Traveling with a dog outside the European Union is always a level more challenging than moving within the Schengen area. If you add South America to that, you enter a world of different veterinary rules, different administration, and often less clear information. Proper preparation is key. The last thing you want to deal with after a 10-hour flight is trouble at the airport because of a missing document regarding your dog.
In this article we provide an overview of entry requirements for dogs to all South American countries. For Paraguay and Bolivia we draw on our own firsthand experience, while the other countries are compiled based on official sources from the respective national veterinary authorities. We will gradually supplement the article with practical experiences from additional countries.
What is specific to South America?
Most South American countries share several common characteristics that are good to know before planning your trip:
- rabies vaccination is often recognized for a maximum of 12 months (even though in the EU the vaccine is valid for 3 years),
- an international veterinary certificate issued shortly before entry is required (often 7–10 days),
- antiparasitic treatment is often mandatory,
- having documents translated into the official language of the destination country is extremely helpful – in most cases into Spanish, in Brazil into Portuguese, in Guyana into English, and in Suriname into Dutch,
- the return to the EU can be administratively more demanding than the entry into South America itself.
The biggest mistake is underestimating the return to the European Union. The blood test for rabies antibodies (titer), which must be performed after a valid rabies vaccination, and the three-month waiting period from the blood sampling are factors that can significantly affect the timetable of the entire trip.
Basic minimum requirements (applicable to most countries)
Although details vary, most South American countries require:
- identification of the dog by microchip,
- valid rabies vaccination (often not older than 12 months),
- an international veterinary health certificate,
- a certificate of deworming and antiparasitic treatment,
- sometimes prior registration or authorization from the local veterinary authority.
The following is an overview of individual countries.
Argentina
Official requirements:
- microchip,
- valid rabies vaccination,
- international veterinary certificate,
- a health certificate issued shortly before entry.
Animal import oversight is handled by the organization SENASA. On air entry the inspection is usually formal, but documents must be complete.
Bolivia (our experience)
Official requirements:
- microchip,
- rabies vaccination,
- veterinary certificate,
- antiparasitic treatment.
From our own experience we know that the administration can seem less centralized, but documents need to be in order. On our entry from neighboring Paraguay the inspection was relatively straightforward, but the return to the EU required thorough preparation.
Brazil
Official requirements:
- microchip,
- rabies vaccination,
- international veterinary certificate,
- approval by the local authority (MAPA).
On air entry it is necessary to undergo inspection at the respective airport.
Chile
Chile is among the stricter countries in the region.
Official requirements:
- microchip,
- rabies vaccination,
- veterinary certificate,
- registration and approval by the SAG authority.
Failure to meet the requirements may lead to the animal being detained or quarantined.
Ecuador
Requirements include a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued shortly before entry.
French Guiana
French Guiana is an overseas territory of France and also part of the European Union. From a legislative point of view, it is therefore EU territory.
When traveling from another EU member state the same rules apply as for movement within the Union:
- microchip,
- valid rabies vaccination,
- EU Pet Passport.
A titer test is not required if you are traveling directly from the EU.
Guyana
A veterinary certificate, rabies vaccination, and in some cases an import permit are required.
Colombia
A microchip, rabies vaccination and an international veterinary certificate are required. For air entry the inspection is carried out at the airport.
Paraguay (our experience)
Official requirements:
- microchip,
- rabies vaccination (recognized for 12 months),
- veterinary certificate,
- blood test for rabies antibodies (titer),
- antiparasitic treatment.
From our own experience we recommend having documents officially translated into Spanish and being prepared for local authorities to possibly keep copies of the documentation.
Peru
A microchip, rabies vaccination and a veterinary certificate are required. The inspection is performed by the local agricultural and veterinary authority.
Suriname
Conditions include rabies vaccination, a veterinary certificate, and in some cases an import permit.
Uruguay
A microchip, rabies vaccination and a veterinary certificate issued shortly before entry are required.
Venezuela
Rabies vaccination, a veterinary certificate and a health certificate are required.
Returning to the EU
Regardless of which South American country you visit (except French Guiana), returning to the European Union is often the most challenging part of the whole trip.
Key points are:
- perform a blood test for rabies antibodies (titer), which must be carried out in an approved laboratory,
- wait at least 3 months from the blood sampling,
- have the rabies vaccination valid,
- have complete documentation ready for inspection upon entry into the EU.
Conclusion
Traveling with a dog to South America is not impossible, but it requires thorough preparation. From Paraguay and Bolivia we have real experience and can confirm that with good organization entry can be easily managed. We process other countries according to official sources and will gradually add our real experiences.
If you are planning a similar trip, start preparing well in advance and arrange your return to the EU before you leave Europe. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact us – we will be happy to help.