Pet Travel From the United States to Colombia
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.
Colombia will reject pets that do not meet the requirements of the posted health certificate. Personal pet dogs or cats do not need an import permit.
Dogs and cats must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services within 10 days of travel. The rabies vaccination certificate must accompany your pet and the health certificate to Colombia.
Your pet must travel with at least one photocopy of the original health certificate.
The health certificate does NOT need to be signed by a Notary Public, nor does it need to be stamped by the Colombian Consular office.
International Health Certificate (253.71 KB)
NOTE: AS OF MARCH 9, 2017, COLOMBIA HAS BANNED THE IMPORTATION OF ALL BIRDS FROM LINCOLN COUNTY, TENNESSEE.
Pet birds must be accompanied by an import permit issued in advance by Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA).
Upon arrival into Colombia, the birds will undergo home quarantine for at least 21 days under the supervision of a veterinarian from ICA.
International Health Certificate (160.86 KB)
An import permit is required for the importation of all pets into Columbia. 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). Contact Information: INSTITUTO COLOMBIANO AGROPECUARIO Ica · Carrera 41 No. 17 – 43 · Phone (57 1) 3323700 / 2884800 BOGOTA – COLOMBIA https://www.ica.gov.co/colombia-siempra-paz-(1)
Countries Participating in the European Union
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Republic of Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Northern Ireland*
Norway**
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland**
* Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom (UK), but will continue to follow European Union (EU) requirements even though the UK is no longer part of the EU.
** Norway and Switzerland are not part of the EU but have adopted EU legislation for import of most species of live animals.
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.
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: CDC is the primary authority for dog imports. For requirements or questions about dogs entering or returning to the United States, visit the CDC website.
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?
Still Have Questions?
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians
Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian for questions about your destination country's entry requirements for pets (including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments); issuance of health certificates; and status updates on certificate endorsement.
Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
APHIS Endorsement Offices
Contact APHIS Veterinary Export Trade Services if you have questions about endorsing an international pet health certificate. For quickest help, see tips for pet owners and accredited veterinarians.
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.