Pet import requirements for Nicaragua
What Nicaragua 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 2025-10-13 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2025-10-13. 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.
Nicaragua at a glance
| Requirement | For Nicaragua |
|---|---|
| Microchip Not required | Not required |
| Rabies | -Required |
| Import permit Not required | Not required |
| Quarantine | Nicaragua does not require routine quarantine for dogs and cats that meet all import requirements |
| Minimum age to travel | Pets must be at least 16 weeks old (4 months) at the time of import |
| Customs clearance | Not required |
| Agent at destination | Not required |
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
Not required but Highly Recommended for pets traveling as cargo. Not required but Highly Recommended for pets traveling as cargo. Nicaragua is a country located in Central America. Have the HAWB issued to MGA unless the airline assigns a different live-animal station.
Import requirements
Pets must be at least 16 weeks old (4 months) at the time of import. (after receiving required vaccinations).
Rabies over 30 days and less than one year
Dogs-DHLP/DHLPP. less than one year
Cats-FVRCP less than one year
Endo/Ecto treatment within 30 days of export
Personal (Pet) Moves: Applies to pets imported for family relocation or travel.
Considered when importing animals for sale, breeding, or commercial purposes.
Owners must travel with original health documents (copies may not be accepted).
Identification and microchip
Not required but is recommended.
Rabies and vaccinations
-Required. Dogs and cats must be at least 4 months old to travel to Nicaragua.
- Primary vaccination: Must be administered at least 30 days before travel and within 12 months prior to entry.
- 3-year rabies vaccines are accepted, but only recognized as valid for 1 year by Nicaragua authorities.
- Boosters given while the prior rabies vaccine is still valid do not require a 30-day wait.
Dogs:
-Rabies
- DHLP/DHLPP. Covers *Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, (± Parainfluenza)*.
All vaccines withing one year
Cats
-Rabies
-FVRCP. covers *Feline viral rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia*
All vaccines withing one year
Tests and treatments
None Known.
Internal and external parasite treatments (Endo/Ecto) within 30 days prior to transport.
Health certificate and permits
-Health certificate issued by an of ficial or private vet.
-Should in dicate pet is free of in fectious-contagious diseases and list all vaccinations given.
Within 10 days of departure.
Not required in advance for the importation of dogs and cats.
Health certificate must be endorsed by government entity in exporting country.
Quarantine
Nicaragua does not require routine quarantine for dogs and cats that meet all import requirements.
Restrictions and banned breeds
None required before entry.
Customs, agents, and airports
Not required but Highly Recommended for pets traveling as cargo.
Airports:
-Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, Managua (IATA: MGA, ICAO: MNMG)
Airports listed on this destination file: MGA.
-Pets may enter Nicaragua in cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo, depending on airline regulations.
Export notes
Rabies over 30 days and less than one year
Dogs-DHLP less than one year
Cats-FVRCP less than one year
Export permit required
Health Certificate with IPSA endorsement less than 10 days before travel required
Additional requirements (tests, endorsements, treatments) depend on the destination country.
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
Each case is evaluated in dividually (case-by-case basis)
Nicaragua’s animal importation and welfare rules are overseen by IPSA (Instituto de Protección y Sanidad Agropecuaria).
https://www.ipsa.gob.ni
Official contacts
IPSA
Address: Km 5½ Carretera Norte, contiguo a ENACAL Portezuelo, Managua.
E-Mail: contacto@ipsa.gob.ni
PBX: 22981330 / 22981331 / 22981349
Website https://www.ipsa.gob.ni/
Current as of August 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 2025-10-13.
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: Anguilla · Antigua and Barbuda · Argentina · all destinations
Official sources for Nicaragua
- ipsa.gob.ni ipsa.gob.ni
Questions about moving a pet to Nicaragua
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for Nicaragua?
Not required
From the country profile, last verified 2025-10-13.
What rabies vaccination does Nicaragua require?
-Required
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into Nicaragua?
Not required
Will my pet be quarantined on arrival in Nicaragua?
Nicaragua does not require routine quarantine for dogs and cats that meet all import requirements
How old does a puppy or kitten have to be to travel to Nicaragua?
Pets must be at least 16 weeks old (4 months) at the time of import