US
United States
✈️
GH
Ghana

Pet Transport USA to Ghana: Delta's Direct Route and the 7-Day Quarantine

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
Delta Air Lines operates a direct service from Atlanta to Accra, making the USA to Ghana route more accessible than many African destinations from an airline logistics perspective. The regulatory side requires more planning: a titre test, an import permit from Ghana’s Veterinary Services Directorate, and a mandatory 7-day quarantine on arrival. Allow 10-14 weeks minimum to prepare.
Step by step

The United States to Ghana process

1
Before vaccinations.
ISO microchip implanted

Responsible: USDA-accredited vet

2
Primary vaccination. Titre test blood draw at least 30 days after vaccination.
Rabies vaccination completed

Responsible: USDA-accredited vet

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

Responsible: Approved laboratory

4
At least 6 weeks before travel.
Apply for Ghana VSD import permit

Responsible: Owner or agent

5
After permit confirmed. Delta is primary option from the US.
Book cargo transport

Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent

6
Within 10 days of travel.
USDA health certificate

Responsible: USDA-accredited vet, then USDA APHIS endorsement

7
Begins on arrival at Kotoka International Airport.
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 for most countries including the USA. Rabies antibody titre test (minimum 0.5 IU/ml). Blood drawn at least 30 days after most recent rabies vaccination.
QuarantineRequired. 7 days at a government quarantine facility managed by Ghana's Veterinary Services Directorate.
Import permitRequired. Issued by Ghana's Veterinary Services Directorate. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel.
Health certificateUSDA-endorsed health certificate.
Leaving United States

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitNo formal US export permit. USDA endorsement serves as export documentation.
Health certificateUSDA-accredited veterinarian health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. Must list microchip, vaccinations, titre test result, and all treatments.
Costs

What this route typically costs

1Cargo airline fee: $1,100 to $2,400 from US hub to Accra depending on routing and crate size
2USDA health certificate plus endorsement: $200 to $450
3Titre test: $150 to $350
4Ghana VSD import permit fee: confirm with Veterinary Services Directorate
57-day quarantine costs: confirm current rates with VSD
6Pet transport agent fee: $500 to $1,800
7IATA-compliant travel crate: $60 to $400
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ A titre test is required. The USA is not rabies-free, so expect this to apply. Allow 6-10 weeks for the vaccination and titre test process.
⚠ 7-day mandatory quarantine on arrival. Budget for this and plan your arrival schedule.
⚠ Apply for the VSD permit at least 6 weeks before travel. Do not book cargo without it.
⚠ Delta's direct Atlanta to Accra service is the most practical US option for this route.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

Delta Air Lines
Direct Accra (Kotoka International Airport) from Atlanta. Primary US carrier for Ghana. Pet cargo via Delta Cargo. Advance booking required.
Cargo Only
British Airways
Via London Heathrow to Accra. Cargo pet transport. Connection adds transit time.
Cargo Only
Ethiopian Airlines
Via Addis Ababa to Accra. Handles live animal cargo. Connections from multiple US cities.
Cargo Only

Titre test timeline and the VSD permit

Ghana’s Veterinary Services Directorate requires a titre test from most countries. Since the USA is not a rabies-free country, US pets are expected to need one. The blood draw must be at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination, and results typically take 2-3 weeks. Include this in your timeline from day one of planning.

The VSD import permit application should go in alongside the titre test process. Apply at least 6 weeks before your intended travel date. The application requires microchip details, vaccination records, the titre test result, and the entry point (Kotoka International Airport in Accra). Confirm current rates and quarantine arrangements with VSD when applying.

Delta direct and the quarantine period

Delta’s nonstop service from Atlanta to Accra is the most direct option for US pet owners. Cargo bookings with Delta go through Delta Cargo, and advance booking is recommended as live animal space is limited. From other US cities, connections via Atlanta or via European hubs are the alternative.

A 7-day quarantine at a government facility begins immediately on your pet’s arrival in Accra. This is mandatory for all imported pets and cannot be shortened. The owner bears quarantine costs for the full 7 days. Confirm current facility rates and visiting policies with VSD when applying for the permit.

FAQ

Common questions

Delta Air Lines operates a direct nonstop service from Atlanta to Accra’s Kotoka International Airport and accepts pet cargo through Delta Cargo. This is the most direct US to Ghana routing. From other US cities, connections through Atlanta or via European carriers such as British Airways or Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa are alternatives. Always confirm live animal acceptance directly with the cargo team before booking.
The titre test blood draw must be at least 30 days after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination. Laboratory results take 2-3 weeks. Combined with the vaccination timing, you should allow at least 6-8 weeks just for the vaccination and titre test steps before you have the documentation needed for the VSD permit application.
7 days at a government quarantine facility managed by Ghana’s Veterinary Services Directorate, starting on arrival at Kotoka International Airport. The quarantine cannot be shortened or waived for any country of origin. The owner pays all facility fees for the full period. Build this into your relocation schedule; you cannot collect your pet on the day they arrive.
Apply to Ghana’s Veterinary Services Directorate with your pet’s microchip details, vaccination history, titre test result, and planned travel date and entry airport. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel. Confirm current permit fees and processing times with VSD directly. The permit must be confirmed before booking cargo. Travelling without a permit risks your pet being refused entry or held indefinitely.
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