Official Import Rules
Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) requires an import permit from MIRAH, a valid rabies vaccination certificate administered at least 30 days before travel, a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure and endorsed by your government veterinary authority, and microchip identification. Documents should ideally be in French or accompanied by certified French translations. A rabies titer test is not required but recommended.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
No major national breed ban found
Still check airline policies, local rules, insurance requirements and any transit-country restrictions before booking.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
No quarantine for pets arriving with complete documentation and import permit.
City & Housing Notes
Abidjan is the economic capital and main expat hub. Cocody and Riviera are upscale neighborhoods popular with expats. Yamoussoukro is the official capital but has fewer services. Some veterinary clinics are available in Abidjan.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Abidjan has several veterinary clinics, including Clinique Vétérinaire de Cocody and SOS Animaux. Quality varies — seek recommendations from the expat community. Outside Abidjan, veterinary care is very limited.
Leaving Ivory Coast With Your Dog
Exit requirements depend on destination. Local veterinary services can issue health certificates for departure. Allow extra time for processing.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do documents need to be in French?
French is the official language of Ivory Coast. While some officials may accept English documents, having French translations significantly reduces complications. All government correspondence will be in French.
Is Abidjan pet-friendly?
Abidjan has a growing pet culture, particularly in expat neighborhoods. Several pet shops and vet clinics operate in the city. Many rental properties allow pets — confirm with your landlord.
What about tropical diseases?
Ivory Coast has tropical parasites and diseases that can affect dogs. Consult your vet about preventive treatments for heartworm, ticks, and other tropical parasites before and after arrival.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.