Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone - I might be moving from the U.S. to the UK. I have two pet snakes (a yellow rat and a Brazilian rainbow boa) and have no idea how I could take them with me. Could they travel by plane, would they have to be shipped, who could do it, and how would I arrange it? I would be extremely grateful for advice and suggestions. You can email me at haraggan@hotmail.com.

Thanks very much!

Matt

Google search helps with permits required.
www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=US regulation export snake&btnG=Search

Do you have your permits? Good luck!

http://permits.fws.gov/faqs/FaqB.shtml

Do I need a permit to import or export my pet boa? All snakes in the Boidae family (boas, pythons) are listed in CITES Appendix I or II. Some are also listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA. Commonly held pets, such as the boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) [excluding the Argentine boa (B. c. occidentalis) which is listed in Appendix I], ball python (Python regius), and reticulated python (P. reticulatus), are listed in Appendix II. Check the lists to determine how the boa you own is protected. (If the species name is not individually listed on the CITES list, the species is listed in Appendix II.)

To export an Appendix-II species from the United States, you need a CITES permit. Click here for an application form. Contact the foreign country to meet its requirements.
To import an Appendix-II or Appendix-I pet snake into the United States, you need a CITES permit issued by the exporting country.
To import a snake listed in Appendix I you may also need a permit from us unless the foreign country has issued a CITES bred-in-captivity certificate. To import a snake listed under the ESA, you need a permit from us. Click here for an application form.
You must import or export your pet boa through a designated port unless you have received a port exception permit. You must notify the FWS wildlife inspection office at the port of entry or exit at least 48 hours in advance, present our declaration form to the wildlife inspectors, and receive clearance from us prior to export or at the time of import. We will validate any U.S. CITES permits during this clearance process.

_______the UK side of import_______
www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=UK regulation import snake&btnG=Search

http://tinyurl.com/4js2l

Importation to the UK of over 800 species of animals and plants is currently banned. Over 30,000 CITES-listed species from non-EU countries require both an import permit from DEFRA and an export permit from the CITES Management Authority of the exporting country. CITES is implemented throughout the European Union by EC Regulations. These often impose stricter measures than CITES and in some cases a certificate will be required from the exporting country. If you do not have the necessary permits you are liable for unlimited fines and/or imprisonment.

If you are travelling through a number of countries you may need an import and export permit for each country you travel through.

Every year UK Customs seizes several thousand animals, plants and wildlife products from travellers. Common examples include:
...
Live reptiles, birds and plants (eg American ginseng, orchids and cycads)
...
Some of these are banned from trade, others may be subject to strict licensing controls.

If you are unsure about whether you need a permit to import wildlife or wildlife products from abroad, check with DEFRA before you leave the UK. See http://www.ukcites.gov.uk. (E-mail: cites.ukma@defra.gsi.gov.uk; Tel: 44 (0) 117 372 8691/8168; Fax: 44 (0) 117 372 8373).

Shipping: World Courier **may** provide shipping for snakes.