Pet Travel From the United States to the Ivory Coast (2024)

Last Modified: March 28, 2024

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Welcome! This page will guide you through the rules and requirements for traveling internationally with your pet.

Jump to Info for Accredited Veterinarians

Before You Start the Process

Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

With help from a USDA-accredited veterinarian, you can learn more about your destination country's entry requirements for pets, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments. We recommend creating a schedule to make sure you meet all requirements within the specified timeframe.

Gather This Information for Your USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

  • The type of pet traveling
  • The destination country
  • If applicable, countries where your pet will stop (for customs clearance or upon leaving the airport or seaport) on the way to the destination country
  • The date of departure from the United States
  • Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane
  • Note: If you're traveling with a pet bird or exotic animal, you may need to work with additional agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1.41 MB) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read These Resources

  • Pet Travel Guidance for Pets Traveling to Another Country From the United States
    • In Spanish (En Español): Guía de viaje para mascotas que viajan a otro país desde Estados Unidos
    • In Chinese (用中文(表達): 宠物出国旅行指南
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling With Your Pet

Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type

Import Permit
Dog and cats traveling to the Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire),musthave 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 theIvory Coast Ministry of Agriculturewebsite for more information.

Health Certificate

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

Veterinary Health Certificate (110.6 KB)

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

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

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

Pet Travel From the United States to the Ivory Coast (2)

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.

Considerations for airline travel:

Pet Travel From the United States to the Ivory Coast (3)

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.

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


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

Pet Travel From the United States to the Ivory Coast (4)

Information for Accredited Veterinarians

For Accredited Veterinarians: Electronic signature ACCEPTED

For APHIS VMO: Original ink endorsem*nt REQUIRED

Pet Travel From the United States to the Ivory Coast (5)

Save Time and Money With VEHCS!

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

Accredited veterinarians can submit health certificates for USDA endorsem*nt 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).

VEHCSHelp | VEHCSGuide | VEHCSLogin

Pet Travel From the United States to the Ivory Coast (2024)

FAQs

Can you travel with a dog to Africa? ›

Dogs and cats can only enter South Africa as manifest cargo (with an airway bill). Pet owners can't bring their pets to South Africa as excess luggage or in cabin. Dogs that need to be quarantined can only enter South Africa through OR Tambo (Johannesburg) or Cape Town international airports.

What documents do I need for my dog to travel internationally? ›

Please include the following in your package:
  • International Health Certificate.
  • Vaccination certificates (if vaccinations are required by the destination country)
  • Test results for laboratory tests (if tests are required by the destination country)
  • Import Permit (if a permit is required by the destination country)

How long does it take to get an USDA pet travel certificate? ›

For California pet owners, the completed health certificate must be submitted by mail to the USDA office in Sacramento, CA. Processing time usually takes 1 - 3 business days, Once the certificate is finalized, you can either pick it up in person or it can be mailed to your address overnight.

How much for a dog plane ticket? ›

Generally, airlines charge a pet fee of $100 to $200 each way, but prices will vary depending on where you're traveling and your airline. Check the airline's pet policy before purchasing a ticket to make sure your pet meets the airline's breed and size requirements.

Is it hard to fly internationally with a dog? ›

Traveling internationally with a pet can be complicated, more so because of the regulations and paperwork than because of the actual trip itself. The reason for all those extra rules, regulations, and procedures boils down to one main reason: rabies. Many countries are proudly rabies-free and want to keep it that way.

Can dogs fly internationally alone? ›

You may be wondering if pets can fly alone and the answer is: YES! It is not always possible for your pet to fly in-cabin with you or as accompanied baggage on your own flight. In this case, pets typically travel "unaccompanied" as cargo. While this may sound scary, it's not!

How long does it take to get an international health certificate for dogs? ›

The process could take a few weeks to many months, depending on the requirements of the destination country. Please work with your veterinarian as soon you know your pet will travel to another country.

How do I get my dog TSA approved? ›

Please remove your pet from the carrying case and place the case through the X-ray machine. You should maintain control of your pet with a leash and remember to remove the leash when carrying your pet through the metal detector. Animal carriers will undergo a visual and/or physical inspection.

How long is a US pet health certificate valid? ›

The majority of health certificates are valid for 10 days after creation and will take anywhere between 1 and 3 business days for endorsem*nt with the USDA. Make sure you plan your appointment and your travel dates accordingly.

Do airlines check pet health certificates? ›

Check with airlines because they may have restrictions on breed and size. Most airlines also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel. Federal regulations require pets to be at least 8 weeks old and they should be weaned at least 5 days before flying.

How long is a pet travel certificate good for? ›

Every country limits the travel health certificate expiration, but most pet travel health certificates are generally valid for only 10 days. To be safe, ensure your pet's travel certificate is issued by your veterinarian as close to the travel date as possible but not more than 21 days before travel.

Is it hard to get a pet passport? ›

There are four main steps to get a pet passport: Step 1: Research and confirm the requirements, based on your destination and method of travel. Step 2: Visit your vet to get your pet up-to-date on all the necessary vaccines and procedures. Step 3: Get your pet's travel certificate certified by the USDA, if necessary.

Can I buy my dog a seat on an airplane? ›

Most airlines, both domestic and international, will say no to the request for an extra seat for a dog. In fact, there are only seven airlines that will allow you to buy an extra seat with the purpose of helping you and your dog through a long flight.

What size dog can fly in the cabin? ›

Generally, if your dog in its carrier can fit under the seat in front of you, it can go in the cabin. So that means a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

How much does it cost to fly a 70 lb dog? ›

Flying with a Dog or Cat in the Cargo Hold

The cost can run from $50.00 to $500.00 so check with your airline's reservation or cargo department. Pets up to approximately 75 pounds can travel as checked baggage when accompanied by a passenger.

Can I take my dog with me to South Africa? ›

Ask for application forms (Export Health Certificate and EXA1) for cat/dog going to South Africa along with vet guidance notes. This must be completed and certified by your OV (Official Vet) within 10 days of the flight.

Can I fly with a dog on the plane in South Africa? ›

Yes, domestic pets limited to small and medium sized dogs, cats and household birds, shall be carried in a pet container that meets the specification of the “IATA live animals' regulations”. Suitable pet containers may be purchased from selected pet shops.

How much does it cost to fly a dog to South Africa? ›

Usually, the price will range anywhere from £1600 – £6500. How long are dogs quarantined when flying to South Africa?

Can you travel cross country with a dog? ›

Figure Out Your Restraint Option for the Car

These are important when moving cross country with pets in your own car. First, you need to decide if your pet will be in a crate or carrier. If it's new, familiarize your pet with his or her crate or carrier in advance.

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