Pet Transport from South Africa to Vietnam

Moving a pet from South Africa to Vietnam involves more paperwork than most owners expect. This route is moderately involved, with a clear checklist to follow. Start preparations at least 20 weeks …

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20-26

Weeks lead time needed

Start this early minimum

Days quarantine on arrival

Moderate

Route complexity

Airlines on this route

Step by step

The South Africa to Vietnam 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 Vietnam

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

Requirements

Vietnam 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. Rabies vaccination within 12 months.

Rabies titre test

Required for: Not routinely required for companion animals

Quarantine

No mandatory quarantine for compliant pets. Veterinary inspection at point of entry.

Import permit

Required. Import permit must be obtained before travel.

Health certificate

Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government vet in origin country. Valid for 14 days from issue. Must state microchip number, vaccinations, and health status. Should be endorsed by national vet authority.

Leaving South Africa

Export requirements

Export permit

Required for all live animal exports. Apply through provincial State Veterinarian office.

Health certificate

Must meet destination country requirements. Critical: many countries classify SA as high-risk due to rabies status.

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 (Vietnam)

Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points

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

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

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

Airline	Notes	Type
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
Vietnam Airlines	Small pets (under 5kg with carrier) allowed in cabin on some routes. Cargo: larger pets in hold. Advance booking required. Vietnam import/export documentation must be fully prepared before travel.	Cabin and Cargo
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

Why this route needs early planning

Compared to some international pet transport routes, South Africa to Vietnam is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.

Growing expat community in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Pet import is allowed for dogs and cats with proper documentation. Import permit required.

Practical advice for shipping your pet from South Africa

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 20 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.

No routine quarantine is required in Vietnam for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.

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 Vietnam. Start this process as early as possible.

Yes, an import permit is required from Vietnam’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 South Africa. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Vietnam’s authority for the exact format required.

Airline guides

Breed guides

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