Pet Transport Mexico to Thailand: Import Permit and 2026 Requirements

Thailand requires an import permit from the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) before your pet can enter the country, but does not impose routine quarantine for compliant arrivals. The core …

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4-8

Weeks lead time needed

Start this early minimum

Days quarantine on arrival

Medium

Route complexity

Airlines on this route

Step by step

The Mexico to Thailand import process

Before any vaccinations.

ISO microchip confirmed or implanted.

Responsible: Your vet in Mexico

At least 21 days before travel.

Rabies vaccination confirmed current. Core vaccines administered.

Responsible: Your vet in Mexico

At least 7 days (and no more than 60 days) before departure.

Apply for Thailand DLD import permit by email to the relevant Animal Quarantine Station.

Responsible: You or your pet transport agent

Close to travel date (check Thailand AQS for valid duration).

SENASICA health certificate issued by authorised vet in Mexico.

Responsible: SENASICA-authorised vet in Mexico

Requirements

Thailand 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: Thailand Department of Livestock Development (DLD), 2026.

Rabies vaccination

Current rabies vaccination required. Must be administered at least 21 days before departure and within 12 months of travel. Source: Thailand DLD, 2026.

Rabies titre test

Not required under current Thailand DLD rules. Source: Thailand Department of Livestock Development, 2026.

Quarantine

No routine quarantine for compliant pets (valid permit and correct documentation). However, a quarantine officer may detain pets for up to 30 days if deemed necessary. Source: Thailand DLD, 2026.

Import permit

Import permit (Import Licence) required from the Animal Quarantine Station at the port of entry. Apply by email to the relevant AQS at least 7 days before departure (and no more than 60 days before). Source: Thailand DLD / Thai Embassy Washington DC, 2026.

Health certificate

Official Health Certificate from a SENASICA-authorised vet in Mexico, endorsed as required. Must include vaccination records. Source: Thailand DLD, 2026.

Leaving Mexico

Export requirements

Export permit

No formal export permit required for companion animals. The SENASICA health certificate is the primary export document. Source: SENASICA, 2026.

Health certificate

Official zoosanitary health certificate issued by a SENASICA-authorised veterinarian in Mexico. Must meet Thailand's import health certificate requirements. Source: SENASICA (gob.mx/senasica), 2026.

Costs

What this route typically costs

SENASICA health certificate: MXN 1,500-4,000 (approx. USD 75-200)

Thailand DLD import permit fee: THB 500-2,000

Cargo fees MEX to BKK via Pacific or Gulf hub: USD 1,800-5,000 depending on size and routing

IATA-compliant crate: USD 80-300 if needed

Agent fees: USD 300-800

Total typical range: USD 2,253-6,300

Critical points

The AQS import permit application must be submitted by email to the specific Bangkok AQS (or Chiang Mai AQS for DMK/CNX arrivals). Include your pet's microchip number, vaccination records, and proposed travel date. Allow at least 5-7 Thai business days for processing.

Mexico is not a rabies-free country, which means your pet's documentation must be complete and current. Any gaps in vaccination records or microchip timing can result in the quarantine officer exercising their detention authority on arrival.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

Airline	Notes	Type
Thai Airways via Pacific hub	Thai Airways accepts pets as cargo into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Routing from Mexico typically requires a connection via Tokyo (NRT) or Seoul (ICN). Thai Airways Cargo handles live animals in the temperature-controlled hold.	Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong	Cathay Pacific Cargo is a reliable option via Hong Kong (HKG). From Mexico City (MEX), connecting through a US gateway such as Los Angeles or New York allows connection to HKG and then BKK.	Cargo Only
Qatar Airways Cargo via Doha	Gulf hub routing via Doha (DOH) connects Mexico to Bangkok with a Doha transit. Qatar Airways Cargo has strong live animal handling at DOH and established BKK routes.	Cargo Only
Emirates Cargo via Dubai	Dubai (DXB) routing is another Gulf option for Mexico to Bangkok. Emirates accepts pets as cargo on this route, with temperature-controlled holds.	Cargo Only

Pacific routing vs Gulf routing from Mexico City

Mexico to Bangkok is a long-haul cargo move with no direct service. The two practical routing options are via a Pacific hub or via the Gulf.

Pacific routing typically goes MEX to a US gateway (LAX, IAH, or JFK), then to Tokyo (NRT), Seoul (ICN), or Hong Kong (HKG), with a final connection to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Korean Air Cargo all handle this routing. Tokyo and Hong Kong both have well-established live animal transit facilities.

Gulf routing goes via Mexico to a US or European gateway, then to Doha (DOH) or Dubai (DXB), with a connection to Bangkok. Qatar Airways Cargo and Emirates Cargo both handle this well. Gulf hub transit for live animals is generally smooth at both DOH and DXB.

The route you choose depends mainly on available cargo space and agent connections. Journey time from Mexico to Bangkok is typically 24-36 hours door-to-door across either routing.

Getting the DLD import permit from Mexico

The Thailand DLD import permit is issued by the Animal Quarantine Station at the port of entry. For Bangkok, that is the Suvarnabhumi AQS. For Chiang Mai arrivals, it is the Chiang Mai AQS.

Apply by email to the relevant AQS with your pet’s microchip number, vaccination records, proposed travel date, and a completed application form (available from the DLD website or your destination agent). Processing takes 5-7 Thai business days once all documents are received. The permit is valid for 60 days from issue, so you have flexibility on the exact travel date once it is in hand.

A Thailand-based pet transport agent can handle this application on your behalf and ensure the permit lists the correct entry airport.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

No. Thailand’s current import rules do not require a titre test for dogs or cats. You need a microchip, current rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel and within 12 months), core vaccines, and the DLD import permit. Source: Thailand Department of Livestock Development, 2026.

Not routinely. If your import permit is valid and all documentation is in order, Thailand does not impose standard quarantine. However, the quarantine officer has discretion to detain any animal for up to 30 days if they consider it necessary. Complete and accurate documentation is the best protection. Source: Thailand DLD, 2026.

Allow 4-8 weeks for preparation: 2-3 weeks for vaccination confirmation plus 7+ days for the DLD import permit processing. The transit itself takes 24-36 hours depending on routing. If vaccinations are not current, add the 21-day wait.

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