Taking a Cat to Brazil from the UK in 2026: Everything you need to know
- Dr Gemma Nash
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Taking a cat from the UK to Brazil is very achievable, but it does require advance planning, precise timing and the correct export paperwork. Brazil has specific entry rules for pets arriving from non-EU countries, and cats must meet all requirements exactly to avoid delays or problems on arrival.
At PassPets, we regularly assist owners travelling to Brazil and can issue the official Export Health Certificate (EHC) required for cats. Below is a clear overview of what’s involved, broken down into simple steps.
Please note, this guide is frequently updated by our vets to ensure everything is up to date. If you think that something is incorrect or out of date, please do contact us so we can update this guide.
Step 1: Microchip Requirements
All cats travelling to Brazil must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip.
The microchip:
Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination used for travel
Must be readable at the final certification appointment
Must match all veterinary and export documentation
Inconsistencies between the microchip and paperwork are a common reason for certification delays.
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination
Cats must have a valid rabies vaccination administered more than 21 days before the Export Health Certificate appointment.
Key points to be aware of:
The vaccination must still be valid on the date of travel
Vaccines must be given in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines
The rabies certificate must clearly show:
Microchip number
Vaccination date
Validity period
Vaccine brand and batch
Brazil accepts longer-validity rabies vaccinations, provided they remain in date.
Step 3: Plan Your Travel Route Carefully
Before booking your certification appointment, you should confirm:
Your intended date of arrival in Brazil
Your full flight route, including any transit countries
Even if you do not leave the airport, additional certificates may be required depending on the route taken. For example, dogs transiting through EU countries often require an EU Animal Health Certificate in addition to the Brazilian Export Health Certificate.
This is one of the most common areas where owners are caught out.
Step 4: Export Health Certificate (EHC) for Brazil
Dogs travelling to Brazil from the UK must have a Brazilian Export Health Certificate (EHC 2906) issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV).
Timing is critical:
The EHC appointment must take place within 10 days of arrival in Brazil
The appointment date counts as day 0
If travelling on day 10, owners should confirm acceptance with Brazilian authorities
At the EHC appointment, we will:
Carry out a clinical examination
Scan and verify the microchip
Review rabies documentation and clinical history
Administer or certify parasite treatment
Issue the completed Export Health Certificate
Appointments are available at our Havant, Bristol and New Malden clinics.
Step 5: Internal and External Parasite Treatment
Cats must receive both internal and external parasite treatment within 15 days of departure.
The treatment must:
Be veterinary-licensed
Be broad-spectrum
In most cases, parasite treatment is administered and certified at the EHC appointment. If your cat weighs under 3kg or has previously reacted to parasite treatments, alternative arrangements may be required.
Step 6: Airline Requirements & Fit to Fly Certificates
Airlines have their own pet travel rules in addition to government requirements.
You should check with your airline whether:
A Fit to Fly certificate is required
Specific carrier or crate standards apply
There are limits on the number of pets per passenger
If a Fit to Fly certificate is required, this can usually be issued alongside the Export Health Certificate
Step 7: Transit Countries
If your cat is transiting through other countries, additional certification may be needed. This can include:
An EU Animal Health Certificate
Another Export Health Certificate
Country-specific transit documentation
You should confirm requirements with:
Your airline
The authorities of the transit country
The Brazilian importing authorities
Where possible, we can issue multiple certificates at the same appointment if planned in advance.
Step 8: Returning to the UK (If Applicable)
If you intend to bring your cat back to the UK from Brazil, extra steps are usually required.
This typically involves:
A rabies blood test taken more than 30 days after vaccination
Testing at an approved laboratory
A waiting period before re-entry to the UK
UK re-entry rules are strict, so this should be considered early when planning travel.
How PassPets Can Help
Travelling to Brazil with a cat involves tight timeframes, precise documentation and coordination between multiple parties.
At PassPets, we:
Regularly issue Export Health Certificates for Brazil
Review documentation in advance
Advise on routes, transit requirements and airline rules
Carry out the final OV examination and certification
If you’re planning to take your cat to Brazil and would like guidance or to arrange the required paperwork, get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.
Contact PassPets to discuss your cat's travel plans to Brazil
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