Sri Lanka Pet Import Requirements

Pet Dogs & Cats must be vaccinated against Rabies not less than thirty (30) days and not more than TEN (10) months immediately prior to embarkation.
Sri Lanka DOES NOT require an ‘Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titer Test’ (RNATT) for cats / dogs.

Blood Test Requirements

DOGS:

1. Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis)
   • Two explicit tests required within 30 days prior to embarkation:
     • First test: Knott’s Technique (mandatory)
     • Second test: Either ELISA or PCR method
   • Alternatively, official declaration of heartworm-free status by a government veterinarian is acceptable.
2. Blood Parasites - Babesia Canis
   • Negative test result using either ELISA or PCR method within 30 days prior to embarkation.
   • Alternatively, official declaration of Babesia Canis-free status by a government veterinarian is acceptable.
3. Blood Parasites - Babesia Gibsoni
   • Negative test result using either ELISA or PCR method within 30 days prior to embarkation.
   • Alternatively, official declaration of Babesia Gibsoni-free status by a government veterinarian is acceptable.
4. Blood Parasites - Leishmaniasis
   • Negative test result using either ELISA or PCR method within 30 days prior to embarkation.
   • Alternatively, official declaration of Leishmaniasis-free status by a government veterinarian is acceptable.

CATS:

1. Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis)
   • Two explicit tests required within 30 days prior to embarkation:
     • First test: Knott’s Technique (mandatory)
     • Second test: Either ELISA or PCR method
   • Alternatively, official declaration of heartworm-free status by a government veterinarian is acceptable.

Important Notes:

• Blood tests can be conducted at any authorized laboratory globally.
• The test results must be printed clearly on the official laboratory letterhead and signed by an authorized signatory.
• Each test report must explicitly state the testing method used, the results, and clearly identify the pet, including its microchip number.
• Strongly Recommended: Endorsement of the blood test reports by the state/government veterinarian in the exporting country.

Sri Lanka does NOT require the Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titer Test (RNATT) for dogs or cats.

All dogs and cats arriving at Colombo (CMB) are subject to an official quarantine health inspection upon arrival. Provided the pets meet all entry requirements and possess all necessary documentation, they will be immediately cleared and released. However, they remain subject to a mandatory 30-day home quarantine.

If cats or dogs arrive in Colombo (CMB) with incomplete or missing documentation, such as invalid or absent blood test reports, these animals will be detained and held in government quarantine facilities until the required testing is completed. Should any test results come back positive, the Department of Animal Production & Health (DAPH), Sri Lanka, reserves the right to either re-export the animal to the country of origin or euthanize it, with all associated costs being borne by the pet owner. Additionally, the pet owner must bear all expenses related to additional tests, as well as arrange for food and care for their pet during its quarantine period.

All pet birds are subject to a mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Government Quarantine Station upon arrival in Colombo (CMB). The pet owner is required to arrange and provide food and daily care during this quarantine period.

No breed restrictions.

No climate restrictions.

No travel method restrictions. Pets can enter Colombo (CMB), Sri Lanka, using any mode of transportation, including:

1. Manifested Air Freight Cargo (under an Air Waybill - AWB)
2. Checked Baggage / Excess Baggage / Accompanied Baggage
3. In-Cabin Travel

Pets arriving at Colombo Airport (CMB) as Checked Baggage or In-Cabin can typically be cleared directly by the pet owner (passenger). However, an IPATA agent can significantly assist and streamline this clearance process. Pet owners are encouraged to consult their IPATA agent for tailored guidance and assistance.

Pets arriving at Colombo Airport (CMB) as Manifested Air Freight Cargo (under an Air Waybill) must undergo customs clearance through a licensed Customs Broker—typically your IPATA agent in Colombo. Pet owners should consult their IPATA agent for assistance in this mandatory process.

Sri Lanka Customs operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

However, the Animal Quarantine Station veterinary officers at Colombo Airport (CMB) are officially available only during weekdays (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM). Despite this, your IPATA agent can arrange customized, case-by-case solutions outside regular hours to meet your specific needs. Please coordinate with your IPATA agent in Colombo for further assistance and arrangements.