Pet import requirements for Namibia

Namibia at a glance

The detail

Highly Recommended. A destination agent is required for Namibia. Namibia is located in southern Africa, bordered by Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, South Africa to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Have the HAWB issued to WDH unless the airline assigns a different live-animal station.

Import requirements

pets are allowed to enter the country only after they meet the following age and vaccination requirements:

• Pets must be at least 12 weeks (3 months) old before they can receive their rabies vaccination.
• After receiving the rabies vaccination, they must wait at least 30 days before they are eligible for import.

Restrictions & Exceptions

• Age Restrictions:
• Pets under 12 weeks old are considered to have rabies protection and are allowed to be imported into Namibia provided the dam was vaccinated at least 30 days but no more than 12 months prior to giving birth.

• Veterinary Health Certificate
• Import Permit
• Rabies Vaccination Certificate
• Parasite treatments
• No Quotas on how many pets one can import at any time

All pets being imported into Namibia are considered commercial even personal pets.

Namibia has not published commercial vs noncommercial moves. All pets being imported into Namibia are considered commercial.

No special origin country restrictions has been listed by Namibia.

NA

Identification and microchip

A permanent identification microchip is required, and it must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant. Tattoos are also acceptable as a form of identification, and identification tags are accepted as a means of identifying pets.

Rabies and vaccinations

Rabies vaccine must be a strain of vaccine conforming to a potency standard recognized by WHO. Animals must receive a primary rabies vaccination at least 30 days but no more than 12 months before export. Pets under 12 weeks old are considered to have rabies protection and may be imported into Namibia if the dam was vaccinated at least 30 days but no more than 12 months before giving birth.

Dogs entering Namibia must be vaccinated against the following diseases:

• Canine Distemper
• Canine Hepatitis
• Canine Parainfluenza
• Canine Leptospirosis
• Canine Parvovirus

Additionally, dogs must be free from:

• Canine Coronavirus
• Rotavirus
• Adenovirus Type 2
• Bordetella

Cats entering Namibia must be vaccinated against:

• Rabies
• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)
• Calicivirus (FCV)
• Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)

(Note: These are often administered as a combination "FVRCP" vaccine.)

For both dogs and cats, the required vaccinations must not be older than one year at the time of entry into Namibia. All vaccinations must be documented in a valid health certificate issued and endorsed by a competent veterinary authority within 10 days of departure.

It is also advisable to ensure pets are in good health and meet all other entry requirements before traveling.

Tests and treatments

1.

Tests Required Before Entry

• Brucella canis: Serum agglutination.
• Trypanosoma evansi: Card agglutination and Giemsa blood smear.
• Babesia gibsoni: Immunofluorescence antibody test and Giemsa blood smear.
• Dirofilaria immitis: Microfilarial filtration test.

6.

Timeframe Before Entry

• These tests must be performed within 30 days prior to export at an of ficially approved laboratory.

8.

Expiry of the Tests

The test results are valid for 30 days from the date of testing.

Treatments Required Before Entry to Namibia

• Internal Parasite Treatment:
• Conditions Treated: Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm).
• Medications:
• Diethylcarbamazine (5-6 mg/kg per os daily) or
• Ivermectin (6 micrograms/kg per os monthly) or
• Milbemycin oxime (0.5 mg/kg per os monthly) or
• Moxidectin (3 micrograms/kg per os monthly) or
• Selamectin (6 mg/kg, prophylactic only).
• External Parasite Treatment:

• Product Example: Fluralaner (effective against fleas and ticks).
• Dosage: For 20–40 kg dogs (specific to the weight range).

Administered By:

• Certified Veterinarian: A licensed veterinary professional must administer all required treatments.

Timeframe Before Entry:

• Treatments must be administered 10 days prior to entry into Namibia.

Documentation Requirements:

• The treatment details, in cluding the product name, dosage, and date of administration, must be recorded.
• These details must be in cluded in the International Health Certificate signed by the veterinarian.
• The health certificate must explicitly state that both in ternal and external parasite treatments were administered as per requirements.

Health certificate and permits

Type of Health Certificate Required

• Dogs and cats entering Namibia must be accompanied by an of ficial health certificate issued by the country of origin.
• Namibia requires a specific template health certificate tailored to its import regulations.

Specific Format

• The health certificate must:
• Be completed in English.
• Follow the prescribed Namibian format, signed and stamped by a state veterinarian of the exporting country.
• Include all required test results, vaccination details, and treatments as per Namibia's import requirements.

Requirements for the Health Certificate

• Internal and External Parasite Treatment:
• Administered within 10 days prior to departure.
• Documented with details of the product, dosage, and administration date.
• Vaccinations:

• Must comply with Namibia's regulations (e.g., rabies vaccination not older than one year).
• Laboratory Test Results:

• Copies of all required laboratory test results must be attached to the health certificate.
• Quarantine Notice:

• Animals may be subject to 30 days quarantine upon arrival, as per Namibia's regulations.
• Veterinary Declaration:

• Certify the animal is free from contagious and in fectious diseases and is fit for travel.

Who Must Perform It

• The health certificate must be:
• Completed by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin.
• Endorsed and signed by the state veterinarian (a government authority) of the country of origin.

Government Endorsement

• Yes, the certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinary authority in the exporting country to confirm compliance with Namibia's import regulations.

Form or Template Availability

• Namibia has a specific template for the health certificate. Unfortunately, I do not have a direct link or copy of the template to share. However, it can typically be obtained from:
• The state veterinary department in the exporting country.
• The Namibian Directorate of Veterinary Services or its of ficial website.

Import permit is mandatory requirement for all pets entering Namibia

Nambia International Movement Permit

Nambia Verterinary -Import Permit Application Form

Quarantine

• Quarantine Notice:

o Animals may be subject to 30 days quarantine upon arrival, as per Namibia's regulations.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Namibia does not have any published breed restrictions. Regarding age requirements, pets under 12 weeks old are considered to have rabies protection and may be imported if the dam was vaccinated at least 30 days but no more than 12 months before giving birth. However, imported puppies under 12 weeks old must be vaccinated once they reach 12 weeks of age, and proof of vaccination must be provided to the State Veterinarian.

Customs, agents, and airports

Highly Recommended

A destination agent is required for Namibia.

WDH

Airports listed on this destination file: WDH.

Pets may enter Namibia via Hosea Kutako International Airport. Pets can arrive in the cabin, as checked baggage or as air cargo.

Upon arrival in Namibia you will present the documents and the Veterinary of ficer stationed at the entrance port will stamp them.

All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.

Export notes

State Veterinarian Endorsed Health Certificate

All original Veterinarian documentation

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

CITES Requirements in Namibia:

• Import and Export Permits:
• For species listed in Appendix I, both an import permit (from Namibia) and an export permit (from the country of origin) are required.
• For species in Appendix II, only an export permit from the country of origin is necessary.
• For species in Appendix III, an export permit (if sourced from the country that listed the species) or a certificate of origin (from any other country) is required.
• Application Process:

• Applications for CITES permits must be submitted to the CITES Management Authority of Namibia at least five working days prior to the in tended import or export.
• The application should in clude detailed in formation about the species, purpose of trade, and relevant documentation.
• Validity of Permits:

• Each CITES permit is valid for a single consignment only.
• Permits must bear the title of the Convention, the title and identifying stamp of the Minister, and a unique number assigned by the Minister.

Specific Restrictions:

• Namibia may impose additional restrictions on certain species to protect its biodiversity. It's essential to consult the CITES Management Authority for any species-specific regulations before proceeding with import or export.

Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. CITES Management Authority:

• Department Name: Directorate of Scientific Services, CITES Management Authority Section
• Mailing Address: Private Bag 13306, Windhoek, Namibia
• Telephone: +264 61 284 2111
• Fax: +264 61 258 861

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Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism:

• Telephone: +264 (61) 284 2526 / 29
• Fax: +264 (61) 259 101

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Mailing Address: Private Bag 13306, Windhoek Protected Resources Sub-Division of the Namibian Police:

• Telephone: +264 (61) 209 4356

General Requirements for Other Pets

• Import Permit:
• An import permit is required for all animals, in cluding exotic pets such as birds, reptiles, rodents, and other species. The permit must be obtained from the Namibian Directorate of Veterinary Services before travel.

• Health Certificate:
• A veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin and endorsed by the state veterinary authority is mandatory.
• The certificate must in clude in formation about the species, health status, vaccinations, and tests conducted.
• Quarantine:

• Some pets, especially exotic species, may be subject to quarantine upon arrival to ensure they do not carry diseases that could affect local wildlife or livestock.
• CITES Permits (if applicable):

• For species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), both an export permit from the country of origin and an import permit from Namibia are required.
• Vaccinations and Tests:

• The required vaccinations and tests vary by species. For example:
• Birds: Must be tested for avian diseases like Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease.
• Rodents: May require tests for zoonotic diseases such as leptospirosis.
• Reptiles: Specific health screenings may be required based on the species.

Species-Specific Restrictions

• Birds:
• Importing birds may require additional clearance due to the risk of avian diseases.
• Some species may be prohibited to protect local ecosystems.
• Exotic and Wild Animals:

• Strict regulations govern the import of wild or exotic species to prevent biodiversity issues.
• A special permit and documentation proving legal ownership may be required.
• Marine Animals (e.g., fish):

• Importing marine life requires compliance with Namibia’s environmental laws and biosecurity measures.

Documentation Checklist

• Import permit from the Namibian Directorate of Veterinary Services.
• Veterinary health certificate signed by an authorized veterinarian.
• Laboratory test results (if applicable).
• CITES permits for protected species.

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 Namibia. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further in formation from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.

Official contacts

*Directorate of Veterinary Services

Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer - DirectorPhone:+264 61 208 7503Fax:+264 61 303 151Website:*

*https://mawlr.gov.na/directorate-of-veterinary-services*

*For import permits and related in quiries, you can also contact:Import/Export Office:Phone:

+264 61 276 592Email:vet.permits@mawlr.gov.na*

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 2026-04-10.

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