DR Congo Pet Import Requirements

Rabies vaccination is required for pets entering DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. The Rabies vaccine must not be older than 1 year and not less than 15 days  at the time of entry. Regarding the type of Rabies vaccine allowed, the specific type is not explicitly published in the regulations. There are no additional restrictions outlined for Rabies vaccinations beyond these requirements.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF Congo has not published any specific test requirements for pets entering the country. Therefore, there are no tests that must be performed before entry, no timelines for when tests should be conducted, and no expiration periods for test results.

Pets that meet DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO 's import permit requirements, including a valid Veterinary Health Certificate and Rabies vaccination certificate, will not be quarantined upon arrival. However, pets that do not meet these requirements will be quarantined for 14 days at the owner’s expense. There is no requirement for pets to quarantine at home before entry. Quarantine only applies upon arrival if import conditions are not fully met.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF Congo has not published any breed-specific restrictions for pet importation. Additionally, there are no climate-related travel restrictions specified for pet travel into DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. Democratic republic of Congo has a tropical climate ideal for pet import throughout the year.

Process for Pets Entering DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO:

1. Entry Mode:
   • All pets can enter DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF Congo cargo or excess baggage
2. Customs and State Veterinary Clearance:
   • Mandatory for all pets upon arrival.
   • Clearances must be performed by a licensed customs agent who will provide a detailed fee breakdown at the time of import.
3. IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR):
   • Pets must be transported in containers that comply with IATA LAR standards, ensuring proper size, ventilation, and security for the pet.
4. Entry Points:
   • Pets typically enter DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF Congo through FIH International Airport, the primary and best-equipped point of entry for live animals.
5. Operating Hours:
   • Customs and State Veterinary offices does not operate 24/7, its important to make prior arrangements in case of arrival time out of office hours, including weekends.
6. Weekend Arrivals:
   • Customs and State Veterinary offices does not operate 24/7, its important to make prior arrangements in case of arrival time out of office hours, including weekends.
7. Appointments:
   • Customs and State Veterinary offices does not operate 24/7, its important to make prior arrangements in case of arrival time out of office hours, including weekends.
8. Customs Requirements:
   • Documents Required:
     • Veterinary Import Permit
     • Veterinary Health Certificate (issued within 48 hours of departure and endorsed by the competent authority)
     • Rabies vaccination certificate
     • IATA-compliant crate details
   • A licensed customs agent must handle the clearance process.
9. Fees, Taxes, and Costs:
   • Fees for live animal imports vary and will be provided by the licensed customs agent during the clearance process. These typically include import duties, vet inspection fees, and handling charges.
10. Transit Station/Crates During Clearance:
    • The destination airport does not have a dedicated transit station for live animals. Pets remain in their crates while waiting for Customs and State Veterinary clearance.
11. Best Practices for Entry:
    • Ensure all documentation and crate requirements are in order before departure.
    • Work with a licensed customs agent to streamline the clearance process.
    • Use Entebbe International Airport as the preferred entry point due to its established procedures for live animal imports.