Pet Transport from South Africa to France

6-10 weeks
typical

Moderate route
complexity

Yes quarantine
required

TL;DR

Pet transport from South Africa to France is a moderately complex route. The documentation is specific and there are a few stages to work through, but families who plan ahead get their pets there without major issues.

At minimum, your pet needs a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard), a current rabies vaccination, a rabies titre test with a waiting period after the result, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued close to your travel date. Allow 6-10 weeks from starting preparation to travel day.

Use the step-by-step timeline below to plan your preparation, and get in touch if you want us to coordinate the process for you.

All Requirements — South Africa to France

Requirement	South Africa rule (exit)	France rule (entry)
Microchip	ISO 11784/11785 required	Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or at same time as rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination	Current vaccination required before departure	Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Standard EU protocol. 21-day wait from first vaccination.
Rabies titre test	—	Required for: Pets from unlisted third countries. Not required for: Pets from EU and listed third countries (all P1 countries listed). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait after blood draw
Health certificate	Required from official vet	Required
Quarantine	—	No routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to varies days if non-compliant
Import permit	—	No formal import permit. EU pet passport or AHC serves as documentation.
Export permit	Required for all live animal exports. Apply through provincial State Veterinarian office.	—

Preparation Timeline

1 Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)

Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.

Your veterinarian

2 Rabies vaccination

At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)

Your veterinarian

3 Rabies titre test (RNATT blood test)

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

Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

4 Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance

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

Official veterinarian

5 Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking

2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.

You (or your pet transport agent)

6 Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation

3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets

You + airline cargo desk

Cost Estimate — Line Items

ItemNotes

1 Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)

2 IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)

3 Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip)

4 Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable)

5 Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service)

Airlines — Policy Data

Airline	Transport type	Policy summary
Lufthansa	_	Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo transport available. Transport of large animals to certain destinations not possible due to local circumstances. Fighting dog breeds subject to special rules
Air France	_	Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo transport available. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes. French regulations on dangerous dog breeds apply
South African Airways	_	Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Pets travel as checked excess baggage in hold or through SAA cargo

Regulatory Risk Notes

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check breed-specific policies before booking.
Microchip MUST be implanted before rabies vaccination. Vaccination given before microchip is invalid and the clock restarts.

Country Reference Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to prepare a pet for transport from South Africa to France?: The process takes 6-10 weeks from start to finish. The rabies titre test requires a 3-6 month waiting period after the blood draw before your pet can travel, so start early.
Is there quarantine when my pet enters France?: No routine quarantine for pets entering France with the correct documentation. No routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to varies days if non-compliant
Do I need an import permit to bring my pet into France?: No formal import permit. EU pet passport or AHC serves as documentation.
What health certificate does my pet need for this route?: Required Your South Africa vet must be approved to issue official veterinary certificates. The certificate must be issued within the timeframe required by France: usually 10 days before travel. Present the original at check-in.
Is a rabies titre test required for pets entering France?: Yes. Required for: Pets from unlisted third countries. Not required for: Pets from EU and listed third countries (all P1 countries listed). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait after blood draw The microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be valid. Start this process as early as possible.

Start your journey

Get Your Free Quote

Enter your pet's details and route

Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.