How Can I Tell What Species I Have?

To determine whether these regulations apply to your pet bird, you will first need to determine its scientific name (genus and species) as wildlife protections are designated at the species level. For example, the scientific name of the monk parakeet is genus Myiopsitta, species monachus. Ask your veterinarian to help you determine what type of bird you have; you may also be able to find the scientific name online. Once you know the scientific name you can search whether your pet bird species is listed under CITES at the Species Plus website. Unless the species is listed in the table at the end of this webpage, any CITES listed species is also listed under the WBCA. You can learn whether your pet bird species is listed under the ESA at the Service’s Endangered Species Program website.

If you are unsure whether these regulations apply to you, contact the Service’s Division of Management Authority, Branch of Permits at managementauthority@fws.gov.

Crossing the United States Border with Your Pet Bird: Inspections at a Designated Port

All wildlife imported or exported from the U.S. for any purpose must be inspected by a Wildlife Inspector from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement prior to import or export (including species not listed under CITES or WBCA). Wildlife Inspectors are stationed at offices called "Designated Ports" at certain border crossings and airports to perform these inspections by appointment. Review the list of Designated Ports prior to arranging your travel plans or applying for a permit.

Once you have obtained all necessary permits and authorizations and are ready to travel, contact the Wildlife Inspector at the appropriate Port at least 72 hours in advance to make an appointment for the inspection and clearance of your pet. Complete a Declaration Form 3-177 prior to your appointment. At the appointment you will present your pet, your permits, the Declaration form 3-177, and any other required documentation for inspection. Contact a Wildlife Inspector to discuss questions about this process.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA – APHIS)

Contact USDA-APHIS to determine their quarantine and health certificate requirements for import and export. Visit their website or call the National Import Export Services (NIES) Call Center: 301-851-3300. 

Permit applications (Form 3-200) and any other information you may need are available from the Division of Management Authority, Branch of Permits website. Contact the Branch of Permits with questions at managementauthority@fws.gov.

There are four permit types described below. If you are unsure about what permit type applies to your pet bird or your activities, contact the Service’s Division of Management Authority, Branch of Permits at managementauthority@fws.gov .

WBCA / CITES Single Use Import Permit (3-200-46):

This permit type authorizes a single border crossing into the United States under the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA) (and CITES for Appendix I species) and remains valid for one year. Learn more.

CITES / WBCA Single Use Export Permit (3-200-46):

This permit type authorizes a single border crossing out of the United States under CITES and also includes a re-import authorization under the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA). The one-time CITES authorization remains valid for six months, but as long as you maintain a copy of the cleared permit the one-time WBCA re-import authorization will not expire and may be used at a later date. Learn more.

CITES / WBCA Pet Passport (3-200-64):

This permit type is for U.S. Residents and authorizes multiple border crossings out of and back into the United States under CITES and the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA). It remains valid for three years. Learn more.

WBCA / CITES 3 Year Multiple Use Import Permit (3-200-46):

This permit type is for residents of foreign countries who have a pet passport from their home country and authorizes multiple imports under the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA) (and CITES for Appendix I species). Learn more.

ESA Listed Species:

Additional restrictions may apply for endangered or threatened species. For details on allowable activities with species listed under the Endangered Species Act, visit the Endangered Species Program’s parrot FAQ page.

Foreign Country Requirements

Be sure to check with the countries you are traveling to for their requirements. Import or export permits may be required under CITES, and other countries also have domestic laws and quarantine requirements for the import and export of protected wildlife. Contact information for foreign country CITES Offices is available at the CITES website.
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If your pet bird was acquired outside the United States and you have resided outside the United States for 12 consecutive months, you may import a maximum of two pet birds per person, per year. To ensure that you can bring your pet bird into the United States, remember to take the following steps prior to firming up your travel plans (see above for details):

1. For bird imports, obtain documented evidence that you have resided outside the United States continuously for a minimum of 1 year.
2. Obtain documented evidence that each bird was acquired legally.
3. Select a Designated Port for wildlife import/ export (or if not using a Designated Port, submit application form 3-200-2 to apply for a Designated Port Exception); you will report this on permit application forms and this may influence your travel plans.
4. Apply for CITES permits or other authorizations from the foreign country.
5. Apply for a permit from the Service’s Division of Management Authority, Branch of Permits. Instructions are on the application form. Applications must be received at least 60 days in advance of anticipated travel.
6. Discuss import/ export requirements with USDA - APHIS.
7. Complete a Declaration Form 3-177 and arrange a clearance inspection at a Designated Port at least 72 hours prior to your anticipated travel. At the clearance appointment, have your CITES / WBCA permit(s) validated by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife Inspector. Ask for copies of cleared and validated documentation, and keep them in a permanent file. Copies of documentation will be required if you wish apply for a permit to travel with your pet in the future. Take a copy of your validated permit with you.
8. Take a copy of your validated permit with you. The CITES export permit may include a WBCA reimport authorization. This copy must be presented when you re-enter the United States with your pet.

Note: The WBCA restricts the number of pet birds individuals may import into the United States annually.  However, if your bird is one of the following approved captive-bred species you do not need a WBCA permit to import your pet (CITES and ESA permit requirements still apply).

*ESA listed