Bringing a Pet to Singapore in 2026: AVS licence, quarantine rules, and timeline
Last updated: June 2026 · 8 min read
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What Singapore requires
Category 1 vs all other countries
Category 1 countries (no quarantine): Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland, Iceland, Malta, Norway, Sweden, Cyprus, Japan, Brunei.
From any other country, your pet faces 30 days of quarantine at the AVS quarantine facility. Cost: approximately SGD 400 to SGD 800, depending on animal size. This applies even with a clean vaccination history and correct paperwork.
The titre test adds another layer. It must be done at an approved laboratory, the result must be 0.5 IU/mL or above, and you must wait at least 3 months after a successful result before travelling. For non-Category 1 countries, start the process at least 5 months before your flight.
The AVS import licence
Every pet entering Singapore needs an AVS import licence. Apply via the GoBusiness portal at least 10 weeks before travel. The licence is issued to you as the owner.
Since April 2026, CAPQ clearance at Changi must be handled through an AVS-approved handling agent. Budget approximately SGD 200 to SGD 400 for the agent fee, on top of the government licence fee of SGD 26 to SGD 36.
Agents with availability fill up weeks in advance.
This is the part most people get wrong. A reviewed plan makes sure you don't.
Health certificate timing
Singapore requires the health certificate to be issued by a government-accredited vet no more than 7 days before arrival, not before departure. If your flight is delayed or rerouted, a certificate issued on day 1 may be expired before you land.
Book your vet appointment for 6 to 7 days before your scheduled arrival date. Not departure.
This is the step most people miss. A reviewed plan makes sure you do not.
Timeline
Confirm microchip is implanted before vaccination date.
Complete rabies titre test at an approved laboratory.
Confirm titre result is above 0.5 IU/mL. Begin 3-month waiting period.
Apply for AVS import licence via GoBusiness.
Book AVS-approved handling agent at Changi Airport.
Confirm airline booking with pet on board.
Obtain health certificate from government-accredited vet.
Agent handles CAPQ clearance. You collect your pet after processing.
What it costs
- AVS import licence: SGD 26 to SGD 36
- Rabies titre test (if required): SGD 150 to SGD 300
- Quarantine (if applicable): SGD 400 to SGD 800 or more
- Handling agent at Changi: SGD 200 to SGD 400
- Health certificate: SGD 80 to SGD 150
- Airline fee (cabin or cargo): varies by carrier and route
The part most people get wrong
Many owners arrive at Changi expecting to clear customs themselves, only to find the process requires a pre-booked AVS-approved agent. Without one, your pet cannot be released. Book the agent at the same time as you apply for the import licence, not after.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you are travelling from a Category 1 country, which includes the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and several Nordic countries. From all other countries, cats face 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
Allow at least 10 weeks. Apply via the GoBusiness portal as soon as your travel date is confirmed.
Only for pets coming from non-Category 1 countries. The test must be done at an approved laboratory and the result must be 0.5 IU/mL or above. A 3-month waiting period follows a successful result.
The certificate must be issued by a government-accredited vet no more than 7 days before arrival in Singapore, not before departure.
You have read the general rules. Your airline, your pet's weight, and your country of origin may change everything. A personal plan covers your exact situation. $24, human-reviewed before delivery.
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