Colombia landscape
Moderate Difficulty
CatAbroad
Complete Cat Import Guide · 2026

Colombia

Vet requirements, airline rules & what to expect at the border

Verified February 2026 · Checked against official government sources

Official Import Rules

Colombia requires: a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's government vet, current rabies vaccination, and ICA clearance on arrival.

Colombia is straightforward for cat imports.

Medical Roadmap

1

Microchip

ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip.

2

Rabies vaccination

Current vaccination required, typically at least 21-30 days before travel.

3

Health certificate

Issued within 10 days of travel by accredited vet.

4

Government endorsement

May be required — check with destination authority.

5

Travel

Arrive at designated port with all original documentation.

Preparation Checklist

Interactive

2 months before

1 month before

10 days before

Travel day

Cost Breakdown

MicrochipCOP $50,000–100,000 ($12–25)
Rabies VaxCOP $30,000–60,000 ($7–15)
Health Cert$100–300
Flight$150–300 (cabin) / $500–2,000 (cargo)
Total Estimate$400–2,500

Quarantine Information

None for cats with complete documentation.

City & Housing Tips

Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena are cat-friendly. Colombia has a growing pet culture. Use Finca Raíz and Metrocuadrado for pet-friendly rentals.

Vets & Common Parasites

Good veterinary care in major cities. Emergency clinics available in Bogotá and Medellín. Common parasites: fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Year-round prevention essential.

Find Vets in Colombia

Exit Rules — Leaving Colombia

Exit requires ICA clearance and health certificate for destination country requirements.

Helpful Videos

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More videos on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Tips

Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.

Have you moved to Colombia with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.

CA

CatAbroad Editorial

Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.