Travel permits

To travel with protected pets, circus animals, specimens from travelling exhibitions and musical instruments made from protected animal or plant species, certain species conservation rules apply. Find out when travel permits are necessary and how to apply for one.

CITES travel permits for multiple border crossings

For travel with protected pets, circus animals, specimens from travelling exhibitions and musical instruments, the FSVO issues CITES travel permits for multiple border crossings.

When (re-)importing into Switzerland with a valid travel permit, the protected species inspection, the corresponding fee, and the import permit requirement do not apply. This is on the condition that the legal origin of the specimen is documented and the holder has their residence or place of business in Switzerland.

The travel permits described below are only valid if they are personally signed by the holder, are valid for three years and cost CHF 50. They cannot be used for the definitive import into another country.

Certificate of ownership

A certificate of ownership allows you to travel across the border more simply with CITES-listed pets.

• Holidays outside Switzerland

  For holidays or short stays in the EU with private pets that are subject to CITES legislation, the FSVO issues a certificate of ownership on request. The animal's owner (or a person authorised by the owner) must have the certificate stamped by the export and import customs authority every time a border is crossed with the animal.

  In order for a certificate of ownership to be issued for animals listed in CITES Appendices I-III, the animals must be individually identified, for example with a microchip or closed leg band.

  Email the completed and signed application form to:

  [e-mail]

  Documents:

  • Application form for Certificate of Ownership (not for dogs and cats) (in French)

    Word346.07 kB16 June 2026

  • Instructions for completing the application form for a certificate of ownnership (not for dogs and cats) (in French)

    PDF70.74 kB16 June 2026

  For travel in the EU, an equivalent EU certificate of ownership is required. This is issued by the CITES authority in the first EU country of destination. You need to order this in good time before leaving Switzerland.

• Holidays in Switzerland

  For holidays or short stays in Switzerland, a certificate of ownership from the competent species protection authority in the country of origin will suffice. No additional certificate of ownership from the FSVO is required. This certificate of ownership must be stamped by the export and import customs post every time the border is crossed.

Musical instrument certificate

To travel with musical instruments that comprise parts or materials made from CITES-listed animal or plant species, specific species conservation rules apply. Depending on the instrument and material, different regulations apply.

• Musical instrument certificate for travel with musical instruments

  Importing musical instruments consisting of parts or materials made from animal or plant species that are listed in CITES Appendices I-III requires a permit and inspection.

  For holidays or short stays abroad, the FSVO can issue a musical instrument certificate on request. This certificate exempts the holder from declaration and inspection obligations. The conditions for this are:

  • The holder is resident in Switzerland
  • The instrument is taken abroad for concerts, recordings, competitions or similar
  • The instrument is clearly identifiable
  • The instrument is carried in the luggage
  • The instrument is not being sold

  Email the completed and signed application form, including available photos, to:

  [e-mail]

  Documents:

  • Application form for musical instrument certificate

    Word342.15 kB16 June 2026

  • Instructions for application for musical instrument certificate

    PDF74.52 kB16 June 2026

  The musical instrument certificate must be presented to customs only upon request.

• Exemptions for certain wood species

  For several CITES-listed wood species, exemptions apply to the CITES obligations for finished:

  • Musical instruments
  • Musical instrument parts
  • Musical instrument accessories

  They include Dalbergia spp. (with the exception of Dalbergia nigra) and Guibourtia spp. Such instruments can be imported without CITES documents, without inspections and without a musical instrument certificate.

  The FSVO does not issue negative certificates (non-CITES certificates).

Travelling-exhibition certificate

Travelling exhibition certificates can be issued for circus animals and specimens from travelling exhibitions, provided the conditions under Article 13 VCITES are met.

The certificates must be stamped by the export and import customs post every time the border is crossed.

Email the completed and signed application form to:

[e-mail]

Either the application form for the certificate of ownership or the one for the musical instrument certificate can be used.

Documents:

• Application form for Certificate of Ownership (not for dogs and cats) (in French)

  Word346.07 kB16 June 2026

• Instructions for completing the application form for a certificate of ownnership (not for dogs and cats) (in French)

  PDF70.74 kB16 June 2026

• Application form for musical instrument certificate

  Word342.15 kB16 June 2026

• Instructions for application for musical instrument certificate

  PDF74.52 kB16 June 2026

More information

CITES: Appendices I, II and III

Art. 13 VCITES: FSVO certificates for multiple border crossings (FR, DE and IT only)