Preparing to leave Medellin with your pet? Whether you're a digital nomad, on vacation, or wrapping up a workcation, the process of exiting Colombia can seem daunting. But worry not, we're here to guide you through it. This article provides clear, concise information on Medellin's airport's exit requirements and procedures, ensuring you and your pet can embark on your next adventure without any hitches. Here's what you need to know to make your departure smooth and stress-free.
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Colombian Pet Export Regulations Overview
When planning your departure from Colombia with a pet, it's important to understand the regulations set by the Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA). The ICA's website provides detailed guidelines for exiting Colombia with dogs or cats, although it's worth noting that this information is exclusively in Spanish.
For those traveling to the United States with dogs or cats, the ICA offers specific requirements that must be met to comply with both Colombian and U.S. standards. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations is crucial for a hassle-free journey. It's advisable to review and prepare according to these guidelines well ahead of your travel date.
Step-by-Step Guide for Pet Owners
Step One: Give yourself enough time
Allocating adequate time to prepare your pet’s travel documents is crucial. An international health certificate for your pet is required and must be issued within five days of your flight. Considering that the Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA) office is closed on weekends, planning is essential.
We recommend visiting your veterinarian four days before departure to get the health certificate. Following this, visit the ICA office at least three days before your flight. This timeline is especially important to address potential errors or revisions in your paperwork.
Be particularly mindful if your travel plans fall on a weekend. The ICA’s non-operational days could affect the processing time of your documents, so ensuring you begin this process well in advance is key to a stress-free departure.
Step Two: Register as a pet exporter online
Before visiting the vet, you must register on the ICA website. In our experience, the site can be unreliable, occasionally crashing or being unavailable, so it's crucial to address this step right away.
To begin, register as an exporter with the ICA here. If you're not fluent in Spanish, use a translator. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with your username and password. Make sure to note these details down, as they will be needed for your vet appointment (detailed in step three).
Step Three: Veterinary requirements
Next, book an appointment with a vet who handles international health certificates. We used Centro Veterinario Bepet, but many veterinarians offer this service.
Aim for four days before your flight. When you go, take all your papers with you. The vet will use the ID you gave when registering on the ICA site (probably your passport) to find your account and add all the info. After that, your next move is to head to the ICA office by the Medellin airport. Bring your dog or cat, along with all the paperwork you've collected so far.
Remember, when leaving Colombia, your pet must have both internal and external parasite treatments — just as they needed to enter Colombia. It's important to time these treatments correctly, so discuss this with your vet during the appointment.
Step Four: Getting your documents at the ICA office
Let’s break down what you need to do at this stage. Bring your documents and your pet to the ICA office by the airport.
Location of the ICA office
The ICA office is located not in the main José María Córdova International Airport but in the adjacent Cargo airport. It's important not to confuse the two.
Getting to the office
There are several ways to get to the Cargo airport. If you're traveling with your dog or cat, they should be in a carrier if you take a bus. Alternatively, you can opt for an Uber or private driver for more convenience or comfort.
Finding the ICA Office
Once you get to the cargo airport, you'll need to find the ICA office.
Go past the doors and check in with security. You'll need to give your passport or other form of identification to enter.
Then, continue to the other building.
Go past the doors.
Continue straight.
Once you reach the other building, turn right and find the staircase. Go up the stairs to the second floor and continue straight down the hall. You'll pass many offices. Look for the ICA sign.
Once you find the ICA office, enter and wait to be called by a member of staff.
At the ICA office
When you find the office, present your documents to the staff. There will be a fee to process your paperwork, and it's important to note that they only accept card payments — cash is not an option. They will also scan your pet's microchip. Here's what your documents will look like:
After paying the fee and submitting your documents, you'll receive all the necessary paperwork for your pet's travel. And that's it – you're all set!
Step Four: Airport protocols with pets
Plan to arrive at the airport earlier than usual on your travel day. This extra time is helpful for the added steps involved with a pet. Keep your dog on a leash or in their carrier throughout the airport.
During the security check, you'll need to pass through the metal detector holding your pet, and their leash and harness must be removed. This step requires a bit of patience and care to ensure everything goes smoothly! Don't feel rushed; take your time.
Crucially, keep your pet's travel documents within easy reach. These documents are necessary upon arrival and may also be requested during check-in and before boarding. Enjoy your flight!
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