With Personal Pets for Overseas Travel

This page is for bona fide travellers or crew members who are importing personal pets in relation to overseas travel.

If you are importing pets for business purposes or part of a change of residence, this page does not apply. In that case do refer to Importing of Pets for Commercial Purpose (opens in new tab) or Importing Personal Pets as Part of a Change of Residence. (opens in new tab)

Importing Personal Pets for Overseas Travel

Bringing your pet into Singapore usually means paying Goods and Services Tax (GST). However, GST relief may apply in certain situations, such as when you are travelling temporarily with your pet.  

All pets must also meet animal health and licensing requirements (opens in new tab) regulated by the National Parks Board (NParks) Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens in new tab) prior to importation.

Non-Residents (Visitors or Crew Members) 

You may be granted GST relief if: 

• You own the pet 

• You are bringing the pet in to travel with you for the whole or part of the duration of your stay in Singapore.

• You will bring the pet out of Singapore when you leave 

• The pet is re-exported within 6 months 

If the pet is sold, disposed of or transferred locally, GST becomes payable.  

Singapore Residents Returning with Pets 

You may be granted GST relief if: 

• You own the pet

• Your pet originally came from or was previously imported into Singapore before its export

• The pet travelled overseas with you for the whole or part of the duration of your overseas travel

• You are bringing the same pet back after your trip 

What You Need to Do Before Arrival 

For all traveller scenarios: 

• Obtain NParks AVS' import and export approval 

• Complete the Application for GST Relief for Personal Pets (where there is overseas travel) (opens in new tab) form

• Submit your GST relief application at least 5 working days before arrival, together with the required supporting documents

Supporting Documents

Non-Residents (Visitors or Crew Members)

1. Copy of passport

2. Arrival and departure itinerary indicating the pet(s) is part of the hand-carry or checked-in baggage

3. NParks AVS’ pet import and export licences

4. Pet licence, vaccination record or purchase invoice

5. Bill of Lading, Air Waybill or Delivery Note (if imported/re-exported as manifested cargo)

Singapore Residents Returning with Pets

1. Copy of passport

2. Copy of NRIC/FIN

3. Arrival and departure itinerary indicating the pet(s) is part of the hand-carry or checked-in baggage

4. NParks AVS’ pet import and export licences

5. Pet licence, vaccination record or purchase invoice

6. Bill of Lading, Air Waybill or Delivery Note (if imported/re-exported as manifested cargo)

Outcome of application

• If approved:

You will receive an approval email on your successful GST relief application. You or your appointed pet agent must present the approval email and the relevant supporting documents to the checkpoint officers for the collection of the pets.

• If unsuccessful:

A Customs In-Payment (GST) permit must be obtained to pay GST before importing the pet.