Destination Profile: South Africa

Last verified: 24 February 2026
Competent health authority: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)
Official URL: https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/Branches/Agricultural-Production-Health-Food-Safety/Animal-Health/importexport/animals/import-pets

Global destination classification

Regulatory model

Model A: mandatory routine quarantine for high-risk countries. South Africa requires a prior Import Permit issued by DALRRD in Pretoria and subjects animals from countries with uncontrolled rabies — such as Peru — to a minimum 14-day quarantine at official quarantine stations (DALRRD Import Regulations). It is the only destination in this collection with mandatory quarantine from day one for all animals from Latin America, with no possibility of immediate release.

Rabies status of destination country

Endemic. South Africa has active rabies presence in urban and wildlife cycles with active control programmes.
Source: WOAH — https://www.woah.org/en/disease/rabies/

Country-of-origin classification system

Yes. DALRRD distinguishes between countries with controlled or absent rabies (exempt from routine quarantine) and high-risk countries with uncontrolled rabies (mandatory 14-day quarantine). Peru is a country with uncontrolled rabies. All Latin American countries share this category: Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Bolivia, Mexico, Paraguay and Uruguay. No Latin American country is classified as quarantine-free under current DALRRD regulations.
Verification URL: https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/Branches/Agricultural-Production-Health-Food-Safety/Animal-Health/importexport/animals/import-pets

Requirements for dogs

Microchip

— Required standard: ISO 11784 or 11785 (DALRRD Guidelines).
— Must it be implanted before vaccination? Yes. All vaccines, tests and treatments must be linked to the microchip number from the start of the process. It is the first mandatory milestone.
— If tests were done before the chip: they have no legal validity for the DALRRD Import Permit. The entire process must be restarted from chip implantation.
— If the chip is not detectable on arrival: 30-day quarantine or mandatory re-vaccination.

Rabies vaccine

— Mandatory: Yes (DALRRD Import Protocol).
— Minimum age for vaccination: 3 months (90 days).
— Mandatory time window: at least 30 days before arrival in South Africa (so the animal has developed immunity), but not more than 12 months before entry (DALRRD Guidelines). A vaccine applied more than 12 months ago is considered expired for import purposes, regardless of the manufacturer's leaflet.
— Recognised validity: 1 year for import purposes, regardless of brand or leaflet (DALRRD).
— If expired: the Import Permit will be denied or quarantine will be extended.

Rabies serological titre (RNATT)

— Mandatory: Yes, for animals from Peru and all high-risk Latin American countries (DALRRD Veterinary Services).
— Minimum threshold: 0.5 IU/mL.
— Time for sample collection: at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine.
— Post-result waiting period: DALRRD does not set a waiting period equivalent to the EU's 90 days, but the positive result must be available before applying for the Import Permit, which in turn has a processing time of several weeks.
— The relevant counter: date of sample collection.
— Accredited laboratories: laboratories approved by WOAH or recognised by the South African government. There is no accredited laboratory for this purpose in Peru or Colombia. Samples must be sent to international reference laboratories: Kansas State University (USA), TEC-SAÚDE (Brazil) or others accredited by WOAH. Verify recognised laboratories directly with DALRRD before sending the sample.
— If the result is below the threshold: the Import Permit cannot be processed until a positive result is obtained with a new sample.

Other vaccines required by South Africa

South Africa requires multiple vaccines in force in addition to rabies as a condition of entry. For dogs: Distemper, Infectious canine hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis (Leptospira canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagiae) (DALRRD Dog Import Protocol). The Leptospirosis scheme is specific: both strains are required. Verify with the veterinarian that the product used covers both strains before administering the vaccine.

SENASA — Peru's official animal health authority — also requires a complete vaccination scheme in force to issue the export Veterinary Certificate. Verify directly at https://www.gob.pe/senasa before starting the process from Peru.

Antiparasitic treatments

Mandatory (DALRRD). Tick treatment at the pre-embarkation inspection, and previously documented internal deworming. The certificate must record the product, active ingredient, dose and date of each treatment. Verify specific antiparasitic requirements in the technical annex of the Import Permit issued by DALRRD, as they may vary by origin.

Health certificate

— Official name: Veterinary Import Certificate.
— Who can issue it: official veterinarian of the health authority of the country of origin. In Peru: SENASA (https://www.gob.pe/senasa). In Colombia: ICA. In Ecuador: AGROCALIDAD.
— Time window: must accompany the Import Permit issued by DALRRD.
— Does it require endorsement? Yes, by the official health authority of the country of origin.
— The certificate must include: ISO microchip number, rabies vaccine with date and batch within the minimum 30 days and maximum 12 months before entry, positive RNATT result with laboratory name, multiple vaccines in force with specific Leptospirosis strains, and documented antiparasitic treatments.

Official entry document

— Exact name: Veterinary Import Permit.
— Who issues it: DALRRD in Pretoria, South Africa, before travel.
— How to process it: submit an application to the Directorate: Animal Health of DALRRD with all prior health documents. The process is manual, via email to vetimportpermit@dalrrd.gov.za, with a processing time that may exceed 4 weeks.
— Minimum processing time: start the process at least 2 months before the flight.
— Reference URL: https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/Branches/Agricultural-Production-Health-Food-Safety/Animal-Health/importexport/animals/import-pets

Mandatory digital forms

There is no centralised digital form for the process. The Import Permit process is manual via email to vetimportpermit@dalrrd.gov.za. The owner must keep the original physical permit and present it to the DALRRD veterinary inspector on arrival.

Quarantine

— Mandatory: Yes, 14 days minimum for animals from Peru and all Latin American countries (Model A, DALRRD).
— Facilities: Kempton Park (Johannesburg, adjacent to OR Tambo) and Milnerton (Cape Town, adjacent to Cape Town International).
— Cost: entirely borne by the owner. Quarantine station capacity must be reserved in advance as part of the Import Permit process.
— What may extend quarantine: undetectable chip, result of additional tests required in the permit annex, clinical suspicion or incomplete documentation.

Breed restrictions

There are no federal breed bans for import. Muzzle required during transport. Verify directly with DALRRD if there are specific conditions for breeds considered potentially dangerous.

Minimum age for entry

No minimum other than for vaccination identified. The animal must be weaned and at least 3 months old to be vaccinated. The effective minimum age from Peru is higher due to the 30 post-vaccine days required before RNATT and permit processing time.

Transport mode

Manifest Cargo only. South Africa does not allow international entry of pets as excess baggage (AVIH) or in-cabin. The animal must arrive as manifest cargo with its own air waybill (AWB) (IATA LAR / DALRRD). Attempting to arrive as AVIH results in the animal being held at the cargo terminal with no possibility of veterinary processing.

Requirements for cats

Microchip

Same as dogs — see previous section.

Rabies vaccine

Same as dogs — see previous section. Minimum 30 days post-vaccine, maximum 12 months before entry.

Serological titre (RNATT)

Mandatory for cats from Peru (DALRRD). Same 0.5 IU/mL threshold. For cats, quarantine may not be required if RNATT is compliant, but subject to physical inspection on arrival. Verify specific conditions for cats directly with DALRRD before starting the process.

Other vaccines required by South Africa

For cats: Feline panleucopenia, Feline viral rhinotracheitis and Feline calicivirus (valid Feline Triple). SENASA (https://www.gob.pe/senasa) requires this same scheme to issue the export certificate from Peru.

Antiparasitic treatments

Same as dogs — see previous section.

Health certificate

Same as dogs — see previous section. Issued and endorsed by SENASA (https://www.gob.pe/senasa) in Peru.

Official entry document

Same as dogs — Import Permit processed at DALRRD in Pretoria at least 2 months in advance.

Mandatory digital forms

Same as dogs — manual process via vetimportpermit@dalrrd.gov.za.

Quarantine

For cats with compliant RNATT: generally not required, subject to physical inspection on arrival. Without RNATT or with non-compliant result: mandatory quarantine at DALRRD facilities (DALRRD). Verify specific conditions for cats directly with DALRRD.

Breed restrictions

Not identified in primary regulations consulted for cats.

Minimum age for entry

Same as dogs — weaned and at least 3 months old.

Transport mode

Manifest Cargo only — same as dogs.

Variations by country of origin

Differentiated requirements by origin? Yes, with two categories: rabies-free countries (no routine quarantine) and countries with uncontrolled rabies (mandatory 14-day quarantine).

Classification system

DALRRD classification based on the rabies status of the country of origin according to WOAH and recognised bilateral health agreements. Rabies-free countries with agreed protocols (UK, Australia, NZ) are exempt from routine quarantine.
Verification URL: https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/Branches/Agricultural-Production-Health-Food-Safety/Animal-Health/importexport/animals/import-pets

Situation of Peru and Latin America

Peru is a high-risk country with uncontrolled rabies. Mandatory 14-day quarantine, mandatory RNATT and prior Import Permit. All Latin American countries share this category. No Latin American country is in DALRRD's quarantine-free country category.

Situation of rabies-free countries

United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand: exempt from routine quarantine if they meet DALRRD's specific protocol for rabies-free countries. They also require an Import Permit and official veterinary certificate.

What distinguishes South Africa from all other destinations in this collection

South Africa is the only destination in this collection where quarantine is mandatory and unavoidable for animals from Latin America, regardless of the quality of the health file. In China the 30-day quarantine can be avoided with perfect documentation. In South Africa the 14 days are mandatory for Case 2 without exception. The other unique feature is transport mode: it is the only destination in this collection where Manifest Cargo is the only mode permitted for international entry. No other destination in this collection prohibits the AVIH mode so explicitly.

The transit warning that few sources mention

If the flight transits through a country not approved by DALRRD, quarantine may become mandatory even if the animal is from a rabies-free country. Verify with DALRRD which transit countries are accepted before planning the flight itinerary.

Common errors

ERROR 1: Arriving without the original physical Import Permit

What happens: the owner arrives at OR Tambo or Cape Town without the original Import Permit issued by DALRRD in Pretoria, thinking that a digital copy or permit in process is sufficient.
Regulatory consequence: immediate return of the animal to the country of origin or, in extreme cases, euthanasia under the Animal Diseases Act No. 35 of 1984. There is no possibility of regularisation at the point of entry.
How to prevent it: process the Import Permit at least 2 months before the flight by sending the complete application to vetimportpermit@dalrrd.gov.za and keep the original physical document throughout the journey.

ERROR 2: Attempting to enter as excess baggage (AVIH)

What happens: the owner books the animal's transport as excess baggage with the airline instead of as manifest cargo (Manifest Cargo).
Regulatory consequence: the animal will not be processed by the DALRRD veterinary inspector and will be held at the cargo terminal with no possibility of immediate resolution (DALRRD).
How to prevent it: book the animal's transport strictly under air waybill (AWB) as Manifest Cargo from the start. Confirm with the airline that the booking is under the correct mode before issuing tickets.

ERROR 3: Not checking the additional tests in the permit's technical annex

What happens: for certain origins, the DALRRD Import Permit includes a technical annex that may require additional blood tests (Brucella, Leishmania or others) depending on the specific origin and destination. The owner does not review this annex and arrives without the additional tests.
Regulatory consequence: extended quarantine at DALRRD facilities until the missing tests are carried out in South Africa at the owner's expense.
How to prevent it: read the entire technical annex of the specific Import Permit issued by DALRRD and carry out all additional tests indicated before the flight.

ERROR 4: Microchip not detectable on arrival

What happens: the chip has migrated inside the animal's body or the inspector's reader cannot detect it.
Regulatory consequence: 30-day quarantine or mandatory re-vaccination at the owner's expense. RNATT cannot be validated without chip reading (DALRRD).
How to prevent it: scan the chip with two different readers at a veterinary clinic in Lima before leaving. The chip number on all documents must match exactly the chip read by the DALRRD inspector.

ERROR 5: Rabies vaccine applied less than 30 days ago

What happens: the owner vaccinates the animal and proceeds to process the RNATT without waiting for the minimum 30 post-vaccine days.
Regulatory consequence: mandatory retention in quarantine for not having developed sufficient immunity before sample collection.
How to prevent it: respect the minimum 30-day window between the rabies vaccine and sample collection for RNATT. Factor this deadline into the overall process calendar from the start.

ERROR 6: Not reserving quarantine station space before the flight

What happens: the owner obtains the Import Permit but does not coordinate the space at the official DALRRD quarantine station in Kempton Park or Milnerton before scheduling the flight.
Regulatory consequence: the animal arrives at the airport with no space available at the quarantine station, causing delays and additional costs.
How to prevent it: confirm available space at the quarantine station as part of the Import Permit process, before purchasing tickets and booking Manifest Cargo.

Minimum calendar from scratch

The process to South Africa from Peru is the longest in the entire collection. The Import Permit is the milestone that governs all others: without it there is no possible flight.

— Day 0: ISO microchip implantation + rabies vaccine + multiple vaccines (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae strains for dogs; Feline Triple for cats). Minimum age 90 days completed.
— Day 30: sample collection for RNATT (minimum 30 days post-vaccine) and shipment to WOAH-accredited laboratory outside Peru (Kansas State University, TEC-SAÚDE or other recognised by DALRRD).
— Day 40-45 (approximate): receipt of positive RNATT result (≥ 0.5 IU/mL).
— Day 45: start of Import Permit application to DALRRD in Pretoria via vetimportpermit@dalrrd.gov.za with all accumulated health documents: RNATT result, complete vaccination history, microchip number and owner details.
— Day 60 (approximate): receipt of original physical Import Permit from Pretoria. Simultaneous reservation of space at quarantine station in Kempton Park (Johannesburg) or Milnerton (Cape Town).
— Day 65-70: final clinical inspection, antiparasitic treatment, obtaining Export Veterinary Certificate (Veterinary Import Certificate) with SENASA endorsement (https://www.gob.pe/senasa). Confirmed Manifest Cargo booking with the airline.
— Day 75: flight in Manifest Cargo mode. On arrival: DALRRD inspection at airport, entry into minimum 14-day quarantine.
— Day 89-90: end of quarantine and release of the animal if everything is compliant.
— Minimum total time: 75-90 days from scratch until the animal's release in South Africa.

Authorised points of entry

There is an absolute restriction. Entry is only possible through airports with official DALRRD quarantine stations:

There is no other authorised entry point for pets from high-risk countries in South Africa. Any flight itinerary must have one of these two airports as final destination.
Official URL: https://www.dalrrd.gov.za

Directory of authorities

Cited current regulations

1. Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984) — Main legal framework for animal disease control in South Africa, including the consequences of arriving without an import permit. URL: https://www.dalrrd.gov.za — Verified: 24 February 2026.
2. Animal Diseases Regulations — Technical import specifications for carnivores (dogs and cats) in South Africa, including vaccination, RNATT and quarantine requirements. URL: https://www.dalrrd.gov.za — Verified: 24 February 2026.
3. Veterinary Import Permit Requirements (Revised 2024) — Updated requirements for processing the Import Permit with DALRRD in Pretoria. URL: https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/Branches/Agricultural-Production-Health-Food-Safety/Animal-Health/importexport/animals/import-pets — Verified: 24 February 2026.

South Africa is the destination that demands the most respect in this entire collection. There are no shortcuts, no immediate release possible from Latin America, and the mistake of carrying the import permit in digital form instead of the original physical copy can have irreversible consequences for the animal. What distinguishes this process from all others is that the Import Permit is a document issued by the destination government, not the country of origin: SENASA can have everything perfect and if DALRRD has not issued the permit, the animal does not travel. That means the first step is not the vaccine or the chip, but the permit application in Pretoria, which can take weeks. The second point that surprises even veterinarians with international experience is that the 14-day quarantine in Kempton Park is the end of the process, not its beginning: the animal spends the 14 days there after the entire file was approved. And the third point is Leptospirosis: DALRRD specifically requires the canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae strains. A Leptospirosis vaccine that does not cover both strains does not meet the requirement, and that is not detected in Lima but at Johannesburg airport.

This profile was verified against primary official sources on February 24, 2026. Requirements may change without prior notice. Always verify directly with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and SENASA (https://www.gob.pe/senasa) before initiating any export process from Peru.