Veterinary Association of Namibia
Public Resources
Traveling with Pets- FAQ
Traveling with Pets- FAQ

Please note that the most up-to-date information can always be obtained from your local state veterinary office



What documents are needed to travel with my dog/cat between Namibia and South Africa?

Your pet will need a valid and up-to-date vaccination certificate, as well as an inter-territorial movement permit that has been issued by your local state veterinarian after examining your dog/cat.

Please note that when crossing the border into South Africa, South Africa will apply an import tariff, which needs to be paid via EFT into the official government account, and not with cash or card at the border. Please request this information from your local state veterinarian.

A copy of the movement permit template can be found here:

From RSA: Inter-territorial movement permit for dogs and cats

From Namibia: Namibian Inter-territorial movement permit


What documents are needed to travel with my dog/cat between Namibia and Botswana?

If you are traveling between Botswana and Namibia, or just passing through in-transit, you will need a valid and up-to-date vaccination certificate, as well as a health certificate that has been issued by your local state veterinarian after examining your dog/cat.

What documents are needed to travel internationally with my dog/cat?

If you are travelling from Namibia to an EU member state, a health certificate can be issued by your local state veterinarian. A rabies blood titre test, microchip and valid vaccination certificate will be required.

For more information on the requirements for EU travel: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/animal-plant/index_en.htm

For other countries, you will most likely need to obtain an original import permit from the country you want to travel to. Contact the relevant country’s veterinary authority.


I want to travel to Namibia from Germany (or any other country) with my pets. What is the procedure?

When traveling to Namibia from any other country (except Botswana and South Africa), you will need to first obtain an import permit from the Namibian Import/Export office- Directorate of Veterinary Services.

Their contact details are:
Tel: +264 61 276 592
Email Address: vet.permits@mawlr.gov.na
Website: https://mawf.gov.na/web/mawf/veterinary-services

You will have to arrange for the original import permit to be couriered to you in your country, where your local state veterinarian will assist you in certifying the permit. Negative test results for Brucella canis, Trypanosoma evansi, Leishmaniasis, Dirofilaria and Babesia will be required. The testing methods will be specified on the permit along with any other requirements.

NB! Before departure, a copy of the completed import permit, the pet`s vaccination passport and negative test results must be emailed to the local Namibian state veterinarian for verification and the issuing of a “landing permission” before travel.


I have a pet bird/rabbit/reptile. What documents do I need to travel across borders?

For these species, you will need to obtain an import permit from the veterinary authority of the country that you would like to travel to. Tests, quarantine and other import requirements vary from country to country. Your local state veterinarian will then assist you in making sure that all the requirements can be met, before certifying the permit.



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