Pet Travel from the UK to South Africa: Dog Import Requirements
Taking your dog to South Africa is a significant undertaking — whether you're relocating or travelling long-term. The process involves more steps than most European destinations, but with the right guidance and enough lead time, it's entirely manageable. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from microchipping to the final certificate.
How Far in Advance Should You Start?
We recommend beginning the process at least 8–12 weeks before your travel date. South Africa requires disease blood testing through official laboratories, some of which are forwarded internationally — so samples need to be taken well in advance. Starting early gives you the space to get everything right without pressure.
Export Health Certificate for Dogs Travelling to South Africa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Microchip Identification
Your dog must be permanently identified with a microchip before any export paperwork can be completed. The microchip number is recorded on all documentation, and the chip must be readable by ISO-compatible scanners (or Avid, Destron, or Trovan compatible devices). We verify and record chip details at your export appointment.
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination
A valid rabies vaccination is required for entry into South Africa. Key rules:
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Primary vaccination must be given at least 30 days before export and no more than 12 months before export
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Booster vaccinations must be within 12 months — no 30-day wait required after boosters
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Puppies under 3 months: special rules apply based on the dam's rabies status
Rabies vaccination certificates must be attached to the export paperwork, so keep these safe.
Step 3: Book Your Pet's Flight
Once your timeline is confirmed, arrange your pet's flight with an airline or approved pet transport company. A few important points:
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All pets flying into South Africa must be registered as manifest cargo — they cannot travel as excess baggage
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Dogs may travel in the cabin if the airline permits, but must still be registered as manifest cargo and handed to airline staff on arrival for inspection at the cargo terminal
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Confirm the arrival airport is approved for live animal entry
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Check crate size and airline transport requirements (IATA-compliant crate required)
Share your planned flight date with us as early as possible — this allows us to schedule all veterinary checks, tests, and certificate timing correctly.
Step 4: Apply for the South Africa Import Permit
An import permit from South Africa's Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) is mandatory and must be obtained by the owner before travel. You can apply via the South African government website.
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The permit must accompany your dog throughout travel
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A fee is usually charged
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The permit includes treatment options that must match what we certify
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An Indemnity Declaration must also be signed
Important: South Africa provides a model certificate with the permit, but for UK exports we use the official UK Export Health Certificate (EHC 6256) instead.
Step 5: Request the Export Health Certificate (EHC 6256)
Before we can certify your dog, the official Export Health Certificate — EHC 6256 (Export dogs to South Africa) — must be requested from DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
Here's how this works:
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You confirm us as your chosen Official Veterinarian (OV)
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You then request EHC 6256 from DEFRA, linked to our details
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DEFRA issues the certificate to us for completion and signing
Please don't apply for the certificate without confirming the details with us first — we'll guide you through this step to make sure the correct certificate is issued.
Step 6: Official Disease Blood Testing
South Africa requires multiple laboratory tests before export. Samples are submitted through official channels, typically via APHA Weybridge and partner reference laboratories. Required testing may include:
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Brucella canis
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Trypanosoma evansi (surra) — smear and serology
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Babesia gibsoni — smear and IFAT
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Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) — microfilaria test
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Leishmaniosis
All laboratory reports must be returned and attached to the EHC. Because some tests are forwarded internationally, samples should be taken around 30 days before travel to allow sufficient processing time.
Step 7: Heartworm Treatment
In addition to testing negative for heartworm, South Africa requires:
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Dogs to begin approved heartworm treatment immediately after sampling
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Treatment to continue for 6 months after arrival in South Africa
Some drugs listed on the South African permit are not licensed in the UK — we select only permitted, UK-licensed options. Owners must travel with a sufficient supply and sign a declaration confirming they will continue treatment after arrival.
Step 8: Owner Declarations
Several statements on the export certificate are supported by written owner declarations. These cover:
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Transport crate compliance
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Certain health and history statements
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Heartworm treatment continuation after arrival
We provide the correct declaration wording for you to review and sign.
Step 9: Final Pre-Export Health Examination
Within 10 days of travel, we carry out the official clinical examination to:
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Confirm your dog is fit to travel and free from parasites or signs of disease
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Verify microchip identity
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Review all test results and vaccination records
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Complete the Export Health Certificate
We offer home visits across London, so there's no need to travel to a clinic. We come to you — which makes a real difference for dogs who find new environments stressful.
Step 10: Export Health Certificate Issued
We complete and sign the official UK Export Health Certificate (EHC 6256), stamped with our OV stamp in non-black ink as required. All laboratory reports and rabies certificates are attached, and owner declarations are retained on file.
The certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue — so timing your final appointment correctly is essential.