Pet Transport from the UK to Vietnam
Vietnam stands out among Southeast Asian destinations for UK pet owners: no quarantine on arrival, no titre test required, and no import permit needed for up to two pets. The standard documentation is …
Get your free quoteThe United Kingdom to Vietnam import process
Responsible: UK vet
Responsible: UK vet
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: UK OV + APHA
Responsible: DAGAH at arrival airport
Vietnam entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Export requirements
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Vietnam does not require quarantine for correctly documented pets arriving from the UK. This is one of the key advantages over Thailand and Malaysia for UK expats moving to Southeast Asia.
No import permit is required for up to 2 pets. If you have more than 2 pets, contact DAGAH or MARD before travel to confirm the process.
The AHC must be the original document with OV signature and APHA endorsement. DAGAH staff may reject photocopies or electronic versions.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Airlines | Vietnam Airlines Cargo from London Heathrow (LHR) to Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) via connections. Flag carrier. Live animal cargo service. No cabin pets on international routes. | Cargo Only |
| British Airways | BA World Cargo via IAG Cargo. LHR to Vietnam via connections. No cabin pets. PetAir UK documentation support. | Cargo Only |
| Qatar Airways | Cargo via Doha (DOH). LHR to HAN or SGN with one transit. Good frequency and live animal service at Hamad International. | Cargo Only |
| Cathay Pacific | Via HKG. LHR to Vietnam via Hong Kong. Strong live animal handling at HKG. Good onward frequency to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. | Cargo Only |
At a glance: UK to Vietnam vs. comparable Asian destinations
| Requirement | UK to Vietnam | UK to Thailand | UK to Malaysia | UK to Singapore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titre test required | No | Yes (DLD) | Yes (DVS) | No |
| Quarantine on arrival | No | 30 days | 30 days | No |
| Import permit | No (up to 2 pets) | DLD email permit | DVS e-Permit | No |
| Core vaccines | Yes | Full schedule | Full schedule | Yes |
| Prohibited breeds | No specific list | Yes (pit types, Tosa) | Yes (restricted list) | Yes (dangerous) |
| Complexity | Moderate | High | High | Moderate |
| Minimum timeline | 6-10 weeks | 10-16 weeks | 12-18 weeks | 6-10 weeks |
Vietnam and Singapore are the two simplest Southeast Asian destinations for UK pet owners. Neither requires a titre test or quarantine. Thailand and Malaysia both require a titre test and a 30-day quarantine, adding significant cost and time. For UK expats choosing between Vietnam and Thailand or Malaysia, the absence of quarantine in Vietnam is a significant practical advantage.
Airline comparison: UK to Vietnam
| Airline | Route | Pet policy | Transit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Airlines | LHR to HAN/SGN via connections | Cargo only | 1-2 stops | Flag carrier. Via partner connections. Live animal cargo |
| Qatar Airways | LHR to HAN/SGN via DOH | Cargo only | 1 stop (DOH) | Via Doha. Good frequency to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City |
| Cathay Pacific | LHR to HAN/SGN via HKG | Cargo only | 1 stop (HKG) | Via Hong Kong. Strong live animal handling at HKG |
| British Airways | LHR to Vietnam via connections | Cargo only | 1+ stops | Via IAG Cargo and PetAir UK |
Qatar Airways via Doha and Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong are the most common routings for UK-Vietnam pet moves, with single-stop connections and reliable live animal cargo handling. Vietnam Airlines operates via partner hubs and is worth checking for direct connections from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City on the return leg.
What the DAGAH health certificate needs to cover
The DAGAH (Department of Animal Health) is the Vietnamese authority that inspects imported pets on arrival. DAGAH inspectors at Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) check the AHC against the animal in front of them.
The AHC must record: the ISO microchip number and confirmation that the chip was implanted before the rabies vaccination; current rabies vaccination details (vaccine name, batch, date, expiry); core vaccine history; and a statement that the pet was clinically examined and found healthy within 10 days of the planned Vietnam arrival date.
DAGAH may ask for the original document. Carry the original AHC with APHA endorsement stamp as a physical document in your carry-on or with the cargo paperwork, not stored electronically. If any detail on the certificate is incorrect or missing, the DAGAH inspector can refuse entry.
For moves with more than 2 pets, contact the DAGAH or MARD in advance. The permit-free limit of 2 pets is the standard rule, but the process for additional animals can be arranged with advance notice and preparation.
Common questions about this route
Move your pet
to Vietnam.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for this route. We map the complete preparation timeline and costs. No commitment required.
Get my free quote