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Pet Transport Mexico to India: AQCS Requirements and 2026 Route Guide

India requires an AQCS NOC (No Objection Certificate) secured at least 15 days before your pet arrives, and all imported pets spend 15 days in quarantine at an AQCS facility. There is no titre test …

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6-10
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
0
Days quarantine on arrival
Medium
Route complexity
4
Airlines on this route
Step by step

The Mexico to India import process

01
Before vaccinations.
ISO microchip confirmed or implanted.

Responsible: Your vet in Mexico

02
More than 1 month before travel, within 12 months of travel.
Rabies vaccination and core vaccines confirmed current. Antiparasitic treatment planned.

Responsible: Your vet in Mexico

03
At least 15 days before arrival in India.
AQCS NOC applied for from the relevant AQCS station in India.

Responsible: You or your agent in India

04
2-7 days before embarkation from Mexico.
Antiparasitic treatment administered.

Responsible: SENASICA-authorised vet in Mexico

05
Close to departure (within certificate validity period).
SENASICA health certificate issued.

Responsible: SENASICA-authorised vet in Mexico

06
From arrival date.
15-day quarantine at AQCS facility on arrival in India.

Responsible: AQCS India

Requirements

India entry requirements

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

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Source: Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS), India, 2026.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination required. Must be administered more than one month and within 12 months before embarkation. Source: AQCS India (aqcsindia.gov.in), 2026.
Rabies titre test
Not required for pets importing to India. Source: AQCS India, 2026.
Quarantine
15-day quarantine at a designated AQCS facility for all imported pets. Begins on arrival. Source: AQCS India, 2026.
Import permit
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from AQCS required. The NOC must be processed at least 15 days before the animal arrives in India. Source: AQCS India (aqcsindia.gov.in), 2026.
Health certificate
Official health certificate from a SENASICA-authorised vet in Mexico, certifying freedom from infectious and contagious diseases. Source: AQCS India, 2026.
Leaving Mexico

Export requirements

Export permit
No formal export permit required for companion animals. Source: SENASICA, 2026.
Health certificate
Official zoosanitary health certificate from a SENASICA-authorised vet in Mexico, meeting India AQCS requirements. Source: SENASICA, 2026.
Costs

What this route typically costs

SENASICA health certificate and antiparasitic treatment: MXN 1,500-4,000 (approx. USD 75-200)
AQCS NOC fee: INR 500-2,000 (approx. USD 6-24)
AQCS quarantine fees (15 days): INR 1,500-5,000 total (approx. USD 18-60)
Cargo fees MEX to BOM/DEL via hub: USD 1,800-5,000
IATA-compliant crate: USD 80-300 if needed
Agent fees: USD 300-700
Total typical range: USD 2,279-6,284

Critical points

The AQCS NOC must be lodged at least 15 days before arrival, at the specific AQCS station serving your entry airport (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Hyderabad). Arrivals without the NOC will face immediate detention.

The 15-day quarantine fee is the owner's responsibility. Confirm current AQCS quarantine rates with the relevant station before travel, as fees can change.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

AirlineNotesType
Air India via Gulf or European hubAir India operates to Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi (DEL). From Mexico, routing involves a connection via the Gulf (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi) or via Europe (London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam) and then India. Air India Cargo accepts pets in the temperature-controlled hold.Cargo Only
Qatar Airways Cargo via DohaVia Doha (DOH) to Delhi or Mumbai. Qatar Airways Cargo has strong India connections and established live animal handling at DOH.Cargo Only
Emirates Cargo via DubaiDubai (DXB) to major Indian cities. Emirates SkyCargo handles pets and has dedicated live animal facilities at DXB.Cargo Only
British Airways via LondonVia Mexico to London Heathrow (LHR) then onward to India. BA World Cargo handles pets, and LHR's Animal Reception Centre is a well-managed transit facility.Cargo Only

India vs Malaysia: two different approaches to pet imports

Owners comparing Asian destinations often weigh India against Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries. India and Malaysia approach pet imports quite differently.

India does not require a titre test. Malaysia does. India’s quarantine is 15 days. Malaysia’s minimum is 7 days for non-schedule countries but can extend. India’s NOC process is a government application (AQCS). Malaysia’s permit requires a licensed private agent.

In practice, India’s preparation timeline is shorter than Malaysia’s because there is no 3-month titre test wait. If your vaccinations are current, the India NOC process can be completed in 4-6 weeks from start to finish. Malaysia needs 5+ months minimum.

Neither destination is particularly quick or cheap, but the India route has a shorter minimum lead time for owners working to a tight schedule.

AQCS quarantine: what to expect in India

All pets imported into India spend 15 days at an AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Service) facility at the port of entry. AQCS has stations at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

The quarantine period allows AQCS officers to monitor your pet for any signs of illness and confirm documentation. If your pet is free from clinical signs and documentation is in order, the quarantine runs its course and your pet is released on day 15.

Quarantine fees are the owner’s responsibility. Contact the relevant AQCS station in advance to confirm current rates and arrange payment. The fees are modest by international standards, but the 15-day absence from home is the more significant practical consideration.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

No. India does not require a titre test for imported pets. You need a microchip, current rabies and core vaccinations (rabies given more than 1 month and within 12 months before travel), antiparasitic treatment 2-7 days before embarkation, a SENASICA health certificate, and an AQCS NOC lodged at least 15 days before arrival. Source: AQCS India (aqcsindia.gov.in), 2026.
15 days at an AQCS facility at the port of entry (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Hyderabad). All imported pets go through this quarantine regardless of origin. If documentation is correct and the animal is healthy, it is released on day 15. Source: AQCS India, 2026.
The NOC (No Objection Certificate) is the AQCS clearance that allows your pet to enter India. Apply through the AQCS portal (aqcsindia.gov.in) to the station serving your entry airport, at least 15 days before arrival. Include microchip details, vaccination records, and travel dates. Source: AQCS India, 2026.
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