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Entry into Japan with a monkey

1 Countries (regions) from which monkeys can be imported

Q:I would like to bring a monkey with me to Japan from abroad; what countries have been approved for the export of monkeys?

A:The areas from which Japan accept importation of monkeys are the following:*

*
United States of America
People's Republic of China
Republic of Indonesia
Republic of the Philippines
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Republic of Suriname

Importation of monkeys from areas other than this is prohibited.

2 Required documentation

Q:What sorts of certificates are required?

A:You will need a certificate issued by a government agency in the exporting country that contains details regarding the results of inspections in the exporting country, the inspection facilities and other information. Since the specific content of the certificate may differ depending on the country, please inquire at the Animal Quarantine Station in advance.

3 Vaccinations

Q:Are there any vaccinations that are necessary when bringing a monkey into Japan?

A:No, it will not be necessary. However, your monkey may become ill unexpectedly due to stress caused by airplane transport or changes in its environment. Therefore, please consult with your veterinarian regarding the advisability of receiving vaccinations.

4 Detention Inspection

Q:What sort of inspection is the detention inspection? Also why is it necessary to have such an inspection?

A:Detention inspection is an inspection that maintains monkeys in isolation for a fixed period at a detention facility (at an Animal Quarantine Station facility or facility designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) in order to confirm that they have not been infected with Ebola hemorrhagic fever or Marburg viral disease (hereafter called 'Ebola, etc.'). Since Ebola, etc., are infectious diseases that will cause illness and death in infected monkeys within a short period of time, the observation of monkeys through detention inspections is effective.

Q:At what sort of facilities are detention inspections conducted?

A:Quarantine facilities include Animal Quarantine Station facilities at Narita Airport and Kansai International Airport as well as facilities designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
These facilities furthermore meet strict standards to assure that they thoroughly capable of coping with any contingencies that may arise.

Q:Will I be able to see my monkey during the detention period?

A:Yes, you will be able to. Please contact the Animal Quarantine Station where your monkey is being detained.

Q:Will my monkey have to undergo an import quarantine inspection upon arrival in Japan even though I took it with me when I left Japan?

A:Monkeys that are taken from Japan to other countries will also be subjected, upon their return to Japan to the same import quarantine inspections as monkeys entering from other countries for the first time.

Q:Is there a possibility that the period of detention be shortened in the case of frail monkeys of young age, monkeys of advanced age and sensitive monkeys? Also, is it possible for such monkeys to undergo the detention inspection at home?

A:All monkeys brought into Japan from a foreign country, regardless of age, must undergo the quarantine inspection on entry. In addition, home quarantine is also not a possibility. In order to carry out the detention inspection at any facility other than official facilities of the Animal Quarantine Station, the facility must first meet certain facility standards.
These standards are very stringent since the relevant diseases are Ebola hemorrhagic fever and Marburg viral disease, both of which have an extremely strong impact on humans.

5 Cost of the quarantine inspection

Q:How much will the import quarantine inspection cost?

A:The inspection itself is free of charge; however, you will be liable for any costs incurred if you hire an outside company to take care of your monkey.

6 Consignment of care and management

Q:I will not be available myself to take care of my monkey during the detention period. Will I be able to hire someone to do this for me?

A:You may. Please consult with the Animal Quarantine Station where your monkey will be detained for inspection.

7 Transport

Q:Will it be impossible to receive an import quarantine inspection anywhere except Narita Airport and Kansai International Airport?

A:Yes, it will be impossible. Narita Airport and Kansai International Airport are the only ports where the entry of monkeys is permitted. It is not possible for you to bring monkeys into Japan through any other sea or airport.

Q:If I ship my monkey by air freight, what should I be careful of?

A:Please be sure that your monkey does not come into contact with any other monkey from the export quarantine facility in the exporting country to the airplane on which it is to be shipped. Since some airlines have set up detailed requirements regarding shipping crates, please inquire at the airlines that you intend to use.

Q:How will my monkey be stowed in an airplane? Also, how much will it cost?

A:Some airlines have set up detailed requirements regarding shipping crates, please inquire with the airline that you will be using.

8 Advance notification of importation

Q:Are there any documents that I will have to submit along with the advance notification?

A:Please obtain a notification form from the Animal Quarantine Station for the importation of monkeys and submit it after you have filled it out as much in detail as possible.

Q:Why is advance notification necessary?

A:The reason for advance notification is to make it possible for quarantine authorities to comprehend the conditions of availability of detention facilities and reservations and coordinate the location and time for the importation of the monkeys. Depending on the case, you may be asked to change your desired location and time of import.

Q:It suddenly became necessary for me to bring my monkey with me into Japan, even though I have not given the advance notification yet. Will it be possible for me to bring it into Japan?

A:It may be possible depending on the capacity of the detention facilities for monkeys. Please consult with the Animal Quarantine Station that you intend to report to.

Directory of Animal Quarantine Services (please contact the office where you intend to enter/leave the country or send your question by e-mail)

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