Pet Transport UK to Zimbabwe: Import Permit and 2026 Requirements
Moving a dog or cat from the UK to Zimbabwe requires a Zimbabwe Department of Veterinary Services import permit (obtained before travel) and an APHA-endorsed health certificate. No titre test applies. …
Get your free quoteThe United Kingdom to Zimbabwe import process
Responsible: Your UK vet
Responsible: Your UK vet
Responsible: You or Zimbabwe-side agent
Responsible: APHA-authorised UK vet
Zimbabwe entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Export requirements
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Critical points
Zimbabwe's Department of Veterinary Services can have variable response times. Apply for the import permit early and follow up if you have not received confirmation within two weeks.
Harare Robert Gabriel Mugabe International (HRE) is the primary arrival airport for Zimbabwe. Bulawayo Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International (BUQ) has limited international cargo capacity. Route to Harare.
Zimbabwe's current political and economic environment can affect administrative processes including permit issuance. Using a Zimbabwe-based agent who has current relationships with the Department of Veterinary Services is advisable.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Airlines | Via Addis Ababa (ADD) from London Heathrow to Harare Robert Gabriel Mugabe International (HRE). Ethiopian Airlines Cargo accepts pets and operates strong Africa cargo routes. One of the most consistent options for UK to Zimbabwe pet cargo. | Cargo Only |
| Kenya Airways | Via Nairobi (NBO) to Harare. Kenya Airways accepts pets as cargo. Good East/Southern Africa connectivity from the Nairobi hub. | Cargo Only |
| Qatar Airways Cargo | Via Doha (DOH) to Harare. Qatar Airways Cargo accepts pets. A Gulf hub option avoiding African hub transits. | Cargo Only |
| South African Airways / SA Express | Via Johannesburg (JNB) to Harare. This routing connects UK to Johannesburg and then south to Harare. South African carriers and cargo operators serve this corridor, though frequency and pet acceptance vary. | Cargo Only |
African hub routing options compared
No UK airline flies direct to Harare. All routes require at least one hub transit. The most used options are Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa and Kenya Airways via Nairobi. Both are established carriers with Africa cargo networks and live animal acceptance.
Ethiopian Airlines via ADD tends to have good Harare connectivity and Ethiopian Cargo is one of the continent’s more experienced live animal shippers. Kenya Airways via NBO is similarly reliable, with Nairobi acting as a major East/Southern Africa distribution hub.
The Qatar Airways routing via Doha is a Gulf hub alternative that avoids African hub complications if you prefer. Routing via Johannesburg is possible but adds a segment and depends on South African cargo operators for the Zimbabwe leg.
The import permit and why you need an agent
Zimbabwe’s Department of Veterinary Services issues import permits for live animals. The application requires your pet’s details, vaccination history, and origin country information. Processing typically takes four to six weeks, though the Department’s response times can vary.
A Zimbabwe-based agent with current contacts at the Department of Veterinary Services can follow up on applications and reduce delays. This is particularly useful if the permit is slow to arrive or if additional documentation is requested. Given Zimbabwe’s current administrative environment, using an agent is worth the cost for most pet owners.
Common questions about this route
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