Pet import requirements for Eswatini
What Eswatini 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 2025-08-15 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2025-09-15. 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.
Eswatini at a glance
| Requirement | For Eswatini |
|---|---|
| Microchip Required | Required |
| Rabies | Pets must originate from an area free from movement restrictions imposed for the control of rabies |
| Import permit Required | Required [Interterritorial Movement Permit for Dogs and… |
| Quarantine | None on arrival |
| Minimum age to travel | Minimum of 8 weeks, can travel on mom valid rabies between 8 and 12 weeks |
| 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
Officially the Kingdom of Eswatini and also known by its former of ficial name Swaziland. Because Eswatini is in Africa And Middle East, transit countries on the way can impose extra live-animal rules even when the destination file looks straightforward. Minimum of 8 weeks, can travel on mom valid rabies between 8 and 12 weeks.
Import requirements
Minimum of 8 weeks, can travel on mom valid rabies between 8 and 12 weeks.
Import Permit
Rabies Vaccination
Dogs – 5 in 1
Cats – 3 in 1
Veterinary Health Certificate
Interterritorial Movement Permit for Dogs and Cats
N/A
Identification and microchip
Required
Rabies and vaccinations
Pets must originate from an area free from movement restrictions imposed for the control of rabies.
a) The animal must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate having been vaccinated not less than thirty (30) days ago but not more than 1 year ago in the case or primary vaccination.
OR
b) has been revaccinated against rabies not less than (30) days ago but not longer than 3 years ago in the case of dogs. In the case of cats, the period after revaccination is not less than (30) days but not longer than 1 year.
OR
c) is under three months of age and its dam was vaccinated against rabies at least thirty (30) days but not longer than 12 months prior to parturition.
NOTE: In cases where the animal originates from an area in which cases of rabies occurred in the previous three months or the area is under restrictions for the control of rabies, the minimum period after vaccination or revaccination is extended from 30 days to 60 days
5-in-1 for dogs and Felocell for cats must be older than 30 days and not more than 1 year prior to departure.
Tests and treatments
None required
Both in ternal & external parasite treatments are recommended to ensure there are no delays upon arrival.
Health certificate and permits
Within health certificate must be signed and endorsed within seven (7) days of the animal's departure. Vaccination records need to be attached.
Veterinary must sign:
Interterritorial Movement Permit for Dogs and Cats
Some provinces operate using different certificates. It is recommended to discuss with the Swaziland Ministry which is required.
Required
Interterritorial Movement Permit for Dogs and Cats
- Vet book
- Microchip certificate
- Health clearance
- Import permit
- For road transport from South Africa a movement permit is required in lieu of an import permit
Quarantine
No quarantine required
Restrictions and banned breeds
Pets entering country by road, will need to meet South African import requirements. Currently it is only possible to import to ESWATINI(SWAZILAND) by road from Johannesburg. Smaller animals may be able to transit Johannesburg airport due to size of aircrafts, however all South African entry requirements must be met for transit to ESWATINI(SWAZILAND).
Customs, agents, and airports
Highly Recommended
Aeropuerto Internacional Rey Mswati III: IATA: SHOPets can enter in the cabin, as checked baggage or air cargo. Upon arrival in ESWATINI(SWAZILAND) you will present the documents and the veterinary of ficer stationed at the entrance port will stamp them.
Recommended to fly into Johanesburg and then road transfer to Eswatini.O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg (IATAJNB, ICAO: FAOR
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
Capital – Mbabane, Lobamba
Currency – Swazi Lilangeni or South African Rands
Official contacts
Ministry of Agriculture
P.O. Box 162
Mbabane, ESWATINI(SWAZILAND)
H100
Tel: +268 2404-2731
Email: ps@agriculture.gov.sz
Dr T Nolangamandla
PO Box 7
Piggs Peak
H108; ESWATINI(SWAZILAND)
Tel: +268 437-1266 or +268 404-2731
Fax: +268 404-4700
Current as of July 2024
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 2025-08-15.
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.
Other destinations: Algeria · Angola · Bahrain · all destinations
Questions about moving a pet to Eswatini
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for Eswatini?
Required
From the country profile, last verified 2025-08-15.
What rabies vaccination does Eswatini require?
Pets must originate from an area free from movement restrictions imposed for the control of rabies
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into Eswatini?
Required [Interterritorial Movement Permit for Dogs and…
Will my pet be quarantined on arrival in Eswatini?
None on arrival
How old does a puppy or kitten have to be to travel to Eswatini?
Minimum of 8 weeks, can travel on mom valid rabies between 8 and 12 weeks