Pet entry requirements: Cat → India
These are the requirements for entering India 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
AQCS NOC mandatory, apply before arrival (advance NOC ~7 days prior); max. 2 pets/person. Baggage rule ONLY for transfer of residence after ≥2 yrs abroad — otherwise a DGFT import authorisation is required
Microchip Required
Required: the microchip certificate is one of the mandatory application documents (India AQCS SOP for cats); the chip number must be entered in the application form.
Rabies vaccination Required
Yes – more than 1 month but within 12 months before embarkation; dogs from 3 months
Minimum age / young animals Required
Over 1 month (plus import permit).
Health certificate Required
Official origin-country health certificate (original retained at AQCS inspection); validity in days unclear officially (~10 d) — verify locally
🟡 Recommended
Rabies titer test Not required
Not listed as an entry requirement in official texts — verify locally
Other tests Recommended
Certificate must attest freedom from rabies/distemper/parvo/lepto (dog) or panleukopenia/lepto (cat); DHPPiL recommended
Parasite treatment Recommended
Not officially mandated; routine deworming recommended — verify locally
Quarantine Recommended
Examination on arrival; a cat that fails it or shows clinical signs goes into quarantine for 15 days (AQCS cat SOP). Whether cats in baggage are quarantined across the board is not documented – confirm with AQCS before travelling.
Registration Not required
Applies to dogs; if resident verify locally
🐾 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).
Breed restrictions On site
No breed restrictions for cats
Muzzle / leash On site
Applies to dogs
⚠️ Notes & grey zone
Grey zone
Baggage rule only for residence transfer (≥2 yrs abroad); tourists need a DGFT authorisation (often hard to get). Mind NOC timing + evolving breed rules. Quarantine: the cat SOP gives 15 days only if the cat fails the physical examination or shows clinical signs; the veterinary certificate for dogs states a flat 15 days for pets in baggage, and the AQCS FAQ says pets under baggage are quarantined only in case of doubt. The certificate for cats (Annex 2.1.1) has not been read. The level is therefore 'recommended' – neither 'required' nor 'not required'.
Notes
Import only via designated airports (DEL/BOM included); AQCS exam on arrival. Start early (NOC ~7 d, DGFT ~1 month); owner name must match the air ticket
Related destinations in Asia & the Middle East
China · Hong Kong · Israel · Japan · United Arab Emirates
Airlines flying this route
From data on flown routes — not a pet-policy guarantee. Check the airline's own pet policy before booking.
Air India · Lufthansa
Check this route & airlines in detail →Authority: AQCS / DAHD (Animal Quarantine and Certification Services)
Read at the responsible authority on 10/06/2026.
Check your specific route & airlines →For informational purposes only. Regulations change frequently — verify with the relevant authorities before travel.