Import guide
Import a horse from South Africa to the USA
Quarantine length, CEM testing and permits for horses coming from South Africa, in plain English. We handle customs, USDA quarantine and delivery to your barn.
Quick answer
Horses from South Africa at a glance.
- USDA quarantine
- 60 days
- CEM testing
- Mares and stallions
- Import permit
- 7+ business days
- Health certificate
- Original on paper
Quarantine from South Africa
South Africa is an African horse sickness country, so USDA requires 60 days of quarantine at the New York Animal Import Center in Newburgh, the only center that accepts these horses.
CEM testing
South Africa is on USDA's list of CEM-affected countries. Mares and stallions over 2 years old (731 days) need CEM testing after the federal quarantine, and younger ones need it only if they were ever used for breeding. Geldings skip it.
How it works
From South Africa to your barn.
Your exporter in South Africa handles the flight. We handle the landing.
- 1
Papers abroad
Your exporter gets the original paper health certificate from South Africa'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 South Africa
How long is quarantine for a horse imported from South Africa?
South Africa is an African horse sickness country, so USDA requires 60 days of quarantine at the New York Animal Import Center in Newburgh, the only center that accepts these horses. 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 South Africa?
South Africa is on USDA's list of CEM-affected countries. Mares and stallions over 2 years old (731 days) need CEM testing after the federal quarantine, and younger ones need it only if they were ever used for breeding. Geldings skip it.
Do I need an import permit for a horse from South Africa?
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 South Africa.
Who arranges the flight from South Africa?
An exporter in South Africa 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 South Africa is the final word.