Intercontinental Moving

Moving is overrated and only exciting once it is done. Moving to a different continent (Atlanta to Nairobi) is unique and hardly a process that I would sanely recommend to anyone...but here I am doing it! It would have been so easy if it was just me and 2 pieces of checked luggage but no, I had to be attached to my stuff and my fiery cat, Joi. Needless to say, there are some things that I had to become very familiar with such as shipping companies, pet import licenses, temperature Embargos...yikes.

Airfare Tickets:
Shopping for and buying your tickets in advance will ensure that you get the most competitive airfare. Ask around and find out if any of your friends have a wholesale travel agent that they have dealt with before. These travel agents normally have the lowest tickets and you do not necessarily have to buy your ticket in advance. If you wanted a ticket for the next day, they can get you one (at that lowest price) as long as there is space on that flight! I used Loise Sauer, who was recommended to me by a friend. Loise is easy to talk to and will definitely find you the cheapest tickets around! Her number is 305-439-0390.

Shipping:
If you decide to ship your belongings to Kenya, please research your shipper and ensure that the company meets all of your requirements. I used Shipping Logistics but I am not endorsing the shipper so if you decide to use this company understand that you are doing it on your own recognizance. The process is loosely described below:

1. I purchased Extra Large boxes (l got mine at U-haul), tape, bubble wrap, etc and packed all my boxes
2. Labeled all sides of my boxes with a sharpie and numbered the boxes (helps when you are clearing the stuff in Kenya)
3. Shipping company came to my house and picked up all my boxes. In addition, they shrink wrapped all my big items (appliances, sofas, beds)
4. Shipping company detailed my shipment on an invoice and gave me a copy for my records

When my shipment gets to Kenya, I will definitely have a post to review the shipper on shipping integrity, tracking method, damages, clearing costs, etc

Pet Importation:
The government of Kenya is a pet friendly country which means that your pet will NOT be quarantined nor is a microchip a requirement (all European Union Member countries require this). However, before you and your furry friend can travel, you need to do the following to build your Pet Passport:

1. Current Health Certificate from the Veterinary Doctor - The pet must be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days prior to travel to Kenya and not more than 12 months prior to travel. Rabies vaccination is not required for Dogs and Cats entering from a rabies free country such as the United Kingdom. DHPP vaccination is also required. The veterinarian is certifying that that the pet is healthy, free of parasites and that there is no evidence of diseases communicable to humans. .
2. Kenya then requires that you send them an Import Permit Application (The Embassy website did not have any forms attached so I Googled and found this and other vet forms at Pet Travel Store) along with a processing fee of $50.00 US. Money Order or Cash only, payable to Kenya Embassy (for other countries, please check with your Embassy). Include a return self addressed prepaid envelope (FedEx, USPS, DHL, etc) - they promise to send your permit back to you in a few days. I just sent mine a couple of days ago so I will keep you posted on the turnaround time.
3. Five (5) days or less prior to entering Kenya, the vet must complete the APHIS form (USDA Form 7001). Vets normally have this form and I have been informed that Kenya (or other country) may not require it, however the USDA export officer at the airport or the airline may require it. The vet must complete this and send to USDA for a valid stamp. There is a $24.oo charge for this and you must also send a return self addressed prepaid envelope.
4. Kennel Requirements - check with your particular airline to make sure you are adhering to their standards on the type and size of kennels that are acceptable. Here is an example of the information as posted on the Northwest/KLM website.
   
5. Day of Travel - Pet(s) CANNOT be sedated/tranquilized, etc. If you are traveling in the summer, make sure you understand the "Summer Travel Embargo" - these are temperature restrictions that may be prevent your pet from traveling with you if the temperatures are too cold/hot. Check with your airline. Here is an example from Northwest/KLM.