Official Import Rules
Vietnam requires an ISO microchip (recommended but not strictly enforced), current rabies vaccination, and a veterinary health certificate endorsed by the origin country's competent authority. An import permit from the Department of Animal Health (DAH) is required — apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Vietnam also requires a certificate of origin for the cat. Inspection occurs on arrival at the designated quarantine checkpoint.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination (at least 30 days, not more than 1 year before travel)
Apply for import permit from DAH (2–3 weeks)
Health certificate within 10 days of travel
Arrive at Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), or Da Nang (DAD)
Inspection by quarantine 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
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hanoi, and Da Nang have growing expat communities with improving vet care. Vietnam is becoming more pet-friendly as the middle class grows. Many serviced apartments and villas accept cats.
Vets & Common Parasites
Improving rapidly in major cities. HCMC and Hanoi have international-standard vet clinics. Outside major cities, vet care is basic. Rabies is endemic — vaccination essential. Many expat-oriented clinics have English-speaking staff.
Find Vets in VietnamExit Rules — Leaving Vietnam
Exit requires a health certificate from a DAH-approved vet and an export permit from the local sub-department of animal health. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Documents may need to be in Vietnamese or accompanied by a certified translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Increasingly yes. Major cities have good vet care and a growing pet culture. However, be aware that attitudes toward animals vary, and cats should ideally be kept indoors.
No mandatory quarantine if all documents are in order. Non-compliant animals may be returned or quarantined at the owner's expense.
Very affordable by Western standards. A routine vet visit in HCMC costs VND 200,000–500,000 (~$8–20). Quality international clinics are slightly more expensive.
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 Vietnam 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.