Pet Transport from Japan to Mexico: 2026 Guide
Japan to Mexico is an interesting route: Japan is rabies-free, which simplifies some things, but Mexico's SENASICA authority requires a valid rabies vaccination regardless of origin country. The Japan-side process is well organised: the MAFF Animal Quarantine …
The Japan to Mexico import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Your vet in Japan
Responsible: Vet in Japan
Responsible: You or pet transport agent
Responsible: AQS officer at airport
Responsible: Vet
Responsible: You (owner)
Responsible: SENASICA officer
What your pet needs to enter Mexico
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Mexico requires a valid rabies vaccination even for pets from Japan, despite Japan being rabies-free. Do not assume the Japanese authority's documentation satisfies SENASICA's requirement automatically. Carry a clear vaccination certificate.
The health certificate is valid for 15 days from issue for SENASICA, but it must also be current at the time of the AQS inspection. Time the issue carefully.
SENASICA will spray the pet's carrier with disinfectant on arrival and will remove any bedding and accessories. Put essentials only in the crate; toys and bedding will be removed.
Book cargo space well in advance. Direct Japan-to-Mexico capacity is limited, and routing via a US hub adds complexity.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Japan's AQS export process: what to expect
Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), oversees all pet exports. The export inspection happens at the airport cargo facility, usually 30-60 minutes before your flight. You apply via the NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System) at least 10 days before your preferred inspection date.
At the inspection, the AQS officer checks the microchip, reviews vaccination and health records, and confirms the pet appears healthy and free from signs of infectious disease. If everything is in order, they issue the export quarantine certificate. This document, alongside your vet-issued health certificate, is what you present at Mexico.
Japan’s export process is efficient and well-signposted. Most expat vets in Tokyo and Osaka are familiar with the process. If you are in a smaller city, a Tokyo-based pet transport agent can coordinate the inspection appointment.
What SENASICA checks on arrival in Mexico
At your Mexican port of entry (for most Japan-to-Mexico arrivals, that is Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport), SENASICA officers are stationed at the Agriculture Health Inspection Office. They will want to see: the health certificate (valid within 15 days), the rabies vaccination certificate, the antiparasitic treatment record (within 6 months), and the completed FF-SENASICA-003 form.
They will inspect the pet physically, confirming it appears healthy and free of ectoparasites. They will spray the crate with preventive disinfectant. Bedding, toys, and accessories inside the crate will be removed and may be confiscated. Bring the pet collar and leash separately and do not put anything in the crate you want to keep.
If documentation is complete, clearance typically takes 30-60 minutes. If paperwork is missing or wrong, a local SENASICA vet may be called, which can extend the wait by 1-2 hours.
Airlines from Japan to Mexico
The most direct routing is Japan Airlines (JAL) or Aeromexico from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Mexico City (MEX). JAL’s cargo service on the NRT to MEX route is established and the airline has experience with live animal cargo. Aeromexico also covers this route.
Connecting via Seoul (Korean Air) or via a US hub (American Airlines, United) are alternatives. The US hub routing adds a border crossing point, as the pet enters the US cargo system; ensure your documentation is sufficient for a US transit if this routing is chosen, or confirm with the airline that the pet stays as transit cargo without formal US entry.