Pet entry requirements: Cat → Australia
These are the requirements for entering Australia with a cat, based on a departure from Germany/the EU. Requirements can change — always confirm with the relevant authority before you travel.
🔴 Required
Import permit Required
Yes – import permit via BICON (Australian biosecurity system) required
Microchip Required
Yes, ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccination Required
Yes, before titer test
Rabies titer test Required
Yes – rabies antibody titer test (RNAT) ≥0.5 IU/ml; blood sample taken between 12 months and 180 days before export, test valid for 12 months; export only 180 days after the sample reaches the lab
Parasite treatment Required
External parasites: a government approved veterinarian treats the cat with an acceptable product that kills ticks and fleas on contact; start at least 21 days before export and repeat according to manufacturer directions (day of treatment = day 0), protection to be maintained until export. Internal parasites (nematodes and cestodes): treated twice within 45 days before export, spaced at least 14 days apart, second treatment within 5 days before the export date.
Health certificate Required
Country-specific, government-vet-endorsed certificate
Official endorsement of the health certificate Required
Endorsement by an official government veterinarian of the competent authority in the country of export.
Quarantine Required
Yes – min. 10 days at Mickleham (Melbourne)
Breed restrictions Prohibited
Non-domestic cat hybrids are not allowed into Australia (environmental protection law, not biosecurity law). Excluded are, among others (not exhaustive), and any crossbred offspring derived from them: Savannah (domestic cat x serval), Safari (domestic cat x Geoffroy's cat), Chausie (domestic cat x jungle cat), Bengal (domestic cat x Asian leopard cat). As of 1 March 2026, Bengal cats are no longer permitted to enter Australia. The text states no transition rule.
Registration Required
Council registration
🟡 Recommended
Minimum age / young animals Recommended
No fixed minimum age, but a long import process (~6 months) - pet must be old enough.
Other tests Recommended
Flea/tick treatment; no leptospirosis requirement for cats
🐾 Local rules (in-country)
These apply on the ground in the destination country — to everyone, not as an entry condition — and depend on the breed and situation (e.g. public transport, listed breeds).
Muzzle / leash On site
None (cat)
⚠️ Notes & grey zone
Notes
The cat must arrive directly at Melbourne International airport; domestic transfers are not permitted. Travel as manifested cargo (not in the cabin) in an IATA approved crate.
Related destinations in Africa & Oceania
Egypt · Kenya · Morocco · New Caledonia · New Zealand
Authority: DAFF – BICON
Read at the responsible authority on 02/10/2026. 📄 Official source ↗
Check your specific route & airlines →For informational purposes only. Regulations change frequently — verify with the relevant authorities before travel.