Pet import requirements for Somalia

Somalia at a glance

The detail

For Somalia, start with this checkpoint: pets entering Somalia that fully comply with all import requirements, in cluding holding a valid import permit, are not subject to quarantine upon arrival. Federal Republic of Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, and Kenya to the southwest. Cargo and passenger-pet routings commonly use MGQ.

Import requirements

For puppies and kittens, the minimum import age is 12 weeks, as this is the earliest age at which they can receive their first rabies vaccination.

However, puppies or kittens younger than 12 weeks may be permitted entry if they are accompanied by their mother and her rabies vaccination is valid and up to date.

Pet Import Requirements

• Import Permit
• International Veterinary Health Certificate (issued within 10 days of departure)
• Valid Rabies Vaccination (primary or booster, with accepted vaccine types)
• Core Vaccinations (Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, etc. / Cats: FVRCP)
• ISO-Compliant Microchip (15-digit, non-encrypted)
• Internal & External Parasite Treatment (within 10 days of entry)
• Minimum Age Requirement (12 weeks; younger pets must travel with mother)CITES Permit (required for CITES-listed species)

All pets entering Somalia are considered commercial.

Somalia has not published variations requirements due to origin

The importer shall satisfy the in specting of ficer that the animals imported were not, during the journey, either in contact with animals which would be likely to spread disease or exposed to any 39 other in fection and that no fodder or foodstuff likely to spread disease was fed to the animals.

Identification and microchip

All pets must be microchipped with a 15-digit, non-encrypted microchip that complies with ISO 11784/11785 standards. If your pet's microchip does not meet these specifications, you must provide a compatible microchip scanner upon entry*.*

The microchip number must be clearly recorded in both the vaccination booklet/certificate and the in ternational health certificate.

Rabies and vaccinations

Imported canine and feline animals shall be accompanied by a certificate signed by a veterinary surgeon certifying that the animals have been vaccinated against rabies and such a certificate shall be dated not earlier than three years and not later than six months before the date of importation. 7. The importer shall satisfy the in specting of ficer that the animals imported were not, during the journey, either in contact with animals which would be likely to spread disease or exposed to any other in fection and that no fodder or foodstuff likely to spread disease was fed to the animals

a) with an in activated virus vaccine or with a recombinant vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein.

Dogs: Rabies, Canine Distemper-Adenovirus, Hepatitis, Type 2-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus Vaccine, Leptospiracanicola-icterohaemorrahagiae Bacterin, and Parvovirus

Cats: Rabies and Feline Rhinotracheitis-Calicivirus -Panleukopenia

Tests and treatments

No test required for pets entering Somali

Not more than 48 hours before your pet’s flight, you should treat your pet against in ternal and external parasites.

Health certificate and permits

Pets entering the Federal Republic of Somalia must be accompanied by an in ternational veterinary health certificate issued and endorsed by the competent veterinary authority in the country of origin. This certificate should be completed no more than ten (10) days before the pet’s departure, and the original document must travel with the animal.

Please note that the the Federal Republic of Somalia has not published a standardized national health certificate for pet imports. As such, the of ficial health certificate used in the country of origin—provided it meets in ternational standards and is duly endorsed—is accepted for entry.

Import permit is required for all pets entering Federal republic of Somalia.

Quarantine

Pets entering Somalia that fully comply with all import requirements, in cluding holding a valid import permit, are not subject to quarantine upon arrival.

However, pets arriving without a valid import permit or with in complete documentation may be placed under mandatory quarantine at a government-approved facility for up to 14 days, at the owner's expense. This measure is enforced to safeguard public health, protect local animal populations, and prevent the in troduction of in fectious diseases.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Somali has not published a list of banned breeds

Customs, agents, and airports

Highly Recommended

MGQ

Airports listed on this destination file: MGQ.

Pets entering Somali should do so through MGQ Somali International Airport or Port of Mogadishu

Export notes

Documents Required

• Original Health Certificate – This is valid for not more than 48hrs after issue and is issued by a competent/authorized local vet once the health check is completed.

• Original Vaccination Certificate / Pet Passport

• Original Microchip Certificate

• Original Export Permit / International Health Certificate

• Shipper/Consignee’s Passport copy

• Import permit from Destination country (if required)

An Export permit / International Health Certificate is required for All pets moving from Somali and is valid for 2 weeks from date of approval. It can take up to 2 working days to obtain the approved Export Permit

All the import requirements of the destination should be met prior to export.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

General CITES Import Requirements:

• Valid CITES Permits:
• All imports must be accompanied by the appropriate CITES permits or certificates, issued by the Management Authority of the exporting country. These documents confirm that the trade is legal, sustainable, and traceable, in accordance with Articles III, IV, and V of the Convention.

• Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs):
• For species listed in Appendix II, a Scientific Authority must determine that the export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. This assessment ensures that the trade does not threaten the species' existence in the wild.

• Legal Acquisition Findings:

Importing countries must be satisfied that the specimens were legally acquired, ensuring compliance with the laws of the country of origin.

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change

Address: Airport Road, Mogadishu, Federal Republic of Somalia

Telephone: +252 61 4211 113

Email Contacts:

• H.E. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi – Minister: minister@moecc.gov.so
• Dr. Badal Ahmed Hassan – Director of Biodiversity, Forestry and Wildlife: badal.hassan@moecc.gov.so

Official contacts

Somali Wildlife & Nat Heritage Authority

WUDS

C/o WRRMC Km15

Mogadishu

Tel: +252 1 547-712

Fax: +252 1 218-974

E-mail: garish32@yahoo.com

Contact: Dr Abdul-Wahab M Mohamed

Current as of May 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 2026-05-29.

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