Official Import Rules
Mozambique requires an import permit from DINAV, a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel, a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure endorsed by your government veterinary authority, and ISO-standard microchip identification. A rabies titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) may be required from an OIE-approved laboratory. Documents should be in Portuguese or accompanied by certified Portuguese translations.
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 with complete documentation, but inspection on arrival is required.
City & Housing Notes
Maputo is the capital and primary expat destination with the best infrastructure. Beira and Nampula are secondary cities. Vilankulo and Inhambane are popular coastal towns. Veterinary care is available in Maputo but limited elsewhere.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Maputo has a few veterinary clinics, including Clínica Veterinária de Maputo. Quality is reasonable for routine care. Specialist services are limited — consider medical evacuation insurance for your pet. Outside Maputo, veterinary care is very basic.
Leaving Mozambique With Your Dog
Exit requirements depend on destination. DINAV can issue export health certificates. Allow extra processing time.
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 Portuguese?
Portuguese is the official language. Having translations of all veterinary documents is strongly recommended and may be required. Some officials in Maputo speak English but don't rely on it.
Is Maputo pet-friendly?
Maputo has a growing expat community and some pet services. Several rental properties allow pets. The city has parks and outdoor spaces, though be cautious about tropical parasites.
What health risks should I know about?
Mozambique has tropical parasites including tick-borne diseases. Heartworm prevention is essential. Keep your dog up to date on flea/tick treatments and consult your vet about tropical disease prevention.
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.