Pet Transport from Colombia to Sri Lanka

Moving a pet from Colombia to Sri Lanka involves more paperwork than most owners expect. This route is one of the most demanding international pet transport routes. Start preparations at least 26 …

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26-32

Weeks lead time needed

Start this early minimum

Days quarantine on arrival

Very High

Route complexity

Airlines on this route

Step by step

The Colombia to Sri Lanka import process

First step - must be done before any vaccinations.

Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.

Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.

Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks

Apply for import permit from Sri Lanka

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.

Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)

Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin

Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

Immediately on arrival (mandatory)

Quarantine on arrival (21 days)

Responsible: Sri Lanka quarantine authority

Requirements

Sri Lanka entry requirements

Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.

Microchip

Required (ISO 11784/11785)

Rabies vaccination

Required. Current vaccination required.

Rabies titre test

Required for: All dogs and cats. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait from test date before entry

Quarantine

Mandatory quarantine. 21 days. Facility: DAPH Quarantine Station. 21-day mandatory quarantine for all dogs and cats. No exceptions.

Import permit

Required. Strict documentation review. Allow 3 months for permit approval.

Health certificate

Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Government vet, endorsed by national veterinary authority. Valid for 14 days from issue. Embassy attestation required.

Leaving Colombia

Export requirements

Export permit

{'required': False}

Health certificate

{'required': True, 'issued_by': 'ICA-authorised official vet'}

Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)

IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)

Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate

Rabies titre test laboratory fee

Import permit application fee (Sri Lanka)

Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)

Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points

Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.

Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.

Breed restrictions apply at destination. Check if your dog is affected before booking.

Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

Airline	Notes	Type
American Airlines	Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. Seasonal temperature embargoes apply	Cabin and Cargo
British Airways	Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.	Cargo Only
Emirates	Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)	Cargo Only
Lufthansa	Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round	Cabin and Cargo
Singapore Airlines	Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons	Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific	Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met	Cargo Only
Air France	Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes	Cabin and Cargo
KLM	Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo	Cabin and Cargo
Delta Air Lines	Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo	Cabin and Cargo
Air Canada	Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurised hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round	Cabin and Cargo

Why this route needs early planning

This is one of the more demanding international pet transport corridors. Sri Lanka runs a strict biosecurity programme and there are no shortcuts through it.

All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in Sri Lanka (at DAPH Quarantine Station) for 21 days. This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.

Island nation with strict biosecurity. Mandatory quarantine applies. Only animals meeting all requirements can enter. Allow 6 months minimum lead time.

From experience: Colombia to Sri Lanka pet transport

Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.

Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.

Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.

If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

Allow at least 26 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.

Yes, quarantine is mandatory in Sri Lanka. Your pet will stay for 21 days at DAPH Quarantine Station on arrival. This is non-negotiable and the cost is paid by the owner.

Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Sri Lanka. Start this process as early as possible.

Yes, an import permit is required from Sri Lanka’s authority (the relevant government body). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.

Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Colombia. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Sri Lanka’s authority for the exact format required.

Yes, Sri Lanka bans or restricts certain breeds including American Pit Bull Terrier. If your dog is one of these types or a mix, contact the destination authority before making any travel arrangements.

Airline guides

Breed restrictions

American Pit Bull Terrier

All breed guides →

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