Import guide
Import a horse from Mexico to the USA
Quarantine length, CEM testing and permits for horses coming from Mexico, in plain English. We handle customs, USDA quarantine and delivery to your barn.
Quick answer
Horses from Mexico at a glance.
- USDA quarantine
- 7+ days
- CEM testing
- Not required
- Import permit
- 7+ business days
- Health certificate
- Original on paper
Quarantine from Mexico
Mexico is on USDA's screwworm list and in a Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) region, so horses are quarantined at least 7 days. They also need an ivermectin treatment 3 to 5 days before export and an exam within 24 hours of shipping.
CEM testing
Mexico is not on USDA's list of CEM-affected countries. Per USDA, horses from CEM-free countries are released after the initial quarantine without further CEM testing.
How it works
From Mexico to your barn.
Your exporter in Mexico handles the flight. We handle the landing.
- 1
Papers abroad
Your exporter gets the original paper health certificate from Mexico's government vet, in the USDA format required since Oct 1, 2026.
- 2
We file the permit
We file the APHIS import permit at least 7 business days before shipping and book quarantine and port inspection at least 3 business days before arrival.
- 3
We meet the plane
We clear customs and USDA port inspection, then take your horse straight to the quarantine facility we booked.
- 4
Home
Once USDA releases your horse, we truck it from quarantine to your barn.
See the full guide, including where horses can land and the quarantine finder for every country.
FAQ
Importing from Mexico
How long is quarantine for a horse imported from Mexico?
Mexico is on USDA's screwworm list and in a Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) region, so horses are quarantined at least 7 days. They also need an ivermectin treatment 3 to 5 days before export and an exam within 24 hours of shipping. The length is set by USDA from where the horse has lived in the last 60 days, plus any country it passed through.
Does my mare or stallion need CEM testing coming from Mexico?
Mexico is not on USDA's list of CEM-affected countries. Per USDA, horses from CEM-free countries are released after the initial quarantine without further CEM testing.
Do I need an import permit for a horse from Mexico?
Yes. The APHIS import permit has to be filed at least 7 business days before shipping, and it is valid for 14 days. We file it for you. The horse also needs the original paper health certificate from the government vet in Mexico.
Who arranges the flight from Mexico?
An exporter in Mexico handles the health certificate, tests and flight. We can introduce a trusted exporter and send you their quote together with ours. We take over when the plane lands: customs, USDA quarantine and delivery to your barn.
Sources and last review
Last reviewed November 7, 2026. Rules change, and USDA's own page for Mexico is the final word.