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Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS)

Transhipping ornamental birds

How to tranship an ornamental bird

Last updated 27 August 2026

Use our live chat service (click the Ask AVS button on the bottom right) for real-time responses to questions related to imports, exports and permits of pets.

Your ornamental bird consignment can transit Singapore if you have an AVS-issued transhipment licence. Birds from bird-flu affected countries [PDF, 289.24 KB] (opens in new tab) are not allowed to transit Singapore.  

Applying for a transhipment licence 

Apply for and obtain an AVS-issued transhipment licence via GoBusiness Licensing Portal (opens in new tab) and upload the following documents: 

  •  A valid veterinary health certificate 

  • An import permit issued by the importing country (if required) 

Licence cost and validity

Type of licence  

  Cost and validity 

Licence to Import/Export/Tranship Non-Food Animals, Birds, Eggs, and Biologics (personal) (opens in new tab) 

• S$50 for normal service. Licence issuance will take place two working days after submission of all completed documents. 
• S$100 for express service. Licence issuance will take place one working day after submission of all completed documents. 

 
This licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Each licence allows you to transship up to five ornamental birds.

Making an appointment for transhipment inspection and accommodation at CAPQ 

If your ornamental bird consignment is transiting Singapore for more than six hours during the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station’s (CAPQ) operating hours and requires accommodation there, it must undergo inspection. Pet owners, agents, or representatives are required to book an inspection appointment via the eservices - National Parks Board (NParks) (opens in new tab) at least five days before your consignment’s arrival.  

Bringing your ornamental birds for inspection without making a prior appointment will subject you to an inspection fee of S$133 per hour or part thereof. This inspection fee is charged separately from the S$26.25 accommodation fee. 

What happens during transhipment 

If your consignment of birds is transiting/transhipping Singapore via air, your animals will be kept in the airline’s animal holding area prior to loading on the connecting flight. Your pet may be subject to inspection by AVS during transhipment. You will be informed if an inspection is required.