Country entry guide · Africa (Indian Ocean)
Traveling to Seychelles with your dog
Seychelles welcomes dogs, but as a rabies-free Indian Ocean archipelago it runs strict import controls delivered by the Veterinary Services (Seychelles Agricultural Agency) and the national Biosecurity Section of the Ministry responsible for agriculture. Every dog needs a Veterinary Import Permit obtained before departure, an identifying microchip, up-to-date core vaccinations, an official veterinary certificate from the exporting country and a mandatory quarantine on arrival at the Union Vale station on Mahe. What you must prepare depends heavily on where your dog is coming from: dogs from rabies-free countries follow a lighter path, while dogs from rabies-affected countries must add a rabies vaccination and a rabies antibody test before they can qualify for the short quarantine. Apply for the permit at least four weeks ahead from a rabies-free country, and at least four months ahead from a rabies-affected country. This guide explains each official step so you know exactly what to prepare before you book.
📋 At a glance
| Dogs allowed | Yes — with import permit |
| Veterinary Import Permit | Required — apply 4 weeks to 4 months ahead |
| Microchip | Required |
| Minimum age | 16 weeks |
| Rabies vaccination | Required from rabies-affected countries |
| Rabies antibody test (RNATT) | Required from rabies-affected countries |
| Core vaccinations | Required |
| Official veterinary certificate | Required |
| Quarantine (Union Vale, Mahe) | Required — minimum 2 weeks |
| Parasite / heartworm treatment | Not required for import |
⏱️ Estimated preparation time
Times are indicative. The rabies antibody test alone adds a fixed 3-month wait.
⚠️ Important
- MyDogCanFly provides general information — not veterinary or legal advice.
- Only a veterinarian and the Veterinary Services (via your import permit) can confirm the exact procedure for your individual dog.
- Requirements depend on: the country of origin and its rabies status, previous travel history, identification, vaccinations, the itinerary and the travel date.
Always consult your veterinarian before booking your trip.
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🧭 How your dog's entry requirements are decided
The exact steps depend on three things — Seychelles (your destination) sets a strict national scheme, but your dog's origin and history decide the detail.
- 1 Country of destination — Seychelles★★★★★
Seychelles applies its own scheme under the Animals Diseases and Imports Act 1981 and the Animal and Plant Biosecurity Act 2014: a Veterinary Import Permit, a microchip, core vaccinations, an official veterinary certificate and a mandatory quarantine at Union Vale apply to every imported dog, because the country protects a favourable, rabies-free animal-health status.
- 2 Country of departure and its rabies status★★★★★
The exporting country's rabies status sets the path. From a rabies-free country the rabies vaccination is not mandatory; from a rabies-affected country the dog must be vaccinated and pass a rabies antibody test. The official veterinary certificate and all documents must be endorsed by the Veterinary Authority of the exporting country.
- 3 Countries your dog recently stayed in★★★★☆
Your dog must have resided continuously in the exporting country for at least six months before export (or since birth if younger), and a certificate must confirm no rabies cases in the country or locality of origin over the past six months. A recent stay elsewhere can change the certification the permit requires.
So read the requirements below as the Seychelles framework, then confirm your dog's origin, history and exact conditions against your Veterinary Import Permit and your vet.
✅ Entry requirements
| Requirement | Required? | When | Exceptions | Official reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Import Permit | Required | A Veterinary Import Permit is a MUST for every dog. Apply in writing to the Chief Executive Officer at least 4 weeks ahead (rabies-free country) or at least 4 months ahead (rabies-affected country). The permit is normally issued within 7 working days and is valid for one month from the intended arrival date; no dog may be shipped before written confirmation is received. | After the veterinary permit, request a separate import permit from the Ministry of Finance to clear the animal; customs and airline handling fees are payable at the airport. | Veterinary Services (SAA) — Importation of Cats and Dogs (VS/REG/05/11/01), Animals Diseases and Imports Act 1981; Application to Import Live Animals |
| Microchip | Required | The dog's microchip number must be recorded on the letter of application, the import permit and every accompanying certificate; it is the identification linking your dog to each document and vaccination record. An ISO 11784/11785-compliant chip is the international norm. | The published conditions require the microchip number on all documents; confirm the chip can be read and is ISO-compatible with your vet before travel. | Veterinary Services (SAA) — Importation of Cats and Dogs (VS/REG/05/11/01), clause 1.1 |
| Minimum age | 16 weeks | The dog must be at least sixteen (16) weeks of age to be eligible for import. | From a rabies-affected country the rabies vaccination (given at ≥3 months) plus the antibody-test timing push the earliest travel date well beyond 16 weeks. | Veterinary Services (SAA) — Importation of Cats and Dogs (VS/REG/05/11/01), clause 2.1 |
| Rabies vaccination | Required from rabies-affected countries | For dogs from rabies-affected countries: a valid rabies vaccination record with an inactivated vaccine given when the dog was at least 3 months of age; a booster must be done 30 days and no more than 12 months before export. | The rabies vaccination is not mandatory for dogs originating from rabies-free countries (subject to the rabies-free country conditions). | Veterinary Services (SAA) — Importation of Cats and Dogs (VS/REG/05/11/01), clauses 5.0 & 6.21 |
| Rabies antibody test (RNATT) | Required from rabies-affected countries | For dogs from rabies-affected countries: a Rabies Neutralization Antibody Titre Test with a result greater than 0.5 IU, performed at least one month after the primary vaccination and not more than 6 months before departure. A copy of the rabies vaccination certificate and the RNATT result must be included in the permit application. | Not required for dogs from rabies-free countries. If the rabies conditions are not met, the dog faces a minimum 6-month quarantine or return to the country of origin at the importer's expense. | Veterinary Services (SAA) — Importation of Cats and Dogs (VS/REG/05/11/01), clause 6.22 |
| Rabies-free origin certificate & residence | Required | The dog must have resided continuously in the exporting country for at least six months before export (or since birth if younger), and be accompanied by an official certificate stating that no rabies cases have been reported in the country of origin (rabies-free countries) or the county/province/locality of origin (rabies-affected countries) during the six months before export. | This residence and locality certification is what allows the short (minimum 2-week) quarantine instead of the 6-month quarantine. | Veterinary Services (SAA) — Importation of Cats and Dogs (VS/REG/05/11/01), clauses 6.11, 6.12 & 6.24 |
| Core vaccinations | Required | Dogs must be vaccinated against canine distemper, canine parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. All vaccinations must be done not less than two weeks before the date of departure, and the records provided with the application. | None published beyond the two-week pre-departure interval. | Veterinary Services (SAA) — Importation of Cats and Dogs (VS/REG/05/11/01), clause 1.1 |
| Official veterinary certificate | Required | All animals must be accompanied by a valid original veterinary certificate, dated, signed and stamped, issued by the Veterinary Authority of the exporting country. Documents must be in English or French, or otherwise translated and endorsed by that authority. | Original veterinary certificates must be available at the port of entry. | Biosecurity Section (MoFBE) — Animals and Animal Products; Veterinary Services (SAA) — clause 4.0 |
| Sterilisation of listed breeds | Required for listed breeds & crosses | There is no restriction on the breed of dog that can enter, but dogs of certain breeds and their crosses (Annex 1 of the import conditions) must be surgically sterilised before entry. A certificate signed by a qualified veterinary surgeon must be produced with the permit application, and the original must accompany the dog on arrival. | See the Restricted breeds section for the Annex 1 list; no breed is banned outright from import. | Veterinary Services (SAA) — Importation of Cats and Dogs (VS/REG/05/11/01), clause 2.2 & Annex 1 |
| Transport as manifest cargo | Required | All animals must travel as manifest cargo, preferably on a direct or approved scheduled flight, in an IATA-compliant container, and must not make contact with any other animals en route. A Veterinary Officer collects the dog at the airport. | Quarantine must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance and confirmed 24 hours before arrival. | Veterinary Services (SAA) — Importation of Cats and Dogs (VS/REG/05/11/01), clause 7.0 |
| Quarantine (Union Vale, Mahe) | Required — minimum 2 weeks | By law, all animals are quarantined on arrival at the single facility on Mahe. Dogs meeting the rabies-free or rabies-affected conditions serve a minimum 2-week (14-day) quarantine. The base quarantine fee is SR 1,000 for the two-week period; owners provide the dog's food and may visit daily 09:00–18:00. | If the rabies conditions are not met, the quarantine is a minimum of 6 months, or the dog is returned to origin. Extensions cost SR 500 per week (SR 75 per day). | Veterinary Services (SAA) — Importation of Cats and Dogs (VS/REG/05/11/01), clauses 6.0 & 12.0 |
🌍 Rules according to your dog's origin
From a rabies-free country
This is the lighter path. The rabies vaccination and antibody test are not mandatory, but the dog must have resided continuously in the exporting country for at least six months (or since birth) and carry an official certificate that no rabies cases have been reported there in the last six months. Add the microchip, core vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis) done at least two weeks before departure, the official veterinary certificate, the Veterinary Import Permit and a minimum 2-week quarantine at Union Vale.
From a rabies-affected country
Add rabies protection to the standard requirements. The dog needs a valid rabies vaccination (inactivated vaccine, given at ≥3 months, boosted 30 days to 12 months before export) and a rabies antibody test (RNATT) with a result above 0.5 IU, taken at least one month after vaccination and within 6 months of departure. A certificate must confirm no rabies in the county/province/locality of origin over the past six months. All other requirements — permit, microchip, core vaccinations, veterinary certificate and the minimum 2-week quarantine — still apply; apply for the permit at least four months ahead.
Conditions not met — long quarantine or refusal
If the dog does not meet the rabies conditions set for its country of origin, it must undergo a minimum six-month post-arrival quarantine, or at worst be returned to the country of origin at the importer's expense. No animal may be shipped until written confirmation is received that import is permitted and every permit condition has been complied with. Confirm your dog's eligibility with the Veterinary Services before making any arrangements.
🛬 Arrival
Every dog arrives the same way: as manifest cargo, then to the Union Vale quarantine station on Mahe for a minimum of two weeks.
- Book the quarantine kennel at least 2 weeks in advance and confirm 24 hours before arrival; without a confirmed booking the dog cannot be received.
- The dog must arrive as manifest cargo in an IATA-compliant container; a Veterinary Officer collects it at the airport. It is preferable that the owner or a responsible person be present, as customs and cargo/handling fees must be settled.
- Original documents — the Veterinary Import Permit, official veterinary certificate, vaccination and (where required) RNATT records — must be available at the port of entry; consignments without a valid permit and certificate are not cleared.
- A Veterinary Officer examines the dog immediately on arrival and monitors it throughout quarantine; the base fee is SR 1,000 for two weeks and the owner provides the dog's food.
- Failure to comply with the conditions results in a minimum 6-month quarantine, return of the animal to the country of origin, or in the worst case euthanasia — all at the owner's risk and expense.
- Owners are responsible for collecting their dog from the station at the end of quarantine and for onward travel arrangements.
🧳 Real traveller experience
No reliable documented traveller feedback available.
🚫 Restricted dogs
Seychelles places no outright ban on any dog breed — there is no restriction on the type of dog or cat that can enter the country. However, dogs of certain breeds and their crosses must be surgically sterilised before entry, with a veterinary certificate produced at application and the original carried on arrival.
Breeds requiring surgical sterilisation before entry (Annex 1 of the import conditions) include, among others: Akita Inu, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Argentine Dogo (Dogo Argentino), Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Bully Kutta, Cane Corso, Doberman, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Mastiff, Fila Brasileiro, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Great Dane, Neapolitan Mastiff, Perro de Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Mallorquin (Ca de Bou), Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Mastiff and Tosa Inu.
The Annex 1 list also covers several other mastiff- and bulldog-type breeds (such as the Alangu Mastiff, Alano Español, Bedlington Terrier, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Dogo Sardesco, French Bulldog, Gull Dong, Gull Terr, Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Korea Jindo Dog, Lottatore Brindisino and Shar Pei). Sterilisation applies to these breeds and their crosses; it is a condition of entry, not an import ban.
Confirm whether your dog's breed or cross falls under Annex 1 with the Veterinary Services before making any travel arrangements, as the list is set by national import conditions and may change without notice.
🛂 Airports in Seychelles
Check where your dog can relieve itself at each airport — and whether it's before or after security.
🧾 Preparation checklist
- ☐Confirm your dog's origin country rabies status (rabies-free or rabies-affected) — it decides your whole path
- ☐Check whether your dog's breed or cross is on Annex 1 and, if so, arrange surgical sterilisation with a certificate
- ☐Microchip implanted; the number recorded on the application and every certificate
- ☐Dog at least 16 weeks old at import
- ☐From a rabies-affected country: rabies vaccination (inactivated, ≥3 months) then RNATT >0.5 IU (≥1 month after vaccine, ≤6 months before departure)
- ☐Core vaccinations up to date (distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis), done ≥2 weeks before departure
- ☐Official certificate that no rabies has occurred in the country/locality of origin in the past 6 months, plus 6 months' prior residence
- ☐Apply for the Veterinary Import Permit in writing — 4 weeks ahead (rabies-free) or 4 months ahead (rabies-affected)
- ☐Original veterinary certificate (English or French) and all records travelling with the dog; fly as manifest cargo in an IATA crate
- ☐Book the Union Vale quarantine ≥2 weeks ahead and confirm 24 hours before arrival; obtain the Ministry of Finance import permit for customs clearance
📚 Official sources
- Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy — Border Control and Support Division (Biosecurity Section)
- Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy — Animal Health and Livestock Research Division
- Application to Import Live Animals into the Republic of Seychelles (official form)
- Seychelles Agricultural Agency — Veterinary Services (Union Vale, Mahe)