Official Import Rules
Indonesia requires an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 3 months / approximately 90 days before travel), and a veterinary health certificate endorsed by the origin country's competent authority.
Cats are classified as rabies-vector animals (HPR) under Indonesian regulations. An import recommendation letter (Surat Rekomendasi Pemasukan) from Badan Karantina Indonesia is required. Applications are submitted online via the PPK system at ptk.karantinaindonesia.go.id. Applicants must first register with the quarantine office at the intended port of entry to obtain system access before submitting.
The Surat Rekomendasi Pemasukan itself is applied for via simrek.ditjenpkh.pertanian.go.id.
Bali has particularly strict requirements due to its rabies-free aspiration. Cats must arrive through an airport with quarantine facilities — Jakarta (CGK) is the most common entry point.
COVID-19 PCR Test Requirement
Indonesia requires cats to be accompanied by a negative PCR COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) laboratory result obtained prior to export. This requirement applies to cats (along with minks, ferrets, bats, and certain other species) and is not required for dogs.
The PCR test must be completed before departure and the original laboratory result included with your travel documents. Confirm the required timing and accepted laboratories with your origin country's accredited veterinary authority before travel.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination → 30-day wait → titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) — note: vaccination must be given at least 3 months (approx. 90 days) before departure
Apply for Surat Rekomendasi Pemasukan from Badan Karantina Indonesia via simrek.ditjenpkh.pertanian.go.id (6–8 weeks processing; register with port of entry quarantine office first)
COVID-19 PCR (SARS-CoV-2) test — negative result required prior to export
Health certificate within 7 days of travel
Arrive at Jakarta CGK or Denpasar DPS
14-day quarantine at government facility
Additional vaccines: feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
14 days at government quarantine facility
City & Housing Tips
Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar/Ubud), and Surabaya have reasonable vet care. Bali is the most popular expat destination but vet quality varies. Jakarta has the best veterinary infrastructure. Indonesia is moderately cat-friendly.
Vets & Common Parasites
Variable quality. Jakarta and Bali have decent clinics, some expat-oriented. Rural areas have very limited vet care. Rabies is endemic in Indonesia — keep vaccinations strictly current. Tick-borne diseases are common.
Find Vets in IndonesiaExit Rules — Leaving Indonesia
Exit requires a health certificate from a Badan Karantina Indonesia-approved vet and an export quarantine certificate. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Apply at the local Badan Karantina Indonesia office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bali has a growing expat pet community but vet care quality varies. Rabies is endemic in Bali — indoor-only cats are safer. Some villas and rentals welcome cats.
Yes. All cats must complete quarantine at a Badan Karantina Indonesia facility regardless of documentation. Conditions vary — research the specific facility in advance.
Yes, Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) in Bali accepts pet imports, but quarantine facilities are more limited than Jakarta. Some owners choose to fly into Jakarta first.
Community Tips
Quarantine is required in Indonesia. Plan ahead and book quarantine facilities well in advance.
The rabies titer test for Indonesia takes time — blood must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, and lab results take 2–3 weeks. Remember the vaccination itself must be given at least 3 months before departure. Don't leave this to the last minute.
Given Indonesia's complex import process, many relocators recommend hiring a licensed pet transport agent.
Have you moved to Indonesia with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
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.