Embark on a lavish journey with your beloved pets to the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka, where luxury meets pet-friendly adventures.
What kind of pets can be brought to Sri Lanka?
Bandaranayake International Airport ensures a seamless experience for domesticated animals such as cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and even ornamental fish. However, be aware that animals of unusual size or nature, like monkeys and snakes, have their own exclusive Cargo compartments.
Pets can arrive in Colombo (CMB), Sri Lanka as either manifested air freight cargo under an air waybill (AWB), or Checked Baggage / Excess Baggage / Accompanied Baggage / In-Cabin.
Flight Details and Restrictions:
For a smooth travel experience, contact Bandaranayake the International Airport call center to understand specific restrictions based on aircraft type and your travel destination.
Due to the outbreak of bird flu, the import of pet birds from the following countries is prohibited: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China (People’s Rep.), Chinese Taipei, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong (SAR China), India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland (Rep.), Israel, Japan, Korea (Rep.), Lao People’s Dem. Rep., Malaysia, Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russian Fed., Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, United Kingdom, Vietnam.
What are the regulations that need to be obtained:
Before bringing any pets into Sri Lanka, prior authorization must be obtained from the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH). Information can be obtained from:
– Chief Animal Quarantine Officer, 41 Morgan Road, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka. Tel. or fax: 94 11 2448683
– Animal Quarantine Officer, B.I.A., Katunayake, Sri Lanka. Tel. or fax: 94 11 2253430; or
Cats and dogs must be accompanied by a veterinarian good health and rabies certificate issued in country of origin and issued by the veterinary authorities. A stamp fee of LKR 5.- and a Customs fee of LKR 250.- for each dog must be paid on arrival.
Domesticated animals such as cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and ornamental fish are accepted for carriage as checked baggage. There are restrictions according to the type of aircraft and the country you are flying to/from. Please contact Sri Lankan call center for more details. Animals of an unusual size or nature such as monkeys, snakes etc. cannot be carried as checked baggage. They should be referred to the Cargo office as they need to be carried in the Cargo compartments.
You can get more information and support from:
– Terminal 02, Air Cargo Village, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Katunayake 11450
– +94 77 274 3253
– 16/G/4, Greenwood Gardens, Kahanthota Rd, Malabe 10115
– +94 77 945 7621
Animal Quarantine Officer, B.I.A., Katunayake, Sri Lanka.
+94 11 2253430
The Director-General, Animal Production and Health (DGAPH)
P.O. Box 13, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Tel: (+94 11) 08 2388195 / 2388184 / 2388189 / 2388463
Fax: (+94 11) 08 2388619
What are the import Regulations for Dogs Entering Sri Lanka?
Pet Dogs must be vaccinated against Rabies not less than thirty (30) days and not more than ten (10) months immediately prior to embarkation. In case of puppies under the age of ten (10) months, booster vaccine must be given within 14 days interval from the 1st vaccine given at the youngest age of 03 months.
Pet Dogs must be vaccinated against Canine Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Canine parvovirus infection (DHLP) using recognized vaccines, not less than twenty-one (21) days and not more than ten (10) months immediately prior to embarkation. In case of puppies under the age of six (06) months, booster vaccine must be given within 14 days interval from the 1st vaccine.
Blood Test Reports
NEGATIVE test results for Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis) done using (either ELISA or PCR or Modified Knott’s) test done within 30 days prior to embarkation. If not, the country free status has to be declared by a government veterinarian.
NEGATIVE test results for blood parasites – Babesia Canis (PCR or IFAT or Blood smear testing methods) (within 30 days before embarkation)
NEGATIVE test results for blood parasites – Babesia Gibsoni (PCR or IFAT or Blood smear testing methods) (within 30 days before embarkation)
NEGATIVE test results for blood parasites – Leishmaniasis – (PCR or IFAT or ELISA testing methods) (within 30 days before embarkation)
IMPORTANT NOTE: The blood test results can be carried out at any laboratory in any country. The blood test results must be printed in the laboratory’s letterhead and signed by the Authorized Signatory with the Stamp. Moreover, it is highly important that the testing method which was used to carry out the blood test is clearly mentioned on the test certificate.
IMPORTANT NOTE: NEGATIVE Test Reports should be certified/endorsed by authorized officer of Quarantine or Government approved Veterinary surgeon.
Internal & External Parasite Treatments
The Dog must be treated for internal parasites and external parasites within ten (10) days immediately prior to embarkation. This could be recorded on the Vaccination Book or on a Vet issued certificate.