Pet Travel From the United States to the Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire)

Last Modified: June 11, 2024

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For Accredited Veterinarians: Electronic signature ACCEPTED

For APHIS VMO: Original ink endorsement REQUIRED

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

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Accredited veterinarians can submit health certificates for USDA endorsement electronically through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System).

However, this country requires USDA to ink-sign and emboss the health certificate. This means the final, endorsed health certificate that travels with the animal(s) must be mailed back.

IMPORTANT: The endorsed health certificate (paper, not electronic) must accompany the shipment. The endorsed health certificate will be returned by mail (a pre-paid, pre-addressed return label must be provided during certificate submission).

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Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type

Carefully read ALL of the requirements related to your pet on this page.

This page provides the most recent entry requirements and can change without notice.
It is the responsibility of the veterinarian to make sure the pet has met all health requirements of the destination country before issuing a health certificate.
Failure to meet the requirements may result in problems gaining certificate endorsement or difficulties upon arrival in the destination country.
Health certificates must be legible, accurate, and complete.

Dogs and Cats

Import Permit
Dog and cats traveling to the Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire), must have an import permit issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services of Cote d’Ivoire. Import permits are only issued AFTER there is an APHIS-endorsed health certificate. Certificates must be issued by USDA accredited veterinarians and endorsed by APHIS within 10 days of travel.

Pets must be current on rabies vaccinations.

If the pet has only received one rabies vaccine (a primary vaccination) or if a rabies booster vaccine was given outside of the period of validity of the previous vaccination, the pet will be required to wait at least 21 days after vaccination before they travel to the Ivory Coast.

Visit the Ivory Coast Ministry of Agriculture website for more information.

Health Certificate

The requirements for traveling with your pet are described in the health certificate.

Veterinary Health Certificate (110.6 KB)

Other Pets

For pet travel requirements not listed, APHIS has not been officially informed by the foreign country about the requirements for your pet’s travel. We recommend that you contact a government official of the country you are traveling to for more information.

Country of Destination Contact Information

World Organisation for Animal Health: Members

U.S. Department of State: Foreign Embassies and Consulates

Important Travel Considerations

Considerations for airline travel and cruises:

Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies and requirements for transporting pets. Check with your airline or shipping representative to determine what requirements they may have.

Learn how you can improve the safety of dogs and cats during air travel.

View additional information for pet owners, airlines, and others about APHIS endorsement of international health certificates.

If pets or support animals accompany you on a cruise, you must comply with entry rules for every country or port where your pet or support animal exits the ship.

Will you be returning to the United States with your pet?

View APHIS Requirements

ALERT: If you're traveling with a dog, be aware that the CDC has additional requirements for bringing a dog into the United States. You must follow CDC's requirements, or your dog will not be allowed to enter the United States.

If you are transiting (passing through) the European Union:

If your pet is traveling through (transiting) a country in the European Union (EU) on the way to a third, non-EU country, you will also need a transit health certificate for your pet for the EU. The transit health certificate will be the same as if your pet’s final destination was the EU country. Use the information and steps above under “Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type” to determine which health certificate should be used. View a list of EU countries.

Need Help?

Read an overview of the process for taking your pet to another country and related resources.

View frequently asked questions about traveling with your pet.

Still Have Questions?

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Looking for Another Country?

Find your destination country requirements by using the dropdown menu below. If your country is not listed in the menu, visit Pet Travel: Unknown Requirements.