Curaçao pet import: the health certificate timing that trips everyone up in 2026
Last updated: June 2026 · 7 min read
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Key facts at a glance
What Curaçao actually requires
ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip. Must be implanted before vaccinations and referenced on all documents.
Given at least 21 days before departure, not more than 12 to 36 months before arrival. Administered to dogs and cats at least 12 weeks old.
Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis (exemptions for Leptospirosis possible if disease not prevalent in country of origin). Cats: Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia.
Two treatments must both occur within 14 days before departure. Treatment 1: ectoparasite product with at least 28 days persistent efficacy. Treatment 2: deworming agent. Both recorded on the health certificate with date, time, and product.
Issued within 14 days of travel. From the US, USDA original ink endorsement required. Valid for no more than two weeks.
All documentation must be sent to info.uovz@gobiernti.cw at least 3 days before arrival. This is mandatory, not optional.
The parasite treatments, the health certificate examination, and the pre-approval notification must all happen within 14 days before departure. The practical approach: schedule the parasite treatments and health certificate examination on the same day, 10 to 12 days before departure. This gives enough time for USDA endorsement processing while staying within the 14-day window.
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South and Central America restriction
This applies regardless of how complete the documentation is. Pit Bull Terrier type dogs are also not permitted entry.
Titer test: who needs it?
A rabies titer test is required only for pets from countries classified as high-rabies by the European Union. If you are traveling from the US, UK, or EU member states, no titer test is required. Confirm your country's classification before starting the process.
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Frequently asked questions
Only for pets from countries classified as high-rabies by the EU. If you are coming from the US, UK, or EU, no titer test is required. Confirm your country's classification before starting the process.
10 to 12 days before departure is the practical target. This keeps you within the 14-day window while allowing enough time for health certificate endorsement if required.
No. Import permits are not required for pets traveling with their owner. A pre-approval from UOVZ is required. This is different from a permit. Send all documentation to info.uovz@gobiernti.cw at least 3 days before arrival.
No. Pets cannot enter Curaçao from South or Central American countries, excluding Suriname.
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