Pet import requirements for Zambia

Zambia at a glance

The detail

LUN and NLA are on the arrival list for pets heading to Zambia. Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by eight countries. The earliest age for import is 12 weeks, provided the pet has received its Rabies vaccination.

Import requirements

The earliest age for import is 12 weeks, provided the pet has received its Rabies vaccination. However, pets younger than 12 weeks can be imported using the mother’s valid Rabies vaccination certificate.

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

In ZAMBIA, all pets entering the country are classified as a commercial move

ZAMBIA has not published any special requirements or restrictions based on the exporting country, in cluding those at war, high-risk for rabies, or countries from which animals cannot be imported

All pets entering ZAMBIA must comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations to ensure their safe and humane transport. This in cludes appropriate crate size, ventilation, and secure locking mechanisms suitable for the pet’s size and species. These regulations ensure the welfare of the animal during transit and are mandatory for all pets entering the country.

Identification and microchip

The Zambian import permit does not list a microchip as a mandatory requirement for pet entry. However, it is strongly encouraged as a reliable form of identification for pets.

Rabies and vaccinations

Rabies vaccination is required for pets entering ZAMBIA. However, there are no published guidelines specifying a waiting period after vaccination before entry. The Rabies vaccine must not be older than 1 year at the time of entry. Regarding the type of Rabies vaccine allowed, the specific type is not explicitly published in the regulations

Dogs entering ZAMBIA must be vaccinated against the following diseases:

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

Additionally, the dog must be free from:

• Canine Coronavirus
• Rotavirus
• Adenovirus Type 2
• Bordetella

Cats entering ZAMBIA must be vaccinated against:

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

(Note: This is 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 ZAMBIA. All vaccinations must be documented in a valid health certificate issued and endorsed by a competent veterinary authority within 48 hours of departure.

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

Tests and treatments

ZAMBIA has not published any specific test requirements for pets entering the country. Therefore, there are no tests that must be performed before entry, no timelines for when tests should be conducted, and no expiration periods for test results.

Before entry into Zambia, pets must receive both in ternal and external parasite treatments administered by a certified veterinarian. These treatments must be completed within 14 days prior to embarkation. Additionally, a health certificate is required and can either be:

• Issued by a private veterinarian and endorsed by the state veterinary authority, or
• Issued directly by the state veterinary authority.

The health certificate must be issued within 14 days before entry and should clearly document the details of the parasite treatments, in cluding the dates of administration, the products used, and the certifying veterinarian’s in formation.

Health certificate and permits

For pets traveling to ZAMBIA, a Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued within 14 days before embarkation. This certificate can be completed by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, but it must be endorsed by the competent authority of the country of origin to be valid. ZAMBIA has not published a specific health certificate template or format for pet importation. The certificate should in clude all relevant health details of the pet, such as vaccination records, treatments (in ternal and external parasites), microchip in formation, and a declaration of good health.

Import permit is a mandatory requirement for pets that intend to enter Zambia.

Quarantine

Pets that meet ZAMBIA's import permit requirements, in cluding a valid Veterinary Health Certificate and Rabies vaccination certificate, will not be quarantined upon arrival. However, pets that do not meet these requirements will be quarantined for 14 days at the owner’s expense. There is no requirement for pets to quarantine at home before entry. Quarantine only applies upon arrival if import conditions are not fully met.

Restrictions and banned breeds

ZAMBIA has not published any breed-specific restrictions for pet importation. Additionally, there are no climate-related travel restrictions specified for pet travel into ZAMBIA. Dry Season (May to August): This is the coolest and most favorable time for pet transport, with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F), making it ideal for stress-free travel.

Hot Dry Season (September to October): Temperatures can rise significantly during this period, reaching up to 35°C (95°F) or more. Pet transport during this time requires careful consideration to avoid heat stress, especially for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds.

Rainy Season (November to April): While temperatures are moderate, ranging from 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)

Customs, agents, and airports

Highly Recommended

Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (IATA: LUN, ICAO: FLKK)

Airports listed on this destination file: LUN, NLA.

Process for Pets Entering ZAMBIA:

• Entry Mode:
• Pets can enter ZAMBIA as cargo.

• Customs and State Veterinary Clearance:
• Mandatory for all pets upon arrival.
• Clearances must be performed by a licensed customs agent who will provide a detailed fee breakdown at the time of import.
• IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR):

• Pets must be transported in containers that comply with IATA LAR standards, ensuring proper size, ventilation, and security for the pet.
• Entry Points:

• Pets typically enter ZAMBIA through LUN, the primary and best-equipped point of entry for live animals.
• Operating Hours:

• Customs and State Veterinary of fices do not operate 24/7, they need advance notice of in tended arrival of pets for proper planning.
• Weekend Arrivals:

• Pets arriving on weekends will still be cleared if state vet and customs and authorities have been given advance notice.
• Customs Requirements:

• Documents Required:
• Veterinary Import Permit
• Veterinary Health Certificate (issued within 48 hours of departure and endorsed by the competent authority)
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• IATA-compliant crate details
• A licensed customs agent must handle the clearance process.

• Fees, Taxes, and Costs:
• Fees for live animal imports vary and will be provided by the licensed customs agent during the clearance process. These typically in clude import duties, vet in spection fees, and handling charges.

• Transit Station/Crates During Clearance:
• The destination airport does not have a dedicated transit station for live animals. Pets remain in their crates while waiting for Customs and State Veterinary clearance.

• Best Practices for Entry:
• Ensure all documentation and crate requirements are in order before departure.
• Work with a licensed customs agent to streamline the clearance process.
• Use LUN Airport as the preferred entry point due to its established procedures for live animal imports.

Export notes

Export Permit, Veterinary Health Certificate, Vaccination and Microchip, Customs Process and State Veterinary Clearance, Pets must be transported in IATA-compliant crates suitable for their size and species, destination requirements import permit must be met, pet owners are required to Begin the export process well in advance to meet timelines for documentation and approvals.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

For CITES-listed species entering Zambia, a CITES export permit from the exporting country and a CITES import permit from Zambia are required. In Zambia, these permits are issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) under the Ministry of Tourism. It is essential to ensure that all documentation is complete and accompanies the animal during travel to comply with CITES regulations.

Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), operating under the Ministry of Tourism

Private Bag 1

Chilanga, Zambia

• Phone: +260 211 278 174
• Email: info@znwma.org.zm

ZAMBIA has not published specific import requirements or restrictions for pets other than dogs and cats. For such animals, it is advisable to contact the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

All pets entering ZAMBIA must comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations to ensure their safe and humane transport. This in cludes appropriate crate size, ventilation, and secure locking mechanisms suitable for the pet’s size and species. These regulations ensure the welfare of the animal during transit and are mandatory for all pets entering the country.

ZAWS

Currency: Kwacha

Capital: Lusaka

NA

Official contacts

Ministry of Fisheries and livestock info@mfl.gov +260 977 413619

https://www.agriculture.gov.zm/

Mulungushi House

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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