Moving to Indonesia with Pets | Guide to Quarantine and Import Permits [Updated for 2026]

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Moving to Indonesia with Pets | Guide to Quarantine and Import Permits [Updated for 2026]

The World of Living with Pets / November 7, 2024

Last Updated: August 1, 2026

This guide is for those who want to bring their pets with them when moving to or taking a job assignment in Indonesia but aren’t sure where to start. Focusing on dogs and cats, we’ve compiled information confirmed as of August 2026, including easily overlooked details such as changes in the names of quarantine authorities and regional import requirements.

What should you check first when traveling to Indonesia with a pet?

If you plan to bring a dog or cat to Indonesia, the first three things you should check are: “the import permit application process through a local agent,” “microchipping,” and “rabies vaccination and related certificates.” Following a reorganization in 2023, Indonesia’s quarantine system is now centrally administered by “Badan Karantina Indonesia (Barantin),” a non-ministerial government agency reporting directly to the President, which oversees quarantine for animals, plants, and aquatic products.

① Procedures for Obtaining an Import Permit Through a Local Agent
It is generally standard practice to submit applications through a local agent or a local subsidiary. Since the process is expected to take some time, we recommend consulting with a local agent as early as possible. Please check with your local agent or the relevant authorities for details regarding the validity period and required documents.
② Microchip Implantation (ISO 11784 and 11785)
This is an internationally recognized identification method. The implantation of a microchip that complies with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards 11784 and 11785 is a basic requirement.
③ Rabies Vaccination Certificate and Related Documents
You must have your pet vaccinated against rabies and prepare a certificate documenting the vaccination history. Since the timing of the vaccination and whether an antibody titer test is required vary depending on the individual pet, please check with your local agent or the relevant authorities.

Indonesia's quarantine authorities were reorganized in 2023."Badan Karantina Pertanian (Barantan)," formerly under the Ministry of Agriculture, has been integrated into "Badan Karantina Indonesia (Barantin)," a non-ministerial government agency reporting directly to the President, and now has centralized jurisdiction over animal, plant, and aquatic product quarantine (Source: Official Website of Badan Karantina Indonesia(Confirmed in August 2026). Since the relevant agencies and forms may have changed, please use the current organizational names when contacting local representatives or authorities.

What is the process for preparing for a trip?

When preparing to travel to Indonesia, you must proceed in parallel with preparing the necessary documents and vaccinations in Japan and applying for an import permit through a local agent. The general process is as follows.

1

Early Preparation Period

  • Conduct health checkups for pets and verify their rabies vaccination status
  • If your pet doesn't have a microchip, make an appointment at the vet to have one implanted.
  • Begin consultations with local agents and potential host organizations
2

As your departure approaches,

  • If you have not been vaccinated against rabies, get vaccinated.
  • Apply for an import permit through a local agent
  • Prepare the export documentation for the Animal Quarantine Station
3

At least 14 days before your preferred inspection date

At least 14 days before your desired test date,Animal Quarantine ServiceWe will apply for an export inspection using NACCS (Animal Quarantine-Related Operations).

4

Within 10 days of departure

You will undergo an export inspection at the Animal Quarantine Station and receive an export quarantine certificate.

5

The day of departure

  • Carry your export health certificate, vaccination certificate, and import permit
  • Final Check of the Pet Cage (Check airline standards)
  • Final Confirmation of Flight Information
6

Upon Arrival in Indonesia

Import quarantine procedures are conducted primarily at the Sukarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta). While customs clearance may be expedited if all documents are in order, it is understood that a quarantine period may be imposed depending on any deficiencies in the documentation or the animal’s health condition. Please check with your local agent or the relevant authorities for specific procedures.

7

From Arrival to Settling into Your New Life

  • Find a local veterinary clinic as soon as possible
  • Check local regulations regarding registration of your place of residence and updating microchip information, among other things
  • Be mindful of the stress your pet may experience due to changes in its environment, and help it adjust gradually.

For Those Who Feel Anxious About Communicating with a Local Agent

Please let us know your destination and your planned departure date.
Here is some information on pet registration procedures, including what you need to do and by when.

What are the required documents and the import permit?

To bring a pet into Indonesia, you must provide several documents, including an import permit, a health certificate, a vaccination certificate, a microchip registration certificate, and flight information. Since the specific requirements regarding forms and validity periods are subject to change, it is important to confirm the latest requirements with a local agent or the relevant authorities.

Items Content Guidelines Where to check
import license Applications are typically filed through local agents or local subsidiaries. The validity period and the time required to obtain the permit may vary depending on the circumstances. Local Representatives and Authorities
Health certificate Issued within a certain period prior to departure and certified by a public authority Animal Quarantine Office · Local Agent
vaccination certificate Record vaccination history (such as rabies vaccinations) and the signature of the vaccinating physician Regular Veterinary Clinic
Microchip Registration Card Includes the serial number and date of implantation for chips compliant with ISO 11784 and 11785 Regular Veterinary Clinic
Flight Information Details on Flight Number, Scheduled Arrival Time, and Mode of Transport Airline: PetAir

Source: Export procedures on the Japanese side areAnimal Quarantine Service, Indonesia's quarantine system isOfficial Website of Badan Karantina Indonesia(All information verified in August 2026). The information in the table is for reference only; please be sure to check with your local representative or the relevant authorities for details.

We have not been able to confirm through primary sources whether combination vaccines for dogs and cats are required for import into Indonesia. From a health management perspective, we recommend consulting your regular veterinarian about your pet’s vaccination status before traveling.

How does the quarantine system work?

Import quarantine procedures in Indonesia are primarily handled at the Sukarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta). While customs clearance may be granted without quarantine if all documents are in order, a quarantine period may be imposed depending on incomplete documentation or the animal’s health condition. Since the duration of quarantine and operational details vary depending on the situation,Official Website of Badan Karantina IndonesiaPlease check with your local representative or the relevant authorities.

If your pet shows signs of illness or a suspected infectious disease during the quarantine period, you must follow the instructions of a veterinarian and local authorities. Since additional testing or treatment may be required, it’s a good idea to check with your local agent before your trip to get an estimate of the potential costs.

What should I be aware of when moving to certain areas, such as Bali?

If you are planning to move to areas outside Jakarta—particularly to places like Bali—please be aware that you may not be able to bring your pets directly with you. In Indonesia, there are restrictions on bringing animals that can transmit rabies directly into certain regions.

As of the time of this article’s research, we have not been able to confirm any firsthand information that would allow us to definitively specify the target regions. If you are planning to relocate to Bali or other destinations, please check regarding the route for bringing your belongings and whether any additional procedures are required—including whether you need to enter the country via Jakarta first before traveling onward—Badan Karantina Indonesia, Bali Branch OfficeWe strongly recommend that you check with your local representative or the relevant authorities individually.

How do we adapt to a tropical climate?

Because Indonesia has a hot and humid tropical climate, you’ll need to take precautions such as keeping the indoor environment cool and ensuring your pet stays hydrated until it adjusts to the new environment. Be especially careful with long-haired breeds, brachycephalic breeds, senior pets, and pets with pre-existing medical conditions, as they are more susceptible to the effects of the heat.

It’s helpful to regulate the room temperature with an air conditioner and choose to take walks during the cooler morning and evening hours. If your pet has an underlying medical condition or shows signs of heatstroke—such as rapid breathing or lethargy—please consult your regular veterinarian or a local animal hospital as soon as possible. It’s important to note that long trips themselves can be stressful for pets, asA Guide to Easing Anxiety on Long-Haul FlightsIt also explains that.

What are some common mistakes and things to watch out for during preparation?

Common mistakes when traveling to Indonesia with a pet include delaying the application for an import permit and attempting to handle the procedures on your own without using a local agent. The following are some key points to keep in mind.

Start applying for an import permit just before departure — Since it is expected to take some time to obtain the necessary documents, you should start consulting with your local representative as soon as possible.
Attempting to handle the procedures on one's own without going through a local agent — It is common to proceed through a local agent or a local subsidiary. Be sure to secure a reliable local agent early on.
Failing to notice errors in microchip numbers or vaccination dates — Transcription errors can cause delays in the process. Be sure to double-check numbers and dates several times.
When moving to regional areas such as Bali, people often overlook the procedures for shipping belongings from Jakarta — In some areas, direct delivery may be restricted. Once you’ve decided on your new location, be sure to check with your local agent as soon as possible.
Don't start thinking about preparing to return home until after you arrive in Indonesia — Returning to Japan requires going through procedures that include a waiting period of 180 days or more. It’s a good idea to start planning your return schedule as soon as you begin your trip.

What should I keep in mind when returning to Japan?

Since Indonesia is not included in the designated areas specified by the Animal Quarantine Service, returning to Japan requires preparations that include a waiting period of at least 180 days. The main conditions outlined by the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service are as follows (Source: Animal Quarantine Service: “Importation of Dogs and Cats from Areas Other Than Designated Regions”(Confirmed in August 2026).

Main Requirements for Returning to Japan from Indonesia

  • Microchip implantation in accordance with ISO 11784 and 11785 standards (to be performed prior to rabies vaccination)
  • Receive at least two doses of the rabies vaccine (with an interval of at least 30 days between the first and second doses)
  • Rabies antibody titer test (0.5 IU/ml or higher) at a designated testing facility
  • Wait at least 180 days from the date of the blood draw for the antibody titer test
  • Submit a prior notification to the animal quarantine office with jurisdiction over the airport or seaport of arrival at least 40 days before arrival in Japan.

If you overlook the 180-day waiting period, it will significantly affect the timing of your return home. We recommend that you start planning your return home as soon as you travel to Indonesia. The overall process for returning home is as follows:The Complete Guide to Returning to JapanThis is explained in detail there.

What can PetAir do?

PetAir provides guidance on how to prepare the necessary documents for travel to Indonesia and compiles information regarding animal quarantine procedures. We work in collaboration with local agencies and relevant officials to assist with the process of obtaining import permits. We also provide comprehensive support for your trip, including arranging airline reservations, guiding you through customs clearance, and handling the handover at the airport. Please let us know your planned travel dates and your pet’s condition, and we will advise you on the necessary preparation time and steps to take.

We do not prepare documents or submit applications on your behalf; our services primarily focus on organizing the necessary information and guiding you through the process. We do not obtain import permits, confirm flight reservations, or guarantee your pet’s health. Please consult with your pet’s owner and your regular veterinarian regarding medical treatment, vaccinations, and health management at a veterinary clinic. Fees vary depending on the destination, travel dates, and your pet’s condition, so we will provide an estimate when you contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Where are the quarantine authorities in Indonesia? I heard their name has changed.
As a result of the 2023 organizational restructuring, “Badan Karantina Pertanian (Barantan),” formerly under the Ministry of Agriculture, was integrated into “Badan Karantina Indonesia (Barantin),” a non-ministerial government agency reporting directly to the President. It has centralized jurisdiction over animal, plant, and aquatic product quarantine (Source: Official Website of Badan Karantina Indonesia(Confirmed in August 2026).
Q. Where can I obtain an import permit?
It is generally standard practice to handle these procedures through a local agent or a local subsidiary. Since the process is expected to take some time, we recommend consulting with a local agent as soon as possible. Be sure to check with your local agent or the relevant authorities for details regarding the validity period and required documents.
Q. Do pets arriving in Indonesia always have to go to a quarantine facility?
While it is sometimes possible to clear customs without undergoing quarantine if the necessary documents are in order, a quarantine period may be imposed depending on any deficiencies in the documentation or the animal’s health condition. Please check with your local agent or the relevant authorities for specific procedures.
Q. Can I bring my pet directly to Bali?
In Indonesia, there are reportedly restrictions on the direct importation of animals that can transmit rabies into certain regions. If you plan to relocate to certain regions, including Bali, please check with your local agent or the relevant authorities individually regarding import routes and whether any additional procedures are required.
Q. Is the combination vaccine required?
Based on primary sources, the main import requirements for Indonesia appear to be certificates related to rabies vaccinations and health certificates. As for combination vaccines, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian to consider vaccination as part of general health care. Please check with your local agent or the relevant authorities regarding the legal requirements for importation.
Q. What should I keep in mind when returning to Japan from Indonesia?
Since Indonesia is not included in the designated areas specified by the Animal Quarantine Service, the following requirements must be met when returning to Japan: a microchip, at least two doses of the rabies vaccine, a rabies antibody titer test (0.5 IU/ml or higher), a waiting period of at least 180 days from the date of blood collection, and advance notification at least 40 days prior to arrival in Japan (Source: Animal Quarantine Service(Confirmed in August 2026).

Summary: Gathering information early and coordinating with local representatives are key

When bringing a pet to Indonesia, the three key steps are: “applying for an import permit through a local agent,” “ensuring the pet has a microchip and rabies vaccination,” and “confirming the import requirements for your destination region.” Indonesia’s quarantine authorities were reorganized into “Badan Karantina Indonesia (Barantin)” in 2023, so the agencies responsible for processing applications and the required forms may have changed. Be sure to check with your local agent and the authorities for the latest information before departure.

Additionally, if you plan to move to a region outside Jakarta—such as Bali—it’s best to confirm well in advance whether direct delivery is possible, as this will give you peace of mind. Since returning to Japan requires procedures that include a waiting period of at least 180 days, we recommend considering your return schedule in conjunction with your travel plans.

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Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)

*The information in this article is current as of August 2026. Indonesia’s quarantine regulations and import procedures are subject to change, and it can be difficult to verify firsthand information regarding regional import requirements and quarantine practices in particular. This article is intended to provide general information only. To determine whether travel is permitted in your specific case and to confirm the requirements, please be sure to check the latest official information from your local agent, Indonesian quarantine authorities, and your airline.

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