Official Import Rules
Tanzania requires an ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccination, a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and an import permit from the Ministry of Livestock & Fisheries.
- Rabies vaccination must be at least 30 days old and no more than 3 years old at the time your cat enters Tanzania.
- The import permit is obtained by sending a written letter of request to the Director of Veterinary Services (Ministry of Livestock & Fisheries) before arrival, stating the cat's type/breed and age plus the intended port of entry, with vaccination certificates attached.
- A fee of Tsh 30,000 applies to bring a pet into Tanzania, plus a further Tsh 20,000 when taking the animal back out of the country (Tsh 50,000 total for a round trip). Reconfirm current figures with the Ministry before travel.
Parasite treatment required.
Arrival through Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro (JRO).
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Medical Roadmap
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel, and no more than 3 years old on arrival)
Apply for import permit by sending a written request to the Director of Veterinary Services (Ministry of Livestock & Fisheries)
Health certificate within 10 days of travel
Government endorsement of health certificate
Arrive at Julius Nyerere (DAR) or Kilimanjaro (JRO) airport
Inspection by veterinary officer on arrival
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None if documentation complete
City & Housing Tips
Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar are the main expat areas. Dar es Salaam has the best vet care. Zanzibar has a visible and beloved community cat population. Vet care outside major cities is limited.
Vets & Common Parasites
Limited but improving veterinary care. Dar es Salaam has a few good clinics. Arusha (safari hub) has some vet services. Zanzibar has basic care. Rabies and tick-borne diseases are concerns — keep vaccinations and prevention current.
Find Vets in TanzaniaExit Rules — Leaving Tanzania
Exit requires a health certificate and export permit from the Ministry of Livestock & Fisheries. Processing takes 3–5 working days. An export fee of Tsh 20,000 applies — reconfirm the current amount with the Ministry before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and follows the same import rules. Zanzibar has a famous community cat population and is generally cat-friendly.
Basic care is available in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. For complex medical issues, Nairobi (Kenya) is the nearest city with advanced veterinary facilities.
Yes. Rabies is present in Tanzania. Keep your cat's vaccinations current and consider keeping cats indoors, especially in areas with stray animals.
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 Tanzania 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.