Export Live Animals to Colombia

Last Modified: April 24, 2024
Print

Green Banner Country

For Accredited Veterinarians: Electronic signature ACCEPTED

For APHIS VMO: Digital endorsement ACCEPTED

eauth logo

Save Time and Money With VEHCS!

USDA-accredited veterinarians can submit health certificates for electronic signature through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System).

Summary of Requirements

Colombia requires that all animal shipments, except pet dogs and cats, be accompanied by an import permit issued in advance by Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA).

Colombia will reject animal shipments without import permits.

Please note: Colombia requires prior approval of U.S. facilities or farms by ICA before the importation of animals and germplasm is permitted into Colombia (with the exception of pet dogs and cats).  In each section below are the required forms/questionnaires (a.k.a. "Guidance Documents") that are to be completed by a USDA accredited veterinarian, sent to the Colombian importer, who then submits the forms to ICA for approval, prior to export.

Equine

Note: Effective immediately, Colombia will not accept mares transported in the last third of pregnancy.

Note: Effective immediately, due to the presence of contagious equine metritis (CEM) in the state of Arizona, Colombia is suspending the importation of horses from that state.  APHIS will not endorse health certificates for horse exported from Arizona.

Cattle

NOTE:  Effective April 15, 2024 there is a trade restriction on cattle and bovine germplasm due to HPAI detections in U.S. cattle. Colombia has prohibited the export of live cattle and bovine germplasm originating from states affected by HPAI in U.S. cattle

Sheep and Goats

Note: Effective December 24, 2003, sheep from the United States are banned due to a risk of BSE.

Swine

Poultry 

Aquatic Animals

APHIS Registered Aquaculture Export Facility approval is required for aquatic animals, aquatic worms, and tilapia.

Research / Laboratory Animals

Other Animals

Pets

Visit the APHIS Pet Travel Website for information about exporting your pets.
 

If your species is not listed, the requirements for that species are not known. Exporters who want to ship livestock or germplasm whose requirements are not listed above should have the importer or buyer in the destination country apply for an import permit at the appropriate ministry. This import permit will most likely outline the specific requirements.

Need Help?

Export Trade Services (by State)

APHIS has animal health officials available nationwide with expertise in export requirements for animals. Contact your nearest office for questions about endorsing an export or health certificate for live animals. 

All Contacts