Pet Travel Requirements for South Africa

Flying your pet from the UK to South Africa requires careful planning to ensure a safe, smooth, and stress-free journey. SkyPaws UK provides expert guidance on veterinary requirements, import permits, and customs clearance, helping your dog arrive happy, healthy, and ready to settle into their new home.

 
🐾 Microchip
Your dog must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip.

This is required for identification and must be implanted before any other veterinary procedures.
 
🎂 Residency Requirement
Your dog must have lived in the UK or South Africa for at least 6 months prior to departure, or since birth.

 
💉 Rabies Vaccination
A rabies vaccination is not mandatory for entry into South Africa, but is strongly recommended.
If your dog has a valid rabies vaccine, it must be administered at least 30 days before travel.
Dogs without a rabies vaccination will need to be vaccinated shortly after arrival.
 
🧪 Rabies Titre Test
Not required for entry into South Africa.
Recommended if you plan to return to the UK, as it will be needed for re-entry.
Blood for the test must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and analysed in an approved laboratory.
 
🩺 Routine Vaccinations
Your dog should be up to date with routine vaccinations, including:

Distemper
Hepatitis
Parvovirus
Leptospirosis
Kennel Cough
These are mandatory for boarding prior to departure, on arrival, or if planning onward flights after reaching South Africa.

 
🧬 Blood Testing
Dogs must pass seven blood tests within 30 days of travel to meet South African entry requirements.
SkyPaws provides full guidance and liaises with your vet to ensure compliance.
 
🐛 Parasite Treatment
Internal and external parasite treatment must be administered by a vet within specified timeframes before departure.
Dogs must also travel with 6 months’ supply of heartworm treatment.
SkyPaws can coordinate these treatments and documentation to ensure full compliance.
 
🩺 Veterinary Export Health Certificate
An Export Health Certificate (EHC) must be issued by a UK Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel.
SkyPaws’ veterinary team can complete this as part of our comprehensive service.
 
📝 Import & Animal Improvement Permits
All dogs entering South Africa require an Import Permit from the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).
An Animal Improvement Permit is also required, verifying the neutered status of your dog (all dogs travelling to South Africa must be neutered).
Processing times:

Animal Improvement Permit: minimum 4 weeks
Import Permit: around 2 weeks
SkyPaws will guide you through the application process and ensure permits are in place well before your travel date.

 
✈️ Customs Clearance
Upon arrival, dogs undergo customs inspection, which can take 4–6 hours.

Documents to have ready:

Import Permit
Export Health Certificate
Vaccination records
Microchip details
Flight paperwork
SkyPaws offers an arrival agent service, included in our door-to-door package. Our trusted pet travel expert will:

Meet your dog at the cargo area
Check their health and wellbeing
Process all paperwork
Deliver your pet to your new home, reducing stress and speeding up clearance
 
🌏 Final Thoughts
Flying your dog to South Africa requires careful preparation and adherence to regulations. By following these guidelines and working with SkyPaws UK, you can ensure a smooth, safe, and stress-free journey for your pet.

Contact us today:
📧 [email protected]
📞 +44 (0)1202 980200
💬 WhatsApp: +44 (0)7798 772441