Bringing a pet to India is not one identical process for every traveller. Establish the Customs/DGFT category, obtain advance AQCS clearance, and agree the arrival arrangements before the pet departs.
Choose the right entry category
AQCS distinguishes qualifying baggage imports, imports needing a DGFT licence, and re-import of an animal previously taken out of India. A short visit is not automatically a transfer of residence. Ask AQCS and Customs to confirm the category for your ownership and travel history.
Official sources: AQCS: baggage, DGFT and re-import categories · DGFT: pet import categories and licensing FAQ
If you are moving your residence to India
Mumbai Customs describes the baggage concession for up to two dogs or cats for a person transferring residence after two years abroad, subject to the required certification and examination. This is an eligibility route, not permission for every visitor to bring two animals without a licence.
Official sources: Mumbai Customs: importing pets
If this pet originally left India
Keep the earlier Indian government export records as well as the pet’s current overseas official health and vaccination evidence. AQCS uses the previous movement documents to assess re-import identity. Start the return plan before leaving India, rather than trying to reconstruct the original export at the end of the trip.
Official sources: AQCS: baggage, DGFT and re-import categories
Advance NOC and the newer arrival-clearance rule
CBIC Circular 07/2025 requires advance AQCS NOC and prior email notification of arrival date/time. It provides for final clearance at the entry port, round the clock. It lists airports at Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi, and airports or seaports at Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Confirm operational arrangements for the chosen port directly; some older web pages still show six stations or a routine later final-clearance visit.
Official sources: CBIC Circular 07/2025-Customs, 5 March 2025
Get the current health conditions in writing
Ask the arrival AQCS office which official overseas certificate, vaccine records, owner documents and authorisation apply to your category. Obtain the current form before the overseas vet appointment. A booking confirmation or private pet ID cannot replace government import permission.
Official sources: AQCS: baggage, DGFT and re-import categories
On arrival and after settling in
Carry the originals and advance clearance where the airline can inspect them. Keep the designated arrival contact and collection plan accessible offline.
After release, arrange a quiet handover, local veterinary follow-up when needed, and the destination municipality’s registration process. For another onward international trip, check that country separately; clearance into India does not authorise entry elsewhere.
Your document checklist
| Document | Who provides it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Category / licence decision | Customs, DGFT and AQCS as applicable | Confirm before committing to transport. |
| Advance NOC and arrival notification | Arrival AQCS office | Use the actual date, time and entry port. |
| Official overseas health and vaccination records | Exporting country’s authorised government system | Get the current Indian requirements first. |
| Earlier Indian export evidence, for re-import | Owner / earlier certifying authority | Keep the identity trail intact. |
Common questions
Can a holiday visitor use the relocation exemption?
Do not assume so. Ask the authorities to determine the applicable category, including any DGFT licence requirement.
Should I rely on an old checklist saying final clearance is always after 30 days?
Check the 2025 Customs circular and the arrival office’s current written instructions. The newer circular provides for final clearance at the entry port.
Want help putting the journey together?
Discuss your route, dates and pet’s needs with Anist.
Request a travel callbackSubmitting a request does not confirm a booking. Government clearance and carrier acceptance are separate.
