Nepal pet import rules 2026: bringing your dog or cat to Kathmandu
Last updated: May 2026 · 7 min read
Before you travel: check these first
- 1Have you notified the Kathmandu Animal Quarantine Office at ktmquarantine@gmail.com at least 24 hours before arrival (a week is safer)?
- 2Do you have cash ready for the import tax (up to 40% of your pet's assessed value)?
- 3Is your health certificate valid within 10 days of arrival in Nepal?
- 4If returning to the US: have you prepared CDC Dog Import Form and USDA Certification (Nepal is high-risk for rabies)?
Key facts at a glance
Core entry requirements
Microchip: Nepal recommends ISO 11784/11785 microchipping. In practice, having a microchipped pet with the chip number on all documents significantly simplifies the border process.
Rabies vaccination: All dogs and cats must be vaccinated between 30 days and 12 months before entering Nepal. The vet must record the vaccination details on the health certificate.
Other vaccinations: Dogs need distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Cats need rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia.
No titer test required. Nepal does not require a rabies antibody titer test from any country. This is a meaningful difference from Japan or Montenegro.
Health certificate: A licensed vet must issue the certificate within 10 days of arrival. Valid for 30 days from issuance. No import permit required for personal pets.
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Notifying the quarantine office
Email the Animal Quarantine Office at ktmquarantine@gmail.com at least 24 hours before your pet's arrival (a week in advance is safer). Include your name, arrival date, flight details, pet breed, and weight. If no officer is on duty when you arrive, the process stalls.
Import tax
Nepal charges an import tax on pets arriving at the border. The tax is calculated as approximately 40% of the pet's assessed value, determined by customs officers based on breed.
In documented cases, a border collie was assessed at $500 USD, resulting in a $200 tax. The tax is paid at the airport bank near customs. There is no ATM near the customs desk, and credit card terminals are rare. Arrive with cash in a major currency.
What happens at the airport
Present original documents to the Animal Quarantine Officer. Bring multiple copies. The officer checks the health certificate, rabies vaccination, and microchip.
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After quarantine clearance, proceed to customs. Pay the import tax in cash. Keep the receipt.
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You will need a Nepalese health certificate to exit the country. This must be completed by a vet in Kathmandu and certified by Nepal's Ministry of Agriculture. Allow time before your departure.
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Returning home after Nepal
Nepal is a high-risk rabies country by CDC classification. US citizens returning with a dog must complete a CDC Dog Import Form online before departure, and carry a Certification of US-Issued Rabies Vaccination. Prepare these before leaving home.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Nepal does not require a titer test from any country. A valid rabies vaccination certificate is sufficient.
The tax is typically around 40% of the pet's assessed value, determined by customs at the airport. Bring cash in a major currency. There is no ATM near the customs area.
Yes. Email the Animal Quarantine Office at ktmquarantine@gmail.com at least 24 hours before arrival (a week is safer). Include your arrival date, flight details, and pet information.
No. All international pet imports must arrive through Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu.
Nepal is manageable for pet owners who plan carefully. No titer test, no routine quarantine for compliant pets, and relatively simple documentation. The main considerations are the import tax, the quarantine office notification, and planning your return journey before you leave home.
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