Importing or exporting horses
How to import, export, or transship horses
Last updated 23 February 2026
Generally, horses are imported into, exported out of, or transhipped via Singapore for racing, polo, or equestrian events.
Importing horses
Follow the steps below if you intend to import horses.
1. Ensure that the horse fulfils our veterinary conditions for import.
The veterinary conditions for import of horses are listed below.
2. Apply for an AVS-issued import licence.
Apply for and obtain an AVS-issued import licence via GoBusiness Licensing Portal if you want to bring horses into Singapore. This licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Licence cost and validity
Type of licence | Cost and validity |
This licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Each licence is valid for export of one consignment only. |
The following documents must be included in your application.
Mandatory document for all applications:
Equine influenza vaccination records (including name of vaccine, date of administration, and dose)
The following documents are not required during import licence applications. However the documents (if applicable) must be presented to AVS for documentation checks and veterinary inspection.
Vaccination records for:
Venezuelan, Eastern, and Western equine encephalitis
Rabies
Laboratory test results for:
Contagious equine metritis
Equine infectious anaemia
Equine viral arteritis
Trypanosomiasis
Piroplasmosis
Hendra
Nipah
3. Obtain a veterinary health certificate and an equine passport.
You are required to produce a veterinary health certificate confirming that your horse fulfils the veterinary conditions for import, and is healthy and free from any contagious or infectious disease prior to import.
Each imported horse is also required that to have an equine passport, which contains the horse’s silhouette and updated vaccination records.
Step 1: Download and print out the veterinary health certificate template attached in the relevant veterinary conditions for import form.
Import of horses from all countries except the Republic of South Africa [PDF, 186KB]
Import of horses from the Republic of South Africa [PDF, 207KB]
Returning Singapore horses after racing/competition [PDF, 225KB]
Step 2: Have your licensed private veterinarian complete the veterinary health certificate template and provide you with the equine passport. The passport must contain the horse’s silhouette and updated vaccination records.
Step 3: Have the completed veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country’s government veterinarian.
4. At least 5 days before arrival, book an inspection appointment for your horse.
Horses are subject to inspection.
You can book an inspection appointment via this link. Please submit your appointment request at least five days before your consignment’s arrival.
Bringing animals for inspection without making an appointment will subject you to an inspection fee of S$133 per hour or part thereof.
5. Obtain a master’s/captain’s declaration.
Your horse must be accompanied by a declaration signed by the master of the ship or the captain of the aircraft. Download and print the declaration template in the relevant veterinary conditions for import form.
6. Undergo veterinary inspection upon arrival.
Upon arrival at the port of disembarkation in Singapore, your horse will undergo inspection by our veterinary officer.
The officer will also examine and verify that the following accompanying documents are in order:
AVS-issued import licence
Equine passport
Original veterinary health certificate
Original laboratory test reports
Master’s/captain’s declaration
If your horse is found to be healthy and the documents are in order, it will be transported to the Singapore Equine Quarantine Station (SEQS) for a minimum 14-day quarantine.
Exporting horses
Follow the steps below if you intend to export horses.
1. Check the destination country’s import requirements.
Find out what the import requirements of the destination country are. Some countries mandate that a veterinary health certificate is a condition for entry.
Information on import requirements can be obtained from the website of the destination country’s relevant government authority.
2. Apply for an AVS-issued export licence.
Apply for and obtain an AVS-issued export licence via GoBusiness Licensing Portal. This licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Licence cost and validity
Type of licence | Cost and validity |
This licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Each licence is valid for export of one consignment only. |
3. Obtain a veterinary health certificate.
This step only applies to you if the destination country mandates that a veterinary health certificate is a condition for entry.
Health certificate requirements differ with each destination country.
Some countries require that a veterinary health certificate be issued by a licensed private veterinarian. The statements needed on the certificate, as well as the certificate’s validity period, will depend on the destination country’s import conditions.
Other countries require that the veterinary health certificate be issued or endorsed by a government veterinarian (i.e. from us). You can apply for and obtain an AVS-issued veterinary health certificate via GoBusiness Licensing Portal.
The following documents must be included in your application:
Template of the veterinary health certificate required by the destination country
Pre-export quarantine or isolation records certified by your licensed private veterinarian
Laboratory test results
AVS-issued export licence
A government veterinarian will need to inspect the horses prior to issuance of the AVS-issued veterinary health certificate.
Transshipping horses
Transshipping horses via Singapore is allowed if you have an AVS-issued transshipment licence.
How to apply for an AVS-issued transshipment licence
Prepare the following documents in soft copy:
A valid veterinary health certificate from the exporting country.
An import permit issued by the importing country (if applicable).
Apply for and obtain the transshipment licence via GoBusiness Licensing Portal, and upload these documents along with your application.
Licence cost and validity
Type of licence | Cost and validity |
This licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Each licence is valid for export of one consignment only. |
What happens during transshipment
Travel by air
During transshipment, horses will be kept in the airline’s animal holding area prior to loading on the connecting flight. Your consignment may be subject to inspection by AVS during transhipment. You will be informed if an inspection is required.
Please make the necessary arrangements with the airlines and ground handling agent prior to the transshipment.
Travel by land
Inform the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station (CAPQ) office of your consignment’s planned arrival date five days before the actual arrival if your transshipment is by land (i.e. between Singapore and Malaysia).
Horses transiting Singapore by land may need to be escorted from the port of entry to the port of departure. Please contact us for further information.