If you’re planning a vacation to Mexico with your dog, please note that beginning on August 3, 2026, dogs traveling from the United States to Mexico will be required to have a New World Screwworm (NWS) inspection certificate.
The certificate must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
The certificate must be issued no more than 5 days before export.
This requirement applies to pet dogs and pet birds** only.
This requirement applies to ALL dogs (including service dogs and ESAs.)
This requirement applies to dogs traveling by any mode of transport.
This requirement does NOT apply to pet cats at this time.
Do not wait until the last minute to get your certificate! USDA-accredited veterinarians who handle international pet travel certificates often have limited appointment availability, and this certificate has a strict timing requirement.
Also note that as of December 2019, the government of Mexico does NOT require a health certificate (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) for pet dogs or cats that are traveling to Mexico from the USA or Canada – HOWEVER, if you are traveling by air, your airline may require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection whether your dog or cat is traveling with you in the airplane cabin or traveling in the baggage / cargo hold. You should check with your airline to determine what they require for pet passengers. The health certificate / CVI (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) is a separate and unique document from the NWS Inspection Certificate.
IN ADDITION: if you will be returning to the USA from Mexico with your dog, the dog must meet USDA-APHIS requirements for screwworm freedom certification upon entry (re-entry) to the USA. This certificate can only be issued by a vet in Mexico with the official authority to do so (certified and authorized by SENASICA, the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria), and the certificate must be obtained no more than 5 days before your dog returns to the United States. (This requirement has been in effect since November 22, 2024.)
Additional information can be found on the APHIS Dog Import website at https://bit.ly/4yDXROS
More information about screwworm can be found at https://bit.ly/4bbLvUl
A list of veterinarians in Mexico who are authorized to issue screwworm certificates for dogs traveling to the USA can be found at this link: https://bit.ly/4wdhsnA
**Additional import requirements apply to pet birds, including a CVI**