GB
United Kingdom
✈️
GH
Ghana

Pet Transport UK to Ghana: Titre Test, Quarantine and Getting the Permit Right

10-14 weeks
Typical preparation
None
No quarantine required
High
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
Regulations verified

Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →

Overview
Ghana requires a titre test, a government-issued import permit, and a 7-day quarantine on arrival. For UK pet owners relocating to Accra or elsewhere in Ghana, this route takes roughly 10-14 weeks to prepare properly if you include the titre test timeline. The good news is that direct flights from Heathrow to Accra are available, and the process is well-established with clear official requirements.
Step by step

The United Kingdom to Ghana process

1
Before vaccinations.
ISO microchip implanted

Responsible: Vet

2
At least 21 days before the titre test blood draw.
Rabies vaccination completed

Responsible: Vet

3
At least 30 days after most recent rabies vaccination.
Rabies titre test blood draw

Responsible: APHA-approved laboratory

4
At least 6 weeks before travel. Contact Veterinary Services Directorate.
Apply for Ghana import permit

Responsible: Owner or agent

5
After import permit confirmed.
Book cargo transport

Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent

6
Within 10 days of travel.
APHA Export Health Certificate

Responsible: APHA-authorised vet, then APHA endorsement

7
Begins on arrival at Kotoka International Airport. Owner bears costs.
7-day quarantine on arrival in Accra

Responsible: Ghana Veterinary Services Directorate

Checklist

Ghana: entry requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipRequired. ISO 11784/11785 standard.
Rabies vaccinationRequired. Minimum age 12 weeks. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre testRequired. Rabies antibody titre test (minimum 0.5 IU/ml). Blood drawn at least 30 days after most recent rabies vaccination. Verify current requirements with Ghana's Veterinary Services Directorate.
QuarantineRequired. 7 days at a government quarantine facility.
Import permitRequired. Issued by Ghana's Veterinary Services Directorate. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel.
Health certificateOfficial health certificate issued by APHA-authorised vet and endorsed by APHA.
Leaving United Kingdom

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitNo formal UK export permit. The APHA-endorsed certificate is the required document.
Health certificateAPHA Export Health Certificate issued by an APHA-authorised vet and endorsed by APHA. Must list microchip, rabies vaccination, titre test result, and all treatments.
Costs

What this route typically costs

1Cargo airline fee: £1,000 to £2,200 from Heathrow to Accra depending on crate size
2APHA Export Health Certificate and endorsement: £150 to £350
3Rabies titre test: £120 to £280
4Ghana import permit fee: confirm with Veterinary Services Directorate
57-day quarantine costs: confirm current rates with Veterinary Services Directorate
6Pet transport agent fee: £500 to £1,500
7IATA-compliant travel crate: £60 to £350
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ A titre test is required for UK pets. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination. Allow 2-3 weeks for test results.
⚠ 7-day quarantine is mandatory on arrival. You cannot collect your pet immediately. Budget for quarantine costs and build this into your relocation schedule.
⚠ Apply for the import permit at least 6 weeks before travel. Do not book transport without the permit confirmed.
⚠ Direct UK to Accra flights operate from British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow. These are the most practical options for pet cargo.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

British Airways
Heathrow to Accra Kotoka International Airport. Direct service. Pet cargo via IAG Cargo. Advance booking required.
Cargo Only
Virgin Atlantic
Heathrow to Accra. Direct service. Cargo pet transport. Confirm live animal acceptance with Virgin Atlantic Cargo.
Cargo Only
Ethiopian Airlines
Via Addis Ababa. Handles live animal cargo. Connection adds transit time; confirm total journey duration for animal welfare.
Cargo Only

The titre test and what it means for your timeline

Ghana’s Veterinary Services Directorate requires a rabies antibody titre test for pets from most countries. The test requires a blood draw from your pet at least 30 days after their most recent rabies vaccination, so you cannot do it at the same time as the vaccination. Allow 2-3 weeks after the blood draw for results to come back from an APHA-approved laboratory.

Combined with the vaccination timing and the permit application (which takes 6 weeks), this means the realistic minimum preparation timeline is around 10-14 weeks. Starting the process early is essential. If your pet’s vaccinations are already current, you may be able to move faster, but always build in buffer time.

Import permit and quarantine arrangements

The import permit comes from Ghana’s Veterinary Services Directorate. The application should include your pet’s microchip details, full vaccination history, the titre test result, and your planned entry date. Allow at least 6 weeks from application to receipt of the permit. Without a confirmed permit, you cannot book cargo.

Quarantine on arrival is 7 days, held at a government facility in Accra. There is no way to shorten this period. The owner is responsible for all quarantine fees for the duration, so confirm current rates with the Veterinary Services Directorate when you apply for the permit. You will be able to visit your pet during quarantine in most cases, but arrange this directly with the facility.

FAQ

Common questions

Yes. All imported pets spend 7 days in a government quarantine facility on arrival. This quarantine cannot be shortened for pets from any country, including the UK. The owner pays the quarantine fees for the full period. Build this into your relocation planning; you will not be able to collect your pet on the day they arrive in Accra.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both operate direct flights from Heathrow to Accra’s Kotoka International Airport and accept pet cargo. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is an alternative. Direct flights are preferable for pets as they reduce total crate time. Always confirm live animal acceptance with the specific airline cargo team before booking.
The titre test blood draw must happen at least 30 days after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination. Laboratory results typically take 2-3 weeks. Including the time to complete the vaccination course (if not already done), get the blood drawn at the right time, and wait for results, you should allow 6-10 weeks just for the titre test and vaccination steps before moving on to the permit application.
A titre test result below 0.5 IU/ml means your pet has not demonstrated sufficient rabies antibody levels. The vet will likely recommend a rabies booster vaccination, and you will need to wait 30 days before redrawing blood and repeating the test. This extends the preparation timeline significantly. If your pet’s vaccinations have been regularly maintained, a low result is unusual but can occur.
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