Bringing Your Pet to Guinea-Bissau: A Complete Import Guide

Whether you're relocating with a rescue dog from Morocco, a shelter cat from across Europe, or a beloved family pet, bringing your companion to Guinea-Bissau requires careful planning and adherence to specific health and documentation requirements. I've guided dozens of rescue dogs across borders—from Moroccan shelters to French homes—and the process, while detailed, becomes manageable when you understand the timeline and requirements upfront.

Guinea-Bissau permits both dogs and cats to be imported as personal pets, but you'll need to secure an import permit, ensure proper vaccinations, and arrange veterinary documentation well in advance. This guide walks you through every step.

Are Dogs and Cats Allowed?

Yes. Guinea-Bissau allows both dogs and cats to be imported as personal pets, provided they meet all health and documentation requirements. There are no breed restrictions for either species, so mixed breeds and rescues are welcome—a relief for those of us working with shelter animals across West Africa and beyond.

Your Preparation Timeline

6 Months Before Departure

Research and contact Guinea-Bissau's government veterinary authority to confirm current import requirements and identify the issuing authority for your import permit. Requirements can shift, and early contact prevents last-minute surprises. Ask specifically about the import permit process, lead times, and any recent regulatory changes.

5 Months Before Departure

Schedule your pet's microchip appointment if they don't already have one. Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit) compliant chip before any vaccinations. This is a non-negotiable requirement for international travel. If your pet has an older, non-ISO chip, you'll need to provide your own compatible scanner at the destination.

4 Months Before Departure

Apply for your import permit through Guinea-Bissau's veterinary authority. The standard lead time is 30 days, but applying early gives you a buffer. You'll likely need to provide your pet's microchip number, vaccination records (once completed), and proof of ownership. Keep copies of all correspondence.

3 Months Before Departure

Arrange your first rabies vaccination with a licensed veterinarian. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks (3 months) old at the time of vaccination. After the primary vaccination, there is a mandatory 21-day waiting period before your pet can travel. Document this vaccination in writing—you'll need proof for your health certificate.

2 Months Before Departure

Ensure your pet's booster rabies vaccination is current if they've been vaccinated before. Boosters are required by international standards. Check your pet's vaccination records to confirm the booster is up to date; if not, schedule it now.

10 Days Before Departure

Schedule your health certificate examination with a licensed veterinarian. The health certificate is valid for only 10 days, so timing is critical. The vet will examine your pet, confirm vaccinations, and issue the certificate. This is not the same as a routine wellness exam—it's a formal document certifying your pet is fit to travel.

7 Days Before Departure

Submit your health certificate for government endorsement. After your vet issues the certificate, it must be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS if you're in the United States, APHA if in the UK, CFIA if in Canada). This is a separate step and takes time—don't wait until the last moment. The endorsement confirms the vet is legitimate and the certificate is valid.

5 Days Before Departure

Confirm your airline's pet travel requirements and book your pet's spot if you haven't already. Airlines like Air France have specific pet policies, crate requirements, and fees. Verify that your chosen airline flies to Guinea-Bissau and accepts pets in cargo or cabin. Ensure your pet's crate meets airline specifications.

2 Days Before Departure

Gather all original documents in a single folder: import permit, health certificate (with government endorsement), microchip documentation, vaccination records, and proof of ownership. Make copies of everything. Keep originals in a waterproof folder separate from your luggage.

Day of Departure

Arrive at the airport early and check in your pet according to your airline's instructions. Present all documentation to airline staff. Your pet will be transported to Guinea-Bissau, and you'll collect them upon arrival. At Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (the primary port of entry), present your import permit and health certificate to customs and veterinary authorities.

Key Requirements Explained

Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before any vaccinations. This 15-digit chip is the international standard and allows authorities to identify and trace your pet. If your pet has an older, non-ISO chip, you'll need to provide your own compatible scanner at the destination—not ideal, so upgrading to ISO is strongly recommended.

Rabies Vaccination

Rabies vaccination is mandatory. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of first vaccination. After the primary vaccination, there is a 21-day waiting period before travel is permitted. If your pet has been vaccinated before, a booster is required. The vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and documented in writing.

Health Certificate

An official health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is required. The certificate is valid for only 10 days from the date of issue, so schedule your vet exam close to your departure date. The certificate must be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority after issuance—this is a separate step and takes additional time. Plan for 7-10 days to complete both the vet exam and government endorsement.

Import Permit

Guinea-Bissau requires an import permit for pets. The standard lead time is 30 days. Apply early through the country's government veterinary authority. You'll need your pet's microchip number, vaccination records, and proof of ownership. Keep all correspondence and confirmation of approval.

Quarantine

Guinea-Bissau does not require quarantine for pets that arrive with complete, valid documentation (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate, and import permit). If documentation is incomplete, quarantine may be imposed—another reason to prepare thoroughly.

Ports of Entry

Pets may only enter Guinea-Bissau through Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. Ensure your flight arrives at this airport and that you have all documentation ready for inspection upon arrival.

Documents Checklist

  • Import permit (issued by Guinea-Bissau's veterinary authority)
  • Health certificate (issued by licensed vet, valid for 10 days)
  • Government endorsement of health certificate
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
  • Rabies vaccination record (dated and signed by vet)
  • Proof of ownership (adoption papers, purchase receipt, or registration)
  • Airline pet travel confirmation
  • Copies of all documents (keep separate from originals)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Vaccinating before microchipping: The microchip must come first. Vaccinating before microchipping invalidates the timeline.
  • Waiting too long for the health certificate: It's valid for only 10 days. Schedule your vet exam 7-10 days before departure, not the day before.
  • Forgetting government endorsement: The health certificate alone isn't enough. It must be endorsed by your country's veterinary authority—this takes time.
  • Applying for the import permit too late: The standard lead time is 30 days. Apply at least 4-5 months before departure to avoid delays.
  • Assuming all airlines accept pets: Confirm with your airline that they transport pets to Guinea-Bissau and understand their specific requirements and fees.
  • Not keeping copies: Make photocopies of all documents and store them separately from originals. Originals can be lost or damaged in transit.

A Note on Rescue Animals and International Pet Travel

I've spent years moving rescue dogs from Moroccan shelters to families across Europe. The infrastructure for international pet travel—microchips, health certificates, import permits—exists to protect animal welfare and public health. It's the same whether your pet is a purebred or a street rescue. Guinea-Bissau's requirements reflect global standards, and meeting them ensures your pet arrives safely and legally. Shelters and rescue organizations worldwide benefit when these systems work smoothly; they enable more animals to find homes across borders.

Next Steps

Start by contacting Guinea-Bissau's government veterinary authority to confirm current requirements and obtain the import permit application. Then schedule your pet's microchip appointment. From there, follow the timeline above, and you'll be well-prepared for a smooth arrival.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to track your pet's import timeline and ensure nothing is missed.

This guide is based on verified data from official government sources and international pet travel standards. Requirements can change; always confirm directly with Guinea-Bissau's veterinary authority before traveling.

Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: April 22, 2026