Taking Your Cat to South Africa from the UK – 2025 Guide

Planning to take your cat to South Africa from the UK? Our 2025 guide outlines the essential steps to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for your feline companion. From import permits to veterinary health certificates, we cover everything you need to know.

South Africa is a popular destination for UK pet owners. Direct flights are available to Johannesburg and Cape Town. On arrival, pets clear customs and veterinary checks before being released. There is no quarantine if all paperwork is in order.

However, the process can be complex. Incorrect documentation may result in quarantine until compliance is met.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Cat to South Africa

Step 1: Apply for an Import Permit & Book a Flight

All cats travelling to South Africa require an import permit from the Department of Agriculture. The application process includes:

Payment to the department’s bank account
Completing the correct import form

For the latest application form, visit: South African Government Website.

Several airlines allow pets to travel to South Africa from the UK. Most of our clients use British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and South African Airways.
Please note that all dogs and cats imported into South Africa must be registered as manifest cargo and cannot fly as excess baggage. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development does not have veterinary officials at the passenger terminal of OR Tambo (Johannesburg), King Shaka International Airport (Durban) and Cape Town International Airport to inspect pets entering South Africa via the passenger terminal of the respective airports. Pets can only disembark via the cargo terminal of the respective airports.
The Department does not object to dogs and cats traveling in the airline cabin with the owner, if allowed by the airline, on condition that pets are registered as manifest cargo and the airline staff must take the pets from the owner on landing, to the cargo terminal for inspection.

Step 2: Microchip & Vaccination Requirements

Microchip: Your cat must have an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip, to ensure its identification.
Rabies Vaccination: Although not a mandatory requirements for dogs coming from the UK, which is Rabies free, Rabies vaccination is strongly recommended before travelling to South Africa, where Rabies is a controlled disease and resident pets must be vaccinated by law. In case you decide to have your pet vaccinated against Rabies, the vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before your travel.

Note: Routine vaccinations are not mandatory for travel but are strongly recommended for your pet’s overall health.

Step 3: Apply to DEFRA for the Export Health Certificate (EHC) for South Africa

Pet owners have to visit the DEFRA’s specific website to apply for the Export Health Certificate: Export cats to South Africa: certificate 6257
DEFRA will review the application and issue the certificate to your choosen DEFRA-approved vet, for it to be completed.

Step 4: Pre-Travel Veterinary Health Check

Within 10 days of travel, the DEFRA-approved vet must check your cat’s health and finalise the EHC.
Unlike other countries, the UK does not need to complete the health certificate on the South African import permit, as the DEFRA paperwork is sufficient.

Why Choose AHC London for Pet Travel Assistance?

Navigating pet export regulations can be stressful. Our expert veterinary team ensures all documentation is completed correctly, avoiding costly delays or quarantine. We also offer convenient at-home services to reduce stress for both you and your pet.

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