Requirements for Import into Kenya

An Import Permit into Kenya is valid for 90 days from date of issue, and must be obtained through an Authorized Agent in Kenya or from the Kenyan High Commission in the country of origin. In order to attain an Import Permit into Kenya, the following documents are required:

• Copy of pets’ up-to date vaccination card. The Rabies vaccination must have been done within the last 12 months but not less than 30 days prior to travel. If the vaccine is valid for 3 years and this is clearly indicated this is acceptable.
• In the case of PUPPIES, the import age is stated as being 12 weeks because this is the earliest age that a puppy can be given its 1st Rabies vaccination. However, it must then wait 30 days from vaccination before travel (i.e. import age minimum 16 weeks of age). BUT, if the MOTHER of the puppy has an up to date rabies vaccination, the pup can travel with its mother's records and therefore be imported from as young as 8 weeks of age.
• The Importers name and address in both country of origin and destination. If this person is a:
  • Kenyan they must send us a copy of their ID and PIN.
  • foreign resident they must send us copies of their passport, work permit, and PIN.
• A copy of the Health Certificate and/or Export Permit from the country of origin. Health Certificates can be issued 4 - 5 days prior to arrival.

Before the pet(s) arrives, we will also need copies of the following documents:

• A Pre-Alert Airway Bill from the airline and all flight details at least 48 hours prior to arrival. These will come from your shipping agent in the country of origin. With these, pre-clearance can be done which can reduce the amount of clearing time at the airport once the pet lands. Please confirm the correct way to consign the AWB before it is issued.

ALL ORIGINAL documents MUST travel WITH the animal. However, please keep copies of everything in case they get lost.

If all the paperwork and vaccinations are correct before travel, there is no need for quarantine in Kenya.

Microchips are not compulsory for entry into Kenya, although it is advisable in case of future travel, and as a good form of identification.

Rabies antibody titre testing (RNATT) is NOT YET a requirement for entry into Kenya. However, it is advisable if the pet may travel again, especially to an EU country in the future. Vaccinations must then be kept STRICTLY up-to-date for the RNATT to remain valid.

All pets arriving into Kenya should do so as MANIFEST CARGO. However, there are still a few airlines that will allow pets as 'accompanied baggage', especially if small or a cat - and in these cases we can assist with the clearing, but all the import charges remain the same. Confirm with your airline first that they offer this option.