux/STAGING/text-texte/terr_anima_export_certif_pets_internat_trilingual_1396373344430_eng.pdf

For Military Personnel Stationed in NSGB (Guantanamo Bay Naval Base) Guantanamo Bay:

Pets need a health certificate (DD 2209) and an airline letter of acclimation within 10 days of travel. The health certificate examination must be performed by a veterinarian to ensure that your pet is free of communicable and foreign animal diseases. It is recommended that this examination be performed by a military veterinarian, if possible. Typically, health certificates are of fered by appointment only. A USDA endorsement is not required for entry to NSGB.

An import permit is not needed when entering Cuba with a personal pet.

CanadaCFIA Trilingual Health Certificate

[https://in spection.canada.ca/DAM/DAM-animals-animaux/STAGING/text-texte/terr_anima_export_certif_pets_internat_trilingual_1396373344430_eng.pdf](https://in spection.canada.ca/DAM/DAM-animals-animaux/STAGING/text-texte/terr_anima_export_certif_pets_internat_trilingual_1396373344430_eng.pdf)

United States of America

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS7001.pdf

Quarantine

Cuba does not quarantine healthy pets who meet the following requirements:

• Proof of current rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days and not more than 12 months prior to entry.
• Veterinary Certificate for Cuba completed by a licensed veterinarian shortly prior to entry. It is recommended that a USDA or CFIA licensed veterinarian complete the APHIS Form 7001 and endorsed by the USDA or CFIA if traveling from the United States or Canada. If traveling from another country, the responsible Governing Authority for the import and export of animals should endorse the forms.
• A copy of the Rabies Certificate should also be in cluded for endorsement.
• Inspection: All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry to Cuba. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.

For Military Personnel Stationed in NSGB (Guantanamo Bay Naval Base) Guantanamo Bay:

There is no additional quarantine for pets at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Cuba allows the import of pets. However, there are some restrictions to be aware of before bringing pets to the country. Only dogs, cats, and birds are allowed to be imported into Cuba. Other pets such as reptiles, rodents, and rabbits are not permitted.

Cuba does not publish a list of banned breeds.

Customs, agents, and airports

Accompanied Pets with in dividuals can clear customs the mselves as long as the AWB contains telephone 76420275 which is the department of phytosanitary products in HAV. Consignees must call this number prior to shipment arrival.

Airports:

• José Martí International Airport, Havana (IATA: HAV, ICAO: MUHA)
• Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport, Varadero (IATA: VRA, ICAO: MUVR)
• Abel Santamaría International Airport, Santa Clara (IATA: SNU, ICAO: MUSC)
• Ignacio Agramonte International Airport, Camagüey (IATA: CMW, ICAO: MUCM)
• Frank País International Airport, Holguín (IATA: HOG, ICAO: MUHG)
• Antonio Maceo International Airport, Santiago de Cuba (IATA: SCU, ICAO: MUCU)
• Jardines del Rey Airport, Cayo Coco (IATA: CCC, ICAO: MUCC)
• Jaime González Airport, Cienfuegos (IATA: CFG, ICAO: MUCF)
• Sierra Maestra Airport, Manzanillo (IATA: MZO, ICAO: MUMZ)
• Gustavo Rizo Airport, Baracoa (IATA: BCA, ICAO: MUBA)

Ground:

• Havana Ferry Terminal (Sierra Maestra Terminal)
• Entry Point: Havana
• Contact Information: +53 7 860 8225
• Mariel Port Passenger Terminal

• Entry Point: Mariel
• Contact Information: +53 47 38 3700
• Santiago de Cuba Port Passenger Terminal

• Entry Point: Santiago de Cuba
• Contact Information: +53 22 62 1164
• Nueva Gerona Ferry Terminal

• Entry Point: Isla de la Juventud
• Contact Information: +53 46 32 1513
• Batabanó Ferry Terminal

• Entry Point: Batabanó
• Contact Information: +53 47 36 2260

Water Port:

• Port of Havana, Havana (Phone: +53 7 860 8225)
• Port of Mariel, Mariel (Phone: +53 47 38 3700)
• Port of Santiago de Cuba, Santiago de Cuba (Phone: +53 22 62 1164)
• Port of Cienfuegos, Cienfuegos (Phone: +53 43 55 1911)
• Port of Matanzas, Matanzas (Phone: +53 45 29 5221)
• Port of Nuevitas, Nuevitas (Phone: +53 32 51 1215)
• Port of Moa, Moa (Phone: +53 24 51 3225)
• Port of Guantánamo, Guantánamo (Phone: +53 21 32 2244)

Pets must enter Cuba via José Martí International Airport in Havana

AMC for Military Personnel who will be stationed in NSGB (Guantanamo Bay Naval Base) Guantanamo Bay

Airports listed on this destination file: HAV.

AWB in formation you must in clude telephone 76420275 which is the department of phytosanitary products in HAV. Consignees must call this number prior to shipment arrival."

After the pet arrives in the country, the veterinarians present at the airport are in charge of performing physical tests to verify that they correspond with the data in cluded in the export certificate.

If the specialists verify such correspondence, then they authorize the entry of the pet, always registering the address of the place of residence or lodging where it will stay, in order to verify the animal's state of health within 15 days after the date of arrival, which must correspond with what was verified in the certificate.

MINAG (Ministry of Agriculture) specified that when a pet is imported to the island, if the person returns to the country of origin within a period of up to 30 days of arrival, the Export Certificate with which the animal entered the country can be used to prove its return.

In case the stay in Cuba exceeds 30 days, it is clarified that the exportation must be processed in the quarantine clinics of the animal health system of the province where the animal was during its stay in the island.

Export notes

Pets must have all relevant documentation required to enter the destination country as required documents for the airline. Ensure to visit the IPATA Country Profiles to determine country requirements.

Cuba does not have a U.S.-approved laboratory, which means rabies blood tests must be sent abroad for analysis.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

If your pet is not a dog, cat, or ferret and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under CITES. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case.

Other Animals: Birds, in vertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to requirements of rabies vaccination, but may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter Cuba. If your pet is not a dog, cat or ferret, you should verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). If so, you will need to apply for additional permits.

Failure to comply with these regulations will mean that your pet will be refused entry or returned to the country of origin or placed in quarantine, all at the expense of the person responsible for your pet.

[CLICK HERE](https://serendipia-cc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/gaceta-of icial-10-abril-2021-1.pdf)

From Canada via Westjet Cargo to Cuba

A company that is dedicated to raising pets can send a shipment to an in dividual in HAV, meeting all the transportation requirements.

Pets, dogs and cats must present vaccination certificates evaluated by phytosanitary department, must have adequate cages.

The AVI cannot be stored in HAV, the customer must be in formed in advance of the shipment of the AVI, this must be retrieved from the warehouse as soon as possible. The phone number of the consignee who is going to pick up the pet must be on the AWB.

In the filling out the AWB in formation you must in clude telephone 76420275 which is the department of phytosanitary products in HAV. Consignees must call this number prior to shipment arrival."

Veterinary Services and NSGB (Guantanamo Bay Naval Base) Pet Regulations for Military Personnel Stationed in Guantanamo Bay:

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Veterinary Treatment Facility

Office: (757)458-2212 or 2101

Emergency On-Call: (757)933-7934

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GTMOpaws

Hours: M-W, F 0830-1200, 1300-1600

Closed Thursdays for training. Closed at 1200 on the last working day of the month for in ventory. Closed all federal holidays.

The military veterinarian is the only veterinarian available at NSGB. The vet clinic provides wellness, sick call, emergency, and surgical services. However, the surgical services are limited. If your pet is in need of an advanced surgical procedure (such as an orthopedic or ophthalmic surgery) or a dental cleaning, it is strongly recommended to have this performed prior to travel. Any laboratory tests that cannot be performed in-house at the vet clinic must be shipped off on a rotator flight, limiting the types of tests that can be performed. If your veterinarian has recommended that you see a specialist (such as a board certified dermatologist, in ternist, surgeon, etc.), you should complete that referral appointment prior to travel. The vet clinic does not offer pet sitting services. Pet owners are responsible for making pet sitting arrangements (friends, family, neighbors, etc.) when leaving NSGB for travel.

NSGB (Guantanamo Bay Naval Base) Pet Regulations:

Pets must be registered with the vet clinic within 14 days of their arrival. Pets must be housed in doors, in cluding cats. Animals must be under owner control when outside, either on a leash or in a contained fenced area.

Important On Station Pet Regulations:

• Maximum of two pets per sponsor/household; no breed restrictions at this time. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Station Commanding Officer.
• AMC travel with pets requires that the pets have booked pet space and can only travel in conjunction with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. Confirmation before traveling is strongly recommended.
• All pets must be current on vaccinations and be accompanied with proof of vaccination.
• All pets must be microchipped.
• Pets need to be registered with the vet clinic within 14 days of their arrival.
• Pets are not allowed in the unaccompanied quarters.
• Pets must be housed in doors, in cluding cats. Animals must be under owner control when outside, either on a leash or in a contained fenced area.

Boarding Services Military Personnel Stationed in Gunantanamo Bay:

There are no pet boarding facilities available on Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. Pets are not allowed in unaccompanied housing or the Navy Lodge. The Navy Gateway Inn and Suites of fers pet-friendly rooms. Call for rules and restrictions.

Official contacts

• Contact the originating country's department of animal health to determine if import health requirements are on file for the destination country.
• If not, contact the originating country's Agricultural Officer at the Embassy or Consulate in the destination country. They should be able to provide the import health requirements in the language of the originating country.
• Alternatively, go to the source in the destination country and contact the country's Department of Animal Health.

National Directorate Veterinary Medicine Institute

Calle 12 No.355 e /15 and 17

Plaza of the Revolution,

City of Havana, 10400,

Cuba

Tel: +1 537 833-7077

Email: gelsymachado@in fomed.sld.cu

Email: sergiochan@in fomed.sld.cu

WebsiteCanada: http://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/canada/consular-services#atestado_animales_companiaHousehold Pet Declaration: For a household pet to travel to Cuba, you must obtain the International Health Certificate for dogs and cats, signed and sealed by an Official Veterinarian at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. You should ask for the form that has the English, Spanish and French version to gether. Take the document to the Legal Department of Global Affairs Canada for authentication (111 Sussex Drive K1N 1J1). Documents to take effect in Cuba, need to be legalized by the Cuban Consulate, previously authenticated by the Legal Department of Global Affairs Canada. Check the link below to know more about the requirements for authentication, how to send your documents and the processing time. http://www.in ternational.gc.ca/department-ministere/authentication-authentification_documents.aspx?lang=eng After the document is authenticated, the process of legalization at the Consulate takes 3 days. The fee for legalizations is $176.00 CAD per document. If the application is made by mail, an extra consular fee of $40.00 CAD will be charged for non personal service.A pre-paid safe envelope (with tracking number) must be sent in order to return the documents.In order to make the payment, select the Office where you will submit your application: Consulate General of Cuba in Torontohttp://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/node/1757https://www.facebook.com/ConsulCubaToronto?fref=tsPhone: (416) 234-1819Consulate General of Cuba in Montrealhttp://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/canada/general-consulate-cuba-montrealhttps://www.facebook.com/consuladogral.montreal?mibextid=LQQJ4dPhone: (514) 843-8897 ext 221 and 226Consular Office in Ottawahttp://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/canada/embassy-cuba-canadahttps://www.facebook.com/EmbacubaCanada/Phone: (613) 563-0141Fax: (613) 563-0068

On arrival, travelers to Cuba are carrying products of animal and/or plant origin are requested to kindly approach the Border Veterinary Services and/or the Plant Health Authorities. Officials will inform you of the applicable regulations for each specific case. United States:

Travelling from the United States APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) recommends that contact with the countries animal health of ficials for in formation regarding country requirements.

Washington, DC

Email the Cuban Embassy recepcion@usadc.embacuba.cu

Telephone (202) 797-8515 /16 /17 /18

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 2026-02-25.

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