Pet import requirements for the Seychelles

The Seychelles at a glance

The detail

Island country and archipelagic state consisting of 155 islands in the Indian Ocean, East of Africa. All animals must travel as manifest cargo, preferably by a direct flight or an approved scheduled flight at Seychelles International Airport. 1 Cat/dog must be at least sixteen (16) weeks of age.

Import requirements

1 Cat/dog must be at least sixteen (16) weeks of age.

Post arrival quarantine of fourteen (14) days.

Pets must continually resided in the country OF ORIGIN FOR 6 months immediately preceding the date of shipment or since birth. You pet must stay in Seychelles for at least 6months.

Animals belonging to the same owner can be shipped in the same kennel if the owner wishes to do so. Bear in mind: occupation of the extra kennel carries an additional charge.

Immediately upon arrival, a veterinary of ficer will examine the animal. Veterinary of ficers only in vestigate exotic diseases. Veterinary fees are excluded from quarantine fees, meaning they carry and additional charge.

Pets with chronic illnesses is strongly discouraged.

All pets must travel as manifest cargo.

Only dogs and cats are allowed to be imported as domestic animals. Birds, rodents, reptiles and exotic animals are strictly prohibited and cannot enter. Must be microchipped and be ISO 11784/11785 compliant. The cat/dog must have a certified VHC signed by an of ficial veterinarian. The cat/dog must be vaccinated at least one month before arrival but not more than 12 months prior. All medical tests must be done for tropical diseases. Pet crate must contain all the original medical documents and health certificate. If a pet is of a certain breed or cross, castration is mandatory. Pet MUST be transported in an IATA-approved crate that also meets airline regulations.

Minimum two (2) weeks quarantine for cats and dogs originating from rabies free countries (rabies vaccination is not mandatory, but recommended) on condition that: 6.11 The cat/dog has been continuously residing in the exporting country for a minimum period of six months prior to exportation or since birth (for animals younger than six months).

6.12 The cat/dog is accompanied with an of ficial certificate stating that no cases of rabies have been reported in the country of origin during the past six months prior to export. VS/REG/05/11/01 Page 3 of 6

6.2 Rabies affected countries Minimum two (2) weeks quarantine, but subject to the following conditions: 6.21 The cat/dog must have a valid rabies vaccination record. The rabies vaccination must have been done with an in activated vaccine when at least three (3) months of age. In the case of a booster vaccination against rabies, that should be done thirty (30) days and no more than twelve (12) months prior to export. 6.22 The cat/dog must be accompanied by a Rabies Neutralization Antibody Titre Test with result > 0.5 IU. The test must have been performed at least one month after the primo vaccination and not more than six (6) months prior to departure. 6.23 A copy of the Rabies vaccination certificate and the RNATT result must be provided in the application for the import permit

6.24 The cat/dog is accompanied with an of ficial certificate stating that no cases of rabies have been recorded in the County/Province/Locality of origin during the past six (6) months prior to export. N.B: If the cat/dog does not meet the conditions stated above, it will have to undergo a minimum six (6) months post arrival quarantine or worst be returned to the country of origin at the importer’s expense.

Please note: Owner must provide food for the pet during quarantine.

All documents produced should be in either in English or French.

Owner must provide food for the animal(s) during the stay in quarantine.

Visitors are only allowed to see their pets at 09:00 – 18:00 daily. Special arrangements are to be made if the owner cannot visit during visiting hours, with the Veterinary Officer in charge. Arrangements can be made with the kennel staff as well for the feeding of the pet.

Chronically ill pets are highly discouraged. If a pet has any veterinary problems or requires medication, please notify the Veterinary Services so that the correct authorization can be obtained to import the medication which may not be available locally.

The Small Animal Clinic Services are provided during the span of core hours (08:00 – 16:00). The owners of animals that require the administration of the rapeutics at regular in tervals, e.g. epileptic/diabetic, should discuss alternative treatment in tervals prior to importation. They will incur additional costs.

Identification and microchip

Pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 pet microchip that is 15 digits and non-encrypted. Pets MicroChip number must be present on all Documents

Rabies and vaccinations

Pets must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entry.

The cat/dog must be accompanied by a Rabies Neutralization Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) with results >0.5 IU. The test must have been performed one month after the primo vaccination and not more than 6 months prior to departure.

The blood for the RNATT must be drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.

RNATT results required for animals originating from rabies affected countries.

Pets must have valid vaccination records,

in cluding proof of rabies in oculation.

Min of 30 days, no more than 1 year prior to travel.

All vaccinations must be done not less than two (2) weeks prior to the date of departure.

Vaccinations in clude:

Cat: Rabies*, Feline panleukopenia, Feline rhinotracheitis, Feline calicivirus.

Dog: Rabies*, Canine Distemper, Canine parvovirus, Infectious canine hepatitis, Leptospirosis.

Tests and treatments

All dogs and cats must have a rabies titer test administered by a licensed veterinarian no sooner then 30 days after rabies vaccination and within 6 months of travel.

RNATT results required for animals originating from rabies affected countries.

Dog must be accompanied with results for the five tropical diseases (Brucella canis, Trypanosoma evansi, Babesia gibsoni, Leishmania, Erlichia cans).

Pets must be treated for in ternal and external parasites 48 hours before entering Seychelles.

Pet must be treated with a suitable in secticide (in dicated name on certificate) against ectoparasites.

Health certificate and permits

An accredited veterinarian must complete an International Health Certificate for Seychelles in English or French and the IHC must be endorsed by the governing authority of the exporting country within 10 days of export. A second examination must be performed within 48 hours of departure to ensure that your dog or cat is in good health, fit to travel, and shows no signs of in fections, or contiguous or parasitic disease.

An accredited veterinarian must accompany the dog/cat on arrival or a certificate from a private/registered veterinarian but endorsed by State Veterinarian issued 72 hours prior to departure.

Import permit required

Import Permit Required.

Valid 1 month from date of in tended arrival.

Application must be made 4 months prior to entry.

APPLICATION-TO-IMPORT-LIVE-ANIMALS-INTO-THE-REPUBLIC-OF-SEYCHELLES

Must be addressed to:

Chief Officer

Biosecurity and Border Control Section

Ministry of agriculture, Climate Change and Evironment

P.O. Box 464, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles

Tel: (+248) 4 303 366

Email: enquiry@nba.gov.sc

APPLICATION-TO-IMPORT-LIVE-ANIMALS-INTO-THE-REPUBLIC-OF-SEYCHELLES

When applying to import a dog or cat into Seychelles, a Veterinary Import Permit is mandatory

Quarantine

By law, ALL animals entering the Seychelles are subjected to Post arrival quarantine of fourteen (14) days. There is only one facility on Mahe for the quarantine of imported animals. Animals belonging to the same owner can be housed in the same kennel if the owner so wishes. Please bear in mind that occupation of extra kennel carries an additional fee.

Minimum two (2) weeks quarantine for cats and dogs originating from rabies free countries on condition that: 6.11 The cat/dog has been continuously residing in the exporting country for a minimum period of six months prior to exportation or since birth (for animals younger than six months).

Before the quarantine booking can be confirmed, an Indemnity form is signed. Copies of the form is attached to the import permit application. The original signed Indemnity is handed in at the quarantine station while a copy is emailed during the booking.

Please note: Owner must provide food for the pet during quarantine.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Bringing bird species of any kind into Seychelles is not permitted.

No male or female dog of any of the following breeds shall be imported unless it has been sterilized by castration or ovaro-hysterectomy: Akita Inu

Alangu Mastiff

Alano Español

Alsatian

American Pit Bull Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier

Argentine Dogo

Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Bedlington Terrier,

Boston Terrier

Bully Kutta

Bulldog

Bull Mastiff

Boerboel

Cane Corso

Doberman

Dogue de Bordeaux

Dogo Sardesco

English Mastiff

Fila Brasileiro

French Bulldog

German Shepherd

Great Dane

Gull Dong

Gull Terr

Korea Jindo Dog

Lottatore Brindisino

Neopolitan Mastiff

Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Dog)

Perro de Presa Mallorquin (Ca de Bou)

Rottweiler

Shar Pei

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Tibetan Mastiff

Tosa Inu

Seychelles does not accept pets for a period of less than six months.

Dog must be accompanied with sterilization certificate and attestation by owner duly endorsed by the country of ficial veterinary Authority.

Pet must not make contact with any other animals at any point en route.

A minimum of 4 weeks’ quarantine is required for countries with rabies history.

A minimum post arrival quarantine of 14 days will be imposed on ALL animals in dependently of the country Rabies status.

Customs, agents, and airports

Highly Recommended

All animals must travel as manifest cargo, preferably by a direct flight or an approved scheduled flight at Seychelles International Airport.

Airports listed on this destination file: SEZ.

• Cats and dogs require an Import Permit issued by the Veterinary Services of the Seychelles.

• Live animals are subject to certain import requirements, and require import permission from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Transport.

• Pets must be of good health. Pets must obtain a Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) and valid vaccination certificates.

• Quarantine is required and the time of the quarantine depends on the country of origin of the animal.

• Additional certification may be required, please contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate.

• Domestic animals will not be admitted if the length of the stay is under 6 months.

• The bill of lading acts as a contract between the shipper and the carrier. It provides details regarding the shipment, in cluding the originating and destination ports, the responsible parties, and the cargo in formation. This document is crucial for ensuring the goods are delivered correctly and may also serve as a title of ownership during transit.

• A customs declaration form is essential for the importation of pets. It provides detailed in formation about the pet being shipped. It in cludes their classification and value. Proper completion ensures agreement to the statutory obligations and helps with an efficient processing of the pet.

Export notes

• Application for export permits is sent to the National Biosecurity Agency.

• Documents to accompany approval in clude veterinary certificates.

• Birds of any kind are prohibited

• Contact the closest embassy for more in formation about exportation of pets.

• Pets that are endangered and covered by CITES are prohibited.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

Ministry of Environment and Energy and Climate Change

Environment Department

Biodiversity Conservation and Management Division

Telephone

+248 4 670 541

+248 2 727 006

Contact people

Ms. Ashley Dias – Head of the Biodiversity Conservation Section

Email

a.dias@env.gov.sc

m.mjeremiemuzungaile@env.gov.sc

Mailing address

Suite 202, Aarti Chambers

Mont Fleuri

P.O. Box 445

Victoria

Import Requirments:

Chief Executive Officer Seychelles Agricultural Agency Ministry of Industry and Natural Resources P.O. Box 166, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4285 950 Fax (+248) 4285 970

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.

Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change, and Enivronment

PO Box 166

Grand Anse,

Victoria Mahé,

Seychelles

Tel: +248 4 670-500 (macce Office)

Tel: +248 285-950

Tel: +248 378-312 / 285-970

christelle@in telvision.net - Senior Vet Officer

(cc to Principal Veterinary Officer, Dr. Dr. Joel Malulu: vpho@gov.sc).

Current as of April 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 2025-04-01.

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