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Taking a Cat to India from the UK in 2026: Everything you need to know

Taking a cat to India from the UK is more complex than many other destinations and involves multiple stages of certification. In most cases, we strongly recommend working with an experienced import agent based in India, alongside our UK Official Veterinarian (OV) service, to avoid delays or refusal at the border.


Below is a clear, step-by-step overview of the typical requirements for taking a cat to India.


1. Eligibility and reason for import

India applies different rules depending on why your cat is being imported. Before starting the process, you must confirm which category applies to you with the Indian authorities or your appointed import agent:

  • Transfer of residence to India

  • Proof of at least two years’ stay abroad

  • Re-importing a pet

  • Temporary stay (e.g. holiday or short-term visit)


If the trip is temporary, an Import Authorisation from DGFT is required. Many owners appoint an import agent in India to manage this part of the process.


2. Microchip

Your cat must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785).

  • The microchip must be in place before rabies vaccination

  • The microchip number must match all documentation


If your cat has a non-ISO microchip, you will need to confirm acceptance with the Indian authorities or your import agent.


3. Vaccinations

Proof of vaccination is required for the following:


Rabies vaccination

  • Must be administered more than 1 month (not just 21 days) and less than 12 months before the Export Health Certificate (EHC) appointment

  • Cats must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination


Additional feline vaccinations (required by India)

  • Feline Panleukopenia (TriCat / RCP)

  • Feline Rhinotracheitis (TriCat / RCP)

  • Feline Calicivirus (TriCat / RCP)

  • FeLV


Vaccination certificates must clearly show:

  • Cat’s details and microchip number

  • Dates of vaccination

  • Vaccine names and batch numbers

  • Validity periods


We can provide template vaccination certificates for your vet to complete if required.


4. Planning travel dates and route

Before booking any appointments, you should confirm:

  • Your intended arrival date in India

  • Your departure date from the UK

  • Your full travel route, including any transit countries


This is essential, as additional certification may be required depending on the route.


5. Pre-Export Certificate (for NOC application)

India requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before the final Export Health Certificate can be issued.


To apply for the NOC, you must first obtain a Pre-Export Certificate, which we issue at an appointment within 7 days of your proposed arrival date in India.


This pre-export certificate is only used to apply for the NOC and cannot be used for travel.


6. No Objection Certificate (NOC)

The NOC must be applied for by you or your appointed import agent after the Pre-Export Certificate appointment.


A copy of the approved NOC must be provided to us before we can issue the final Export Health Certificate.


7. Final Export Health Certificate (EHC)

India requires a UK government-issued Export Health Certificate (EHC 2910), issued by an Official Veterinarian within 48 hours (2 days) of export


At the final EHC appointment, our OV will:

  • Perform a full clinical examination of your cat

  • Scan and check the microchip

  • Review vaccination certificates and clinical history

  • Confirm NOC details

  • Issue the completed Export Health Certificate (assuming all requirements are met)


Appointments are available at our Havant, Bristol and London branches.


8. Airline requirements and Fit to Fly

You must check directly with your airline whether a Fit to Fly certificate is required in addition to the EHC.


If required, we can issue this alongside the final EHC for an additional fee.


9. Transit countries

If your route involves transiting through other countries:

  • An EU Animal Health Certificate may be required for EU transit

  • Additional Export Health Certificates or permits may be required for non-EU transit


You must confirm transit requirements with the airline and relevant authorities and let us know if additional documents are needed.


10. Returning to the UK (if applicable)

If you plan to return to the UK from India:

  • A rabies blood test (RNATT) is usually required

  • The blood sample must be taken more than 30 days after rabies vaccination

  • You must check with APHA whether a 3-month waiting period applies


UK re-entry rules are strict and should be planned well in advance.


Important points to be aware of

  • Pets may only enter India via designated airports/seaports (e.g. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata)

  • India allows up to two pets per person, with restrictions

  • An import agent is strongly recommended due to the complexity of the process


How PassPets can help

We can:

  • Review vaccination records and timelines

  • Issue the Pre-Export Certificate

  • Issue the Final Export Health Certificate

  • Liaise on DEFRA derogations required for cats

  • Coordinate appointment timing around tight travel windows


If you’re planning to take your cat to India and would like help navigating the UK certification side, get in touch with PassPets and we’ll be happy to guide you through the process.



 
 
 

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