Pet Relocation to Maldives

Who can bring a pet?

For a personal dog or cat, ask the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare whether the proposed species, breed, number of animals and purpose can be admitted. The import application asks for the exporting country, planned arrival date and transport details, so the ministry needs the actual itinerary to assess the request.

Microchip

Keep the microchip number on the pet’s Indonesian veterinary record and any passport or health documents. Ask the Maldives ministry whether ISO format, implant timing or a scan certificate is required for this permit; do not assume a general international standard replaces its written conditions.

Rabies vaccination

Keep rabies vaccination current and request the destination’s written vaccine rule before starting or repeating a dose. The currently published application form is not, by itself, a complete veterinary health standard for dogs and cats.

Rabies titre test

The public import application does not establish whether a rabies titre test, minimum result or waiting period is required for this specific route. Ask the ministry to confirm the laboratory, threshold, sample date and document wording in writing before paying for a test.

Import permit

Apply to the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare for a live-animal import permit. The current application asks for country of origin, planned import date and means of transport. Secure written approval and any attached veterinary conditions before finalizing the booking.

Government documents

Prepare the permit, pet identification and vaccination history, an Indonesian government veterinary health certificate, and the airline waybill or passenger itinerary. Ask the ministry which certificate model, attestations, parasite treatment and advance arrival notice it requires for a pet from Indonesia. Separately, when a pet actually leaves Indonesia, Barantin asks the sender to report the export through PTK Online and provide destination-required veterinary documents, vaccination records and, for dogs and cats, a protective rabies titre result. The pet is then presented at a designated exit point for quarantine inspection; an Animal Health Certificate is issued if requirements are met. If the final export is from a third country, use that country’s export certificate instead.

Quarantine and arrival inspection

Do not promise a quarantine-free arrival. Ask whether the permit requires inspection, isolation or post-arrival quarantine, where it would take place, how long it lasts and who pays. If the written conditions are unclear, obtain clarification before the pet is dispatched.

Airline requirements

Maldives flights may have limited live-animal capacity and onward island transfers can add a separate handling leg. Confirm that the carrier accepts pets to the exact airport and that the ministry’s inspection and release arrangements are available on the arrival date.

Travel crate

Use an airline-approved, secure crate with adequate ventilation and room for the animal to stand, turn and lie naturally. Ask every carrier handling a connection to approve the same crate and confirm how the pet will be transferred and watered during the journey.

Timeline

The ministry’s application is dated January 2026, but the public form does not promise a processing time. Allow time for a written import decision, any tests and waiting periods specified by the ministry, export certification, airline space and any island transfer. Do not set a travel date until approval arrives.

Cost factors

Ask for a written cost plan covering permit and inspection fees, vet visits, any required lab work, export certification, air freight, crate, ground handling, quarantine or isolation if imposed, and onward transfer. Permit conditions and island destination can change the total substantially.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Maldives require a rabies titre test?

The public application form does not answer that. Ask the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare for the current conditions for a dog or cat travelling from Indonesia.

Can I book flights before the permit is issued?

It is safer to wait for written approval and the veterinary conditions. The application requests the proposed arrival date and transport details, and those dates must match the final itinerary.

Will my pet need quarantine?

The public application alone does not confirm the quarantine decision. Ask the ministry where any inspection or isolation occurs, how long it lasts and what fees apply.

Official sources

Checked against the linked official sources on 24 October 2026. Rules can change; verify again before preparing your pet.

Pet relocation from Indonesia to Maldives