Pet import requirements for Sri Lanka
What Sri Lanka 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 2025-06-26 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2025-05-27. 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.
Sri Lanka at a glance
| Requirement | For Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Microchip Required | Microchipping is mandatory for pets traveling to Sri Lanka |
| Rabies | Pet Dogs & Cats must be vaccinated against Rabies not less than thirty (30) days and not more than TEN (10) months immediately prior to embarkation |
| Rabies antibody test | Blood Test RequirementsDOGS: 1 |
| Import permit Required | Import Permit: All pets entering Sri Lanka must obtain an Import Permit issued by the Department of Animal Production & Health (DAPH) prior to arrival |
| Quarantine | All dogs and cats arriving at Colombo (CMB) are subject to an of ficial quarantine health in spection upon arrival |
| Minimum age to travel | The pet dog or cat must have continuously resided in the exporting country either since birth or for at least six (06) consecutive months immediately prior to exportation to Sri… |
| Customs clearance | For pets arriving into Colombo (CMB) as Air Freight Cargo, it is mandatory to use a licensed Customs Broker (Agent) for the customs clearance process |
| 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
Sri Lanka, of ficially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and historically known as Ceylon, is a stunning island nation in South Asia. Pets can only enter Sri Lanka via Air Travel Airports: 1.
Import requirements
The pet dog or cat must have continuously resided in the exporting country either since birth or for at least six (06) consecutive months immediately prior to exportation to Sri Lanka.
The minimum age requirement for importing pet dogs or cats into Sri Lanka is four (04) months. The primary rabies vaccination must be administered no earlier than three (03) months of age, with a mandatory waiting period of at least thirty (30) days the reafter. Thus, the earliest age at which pets can enter Sri Lanka is four (04) months.
Import Requirements for Dogs1. Residency and Age Requirements:
The pet dog must have resided continuously in the exporting country either since birth or for a minimum of six (06) months immediately prior to export.
The minimum age for importation is four (04) months.
- Microchip Identification:
An ISO-standard 15-digit microchip (ISO 11784 / 11785) is mandatory.
- Vaccination Requirements:
- Rabies: Administered not less than thirty (30) days and not more than ten (10) months prior to departure.
- For puppies younger than ten (10) months, a Rabies booster must be given within fourteen (14) days of the in itial vaccination, which should be administered no earlier than three (03) months of age.
- DHLP Vaccine (Canine Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Canine Parvovirus): Administered not less than twenty-one (21) days and not more than ten (10) months prior to departure.
- Puppies younger than six (06) months require a booster dose within fourteen (14) days of the in itial vaccination.
- Blood Test Requirements:
The following tests must yield NEGATIVE results within thirty (30) days immediately before departure:
- Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis): Two separate tests required:
- Knotts Technique AND
- Either ELISA or PCR method.
- Babesia Canis: ELISA or PCR test.
- Babesia Gibsoni: ELISA or PCR test.
- Leishmaniasis: ELISA or PCR test.
If any test cannot be conducted, an of ficial declaration from a government veterinarian confirming the exporting country’s disease-free status is required.
Important Notes:
- Blood tests may be performed at any recognized laboratory worldwide. It is recommended that test results are printed on of ficial laboratory letterhead, signed by an authorized in dividual, and explicitly state the testing method used.
- Reports must clearly in dicate the pet’s microchip ID. If possible, endorsement by the exporting country’s government veterinarian is strongly recommended.
- Internal & External Parasite Treatment:
Treatment against in ternal and external parasites must be administered within seven (07) days prior to departure.
Documentation can be recorded on either the vaccination booklet, a veterinary certificate, or preferably on the of ficial Export Health Certificate (endorsed by the government veterinarian).
- International Veterinary Health Certificate (Official Export Health Certificate):
A Government Veterinary Authority-issued Export Health Certificate from the exporting country is required.
Note: Sri Lanka does not have a specific annexure; the standard Export Health Certificate issued by the exporting country’s veterinary authorities, clearly detailing pet identification, vaccination records, and parasite treatments, will suffice.
Import Requirements for Cats
- Residency and Age Requirements:
The pet cat must have resided continuously in the exporting country either since birth or for a minimum of six (06) months immediately prior to export.
The minimum age for importation is four (04) months.
- Microchip Identification:
An ISO-standard 15-digit microchip (ISO 11784 / 11785) is mandatory.
- Vaccination Requirements:
- Rabies: Administered not less than thirty (30) days and not more than ten (10) months prior to departure.
- For kittens younger than ten (10) months, a Rabies booster must be administered within fourteen (14) days of the in itial vaccination (given no earlier than three (03) months of age).
- FVRCP/TRICAT (Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus & Panleukopenia): Administered not less than twenty-one (21) days and not more than ten (10) months prior to departure.
- For kittens younger than six (06) months, a booster dose must be administered within fourteen (14) days of the in itial vaccination.
- Blood Test Requirements:
The following test must yield NEGATIVE results within thirty (30) days prior to departure:
- Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis): Two separate tests required:
- Knotts Technique AND
- Either ELISA or PCR method.
If the test cannot be conducted, an of ficial declaration from a government veterinarian confirming the exporting country’s disease-free status is required.
Important Notes:
- Blood tests may be performed at any recognized laboratory worldwide. It is recommended that test results are printed on of ficial laboratory letterhead, signed by an authorized in dividual, and explicitly state the testing method used.
- Reports must clearly in dicate the pet’s microchip ID. Endorsement by the exporting country’s government veterinarian is strongly recommended, if feasible.
- Internal & External Parasite Treatment:
Treatment against in ternal and external parasites must be administered within seven (07) days prior to departure.
Documentation can be recorded either on the vaccination booklet, a veterinary certificate, or preferably on the of ficial Export Health Certificate (endorsed by the government veterinarian).
- International Veterinary Health Certificate (Official Export Health Certificate):
A Government Veterinary Authority-issued Export Health Certificate from the exporting country is required.
Note: Sri Lanka does not have a specific annexure; the standard Export Health Certificate issued by the exporting country’s veterinary authorities, clearly detailing pet identification, vaccination records, and parasite treatments, will suffice.
According to the regulations set forth by the Department of Imports and Exports Control of Sri Lanka, a pet owner is permitted to import a maximum of two (02) pets at a single time without needing additional approvals.
However, if a pet owner in tends to import three (03) or more pets, an additional document called an "Import Control License" is mandatory, in addition to the standard Import Permit.
For the importation of two (02) or fewer pets, this additional "Import Control License" is not required—only the standard Import Permit is necessary.
After obtaining the standard Import Permit from the Department of Animal Production & Health (DAPH), the designated IPATA agent in Colombo can, upon request, handle the application process and obtain the "Import Control License" on behalf of the pet owner.
In some in stances, the authorized Customs Broker (Agent) can negotiate directly with Sri Lanka Customs to allow the import of three (03) or more pets on a "non-commercial" basis. However, this arrangement is strictly subject to case-by-case approval by Customs authorities.
Generally, importing three (03) or more animals into Sri Lanka is classified as a "Commercial Pet Movement." Such commercial imports require an additional document known as an "Import Control License", which is issued by the Department of Import and Export Control of Sri Lanka (Office: No. 75 1/3, 1st Floor, Hemas Building, York Street, Colombo).
For further clarification and tailored guidance, please consult your designated IPATA agent in Sri Lanka, who can advise on in dividual cases and assist with obtaining the necessary approvals.
N/A – Same rules for all origin countries.
N/A
Identification and microchip
Microchipping is mandatory for pets traveling to Sri Lanka. The microchip must be an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip (ISO Standard 11784/11785).
Rabies and vaccinations
Pet Dogs & Cats must be vaccinated against Rabies not less than thirty (30) days and not more than TEN (10) months immediately prior to embarkation.
Sri Lanka DOES NOT require an ‘Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titer Test’ (RNATT) for cats / dogs.
Vaccination Requirements for Pets Entering Sri Lanka
Dogs:
- Rabies:
Must be vaccinated no less than thirty (30) days and no more than ten (10) months prior to the date of embarkation.
- DHLP (Canine Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Canine Parvovirus):
Must be vaccinated no less than twenty-one (21) days and no more than ten (10) months prior to embarkation.
Cats:
- Rabies:
Must be vaccinated no less than thirty (30) days and no more than ten (10) months prior to the date of embarkation.
- TRICAT / FVRCP (Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Panleukopenia):
Must be vaccinated with in ternationally recognized vaccines no less than twenty-one (21) days and no more than ten (10) months prior to embarkation.
Tests and treatments
Blood Test RequirementsDOGS:
- Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis)
- Two explicit tests required within 30 days prior to embarkation:
- First test: Knott’s Technique (mandatory)
- Second test: Either ELISA or PCR method
- Alternatively, of ficial declaration of heartworm-free status by a government veterinarian is acceptable.
- Blood Parasites - Babesia Canis
- Negative test result using either ELISA or PCR method within 30 days prior to embarkation.
- Alternatively, of ficial declaration of Babesia Canis-free status by a government veterinarian is acceptable.
- Blood Parasites - Babesia Gibsoni
- Negative test result using either ELISA or PCR method within 30 days prior to embarkation.
- Alternatively, of ficial declaration of Babesia Gibsoni-free status by a government veterinarian is acceptable.
- Blood Parasites - Leishmaniasis
- Negative test result using either ELISA or PCR method within 30 days prior to embarkation.
- Alternatively, of ficial declaration of Leishmaniasis-free status by a government veterinarian is acceptable.
CATS:
- Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis)
- Two explicit tests required within 30 days prior to embarkation:
- First test: Knott’s Technique (mandatory)
- Second test: Either ELISA or PCR method
- Alternatively, of ficial declaration of heartworm-free status by a government veterinarian is acceptable.
Important Notes:
- Blood tests can be conducted at any authorized laboratory globally.
- The test results must be printed clearly on the of ficial laboratory letterhead and signed by an authorized signatory.
- Each test report must explicitly state the testing method used, the results, and clearly identify the pet, in cluding its microchip number.
- Strongly Recommended: Endorsement of the blood test reports by the state/government veterinarian in the exporting country.
Sri Lanka does NOT require the Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titer Test (RNATT) for dogs or cats.
Parasite Treatment Requirements
Pet dogs and cats must receive treatment for in ternal and external parasites within seven (07) days immediately prior to embarkation. Any in ternationally recognized, veterinary-approved broad-spectrum treatment products are accepted. Sri Lanka does not specify or restrict brands.
The parasite treatments can be documented in one of the following ways:
- Clearly recorded in the pet’s vaccination booklet.
- Documented in a separate certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.
- Included within the of ficial International Veterinary Health Certificate, issued and endorsed by the government veterinary authority in the exporting country.
Any of these documented methods are fully acceptable by Sri Lankan authorities.
Health certificate and permits
International Export Veterinary Health Certificate (Government Health Certificate):
Sri Lanka does not require any special country-specific annex (unlike the EU Annex). The standard International Veterinary Health Certificate issued by the exporting country's government veterinary authority is fully acceptable and sufficient for entry into Sri Lanka.
Import Permit:
All pets entering Sri Lanka must obtain an Import Permit issued by the Department of Animal Production & Health (DAPH) prior to arrival. The IPATA agent in Colombo can handle this process on behalf of the pet owner.
Import License (Additional Approval):
As per the guidelines from the Department of Imports and Exports Control, pet owners are permitted to import up to two (02) pets at a time without requiring an additional license. However, importing three (03) or more pets necessitates obtaining an additional approval known as an Import Control License.
Once the DAPH Import Permit has been secured, the authorized IPATA agent in Colombo can also obtain this Import Control License if required, ensuring a smooth import process for the pet owner.
Import Permit Application Form – 2025Import Control License Application (Dept. of Import and Export Control)
CITES Permit Application (Dept. of Wildlife3 Consercation, Sri Lanka)
Quarantine
All dogs and cats arriving at Colombo (CMB) are subject to an of ficial quarantine health in spection upon arrival. Provided the pets meet all entry requirements and possess all necessary documentation, they will be immediately cleared and released. However, they remain subject to a mandatory 30-day home quarantine.
If cats or dogs arrive in Colombo (CMB) with in complete or missing documentation, such as in valid or absent blood test reports, these animals will be detained and held in government quarantine facilities until the required testing is completed. Should any test results come back positive, the Department of Animal Production & Health (DAPH), Sri Lanka, reserves the right to either re-export the animal to the country of origin or euthanize it, with all associated costs being borne by the pet owner. Additionally, the pet owner must bear all expenses related to additional tests, as well as arrange for food and care for their pet during its quarantine period.
All pet birds are subject to a mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Government Quarantine Station upon arrival in Colombo (CMB). The pet owner is required to arrange and provide food and daily care during this quarantine period.
Restrictions and banned breeds
No breed restrictions.No climate restrictions.No travel method restrictions. Pets can enter Colombo (CMB), Sri Lanka, using any mode of transportation, in cluding:
- Manifested Air Freight Cargo (under an Air Waybill - AWB)
- Checked Baggage / Excess Baggage / Accompanied Baggage
- In-Cabin Travel
Customs, agents, and airports
For pets arriving into Colombo (CMB) as Air Freight Cargo, it is mandatory to use a licensed Customs Broker (Agent) for the customs clearance process. This is because the customs declaration must be submitted electronically via the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system by an authorized broker.
Similarly, for pets departing from Colombo (CMB) as Air Freight Cargo, it is mandatory for the export customs procedures to be handled by a licensed agent or Customs Broker.
Using a customs broker is highly recommended due to the complexity of regulations and procedures in volved, ensuring smooth and accurate handling.
Pets can only enter Sri Lanka via Air Travel
Airports:
- Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, Sri Lanka (IATA:CMB, ICAO: VCBI)
Airports listed on this destination file: CMB, HRI.
Pets arriving at Colombo Airport (CMB) as Checked Baggage or In-Cabin can typically be cleared directly by the pet owner (passenger). However, an IPATA agent can significantly assist and streamline this clearance process. Pet owners are encouraged to consult their IPATA agent for tailored guidance and assistance.
Pets arriving at Colombo Airport (CMB) as Manifested Air Freight Cargo (under an Air Waybill) must undergo customs clearance through a licensed Customs Broker—typically your IPATA agent in Colombo. Pet owners should consult their IPATA agent for assistance in this mandatory process.
Sri Lanka Customs operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
However, the Animal Quarantine Station veterinary of ficers at Colombo Airport (CMB) are of ficially available only during weekdays (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM). Despite this, your IPATA agent can arrange customized, case-by-case solutions outside regular hours to meet your specific needs. Please coordinate with your IPATA agent in Colombo for further assistance and arrangements.
Export notes
Export Requirements:
- Export Permit & International Veterinary Export Health Certificate:
An of ficial Export Permit and International Veterinary Export Health Certificate must be obtained from the Department of Animal Production & Health (DAPH) in Sri Lanka. Your IPATA agent in Colombo can procure these documents on behalf of the pet owner.
- Customs Declaration and Clearance:
Pets departing Colombo (CMB) as Manifested Air Freight Cargo require a Customs Declaration, which must be prepared and submitted through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) by a licensed Customs Broker (your IPATA agent). Your IPATA agent will also assist in managing any additional customs procedures, formalities, and documentation requirements.
- Compliance with Destination Country Health Regulations:
Pets must fully comply with the health and veterinary requirements stipulated by the destination country. Your IPATA agent in Colombo can explicitly arrange and coordinate all expert veterinary services, vaccinations, tests, and paperwork necessary to meet the import conditions and regulations of the destination country, ensuring smooth clearance upon arrival.
CITES export permit or re-export certificate for endangered species.
http://www.dwc.gov.lk/Aoldsite/index.php/en/services/cites-permits
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
All animals protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) require a separate Import Permit in addition to the standard CITES Import Documentation for entry into Sri Lanka.
The of ficial governing agency for animal welfare regulations in Sri Lanka is the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) under the Ministry of Agriculture.
You can access their of ficial website here:
Even if the destination country does not specifically require a government-issued Export Veterinary Health Certificate, obtaining this certificate from the Department of Animal Production & Health (DAPH) of Sri Lanka is mandatory. This of ficial document serves as the formal "Export Permit" and is the refore required for all pets departing from Colombo (CMB), Sri Lanka, regardless of the destination country's regulations.
Official contacts
Contact Details (Import affairs)
Director - Veterinary Regulatory Affairs Division (IMPORT APPROVALS)
Department of Animal Production & Health (DAPH Sri Lanka)
Phone: +94 081 2389342
Email: dgdaph@sltnet.lk
Chief Animal Quarantine Officer (Colombo) - Exports
41 Morgan Road, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka
TEL/FAX: +94 11 2448683
Email: caqocolombo@gmail.com
Katunayake Animal Quarantine Station
Animal Quarantine Officer
CMB Airport Katunayake, Sri Lanka.
TEL/FAX: +94 11 2253430
Email: aqokatunayake@gmail.com
IMPORT PERMITS (All Animals) - ImportsVeterinary Regulatory Affairs Divisi on Department of Animal Production & Health, Peradeniya
Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 81 238-9342
Email: daphimport@yahoo.com
IMPORT LICENSE (All Animals) - ImportsDepartment of Import and Export Control
No: 75 1/3, 1st Floor, Hemas Building,
York Street, P.O. Box - 559, Colombo 01,
Sri Lanka.
Tel: +94 112 326 774
Email: deptimpt@sltnet.lk
EXPORT VETERINARY HEALTH CERTIFICATES (All Animals) - ExportsDepartment of Animal Production & Health
Chief Animal Quarantine Officer
No. 41, Morgan Road, Colombo 02,
Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 11-2448683
Email: caqocolombo@sltnet.lk
CITES PERMITS – Export Permits / Re-export Permits for Endangered SpeciesDepartment of Wildlife Conservation
811A, Jayanthipura,
Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.
Phone: +94 11 2 888 585
Email: dg@dwc.gov.lk
Current as of June 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 2025-06-26.
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.
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Official sources for Sri Lanka
- CITES Permit Application dwc.gov.lk
- Website daph.gov.lk
Questions about moving a pet to Sri Lanka
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for Sri Lanka?
Microchipping is mandatory for pets traveling to Sri Lanka
From the country profile, last verified 2025-06-26.
What rabies vaccination does Sri Lanka require?
Pet Dogs & Cats must be vaccinated against Rabies not less than thirty (30) days and not more than TEN (10) months immediately prior to embarkation
Is a rabies antibody (titer) test needed for Sri Lanka?
Blood Test RequirementsDOGS: 1
A titer test is the single most common reason a move takes months rather than weeks, because the waiting period runs from the blood draw.
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into Sri Lanka?
Import Permit: All pets entering Sri Lanka must obtain an Import Permit issued by the Department of Animal Production & Health (DAPH) prior to arrival
Will my pet be quarantined on arrival in Sri Lanka?
All dogs and cats arriving at Colombo (CMB) are subject to an of ficial quarantine health in spection upon arrival