How much does it cost to ship frozen embryos to South Africa?
South African routes are quoted one at a time. The starting point is our rate for other international lanes, shown below. The final price depends on the departure city, the flights and the clinics.
| Route | Examples | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| US to South Africa | Houston to Johannesburg or Cape Town | From $4,500 |
Prices are in US dollars and cover the courier, flights, a charged dry vapour shipper and the chain of custody paperwork. Import permits and clinic fees are separate.
Long flights and connections add to the price, as does any waiting time for the clinics. Tell us the sending city, the receiving city and a rough date.
Can I ship frozen embryos to South Africa?
Yes. The US clinic releases the embryos, the courier flies with the shipper in the cabin, and the clinic in South Africa accepts them. South Africa has its own rules for importing embryos, and the receiving clinic normally handles the application. We coordinate with the clinic and plan the trip around it. We do not file permits for clinics.
The clinics hold the embryos and handle release and import paperwork. We coordinate the transport and the handover, and we tell you what the receiving clinic says it needs so nothing surprises you on arrival.
How a transfer to Johannesburg or Cape Town runs
- Step 1
Release
The US clinic confirms the release date and prepares the straws or canes.
- Step 2
Pickup
Our courier collects, checks the ID list and signs the chain of custody form.
- Step 3
Seal
The charged dry vapour shipper is sealed and the seal number is recorded.
- Step 4
Fly
The courier flies with the shipper in the cabin, usually with a connection, and keeps a temperature log for the whole trip.
- Step 5
Handover
The clinic in Johannesburg checks the seal and contents, and both sides sign.
Security at the airport is handled with a do-not-X-ray letter. See our no X-ray protocol.
Shipping embryos from South Africa to the USA
Shipping embryos out of South Africa takes more paperwork than shipping them in. South African law needs an export permit from the National Department of Health and, for embryos, written approval from the Minister of Health. The 2012 permit rules also contain a clause that may limit exports to southern African countries, and it is not yet clear whether it applies to a patient's own embryos. Your South African clinic applies for the permit, so ask them first whether they have sent embryos to the USA before. Tell us both clinics and your dates and we will plan the trip around their answer.
The US side is covered in our guide to US customs entry for embryo imports.
Questions about shipping embryos to South Africa
How much does it cost to ship frozen embryos to South Africa?
South Africa is quoted one route at a time, starting from our international rate in the table above. We reply within 24 hours with whether we can take it and the price.
Can I ship frozen embryos to South Africa?
Yes, with a courier and the receiving clinic's agreement. The clinic tells us what it needs and files what has to be filed. We coordinate the transport and the handover.
Is there a courier for embryos in Johannesburg or Cape Town?
We take South African routes case by case. Your quote says whether we fly it ourselves or a verified partner does, and the partner is named before you agree to anything.
Can I ship embryos from South Africa to the USA?
Possibly, but check with your South African clinic first. Exporting embryos needs a Department of Health permit and the Minister's written approval, and one clause in the 2012 rules may limit exports to southern African countries. The clinic applies for the permit. Once they have it, a courier carries the embryos and the US clinic accepts them with a customs entry.
How long does it take to ship frozen embryos to South Africa?
Travel is usually a few days once both clinics have released and accepted the material. Most of the time goes on paperwork before the courier leaves, so start early.
Is it safe to ship frozen embryos on a long flight?
Yes, when it is done properly. A dry vapour shipper holds embryos at liquid nitrogen vapour temperatures, and the courier stays with it throughout.
More on shipping to Africa
We take South Africa routes case by case. Your quote says whether we fly it ourselves or a verified partner does, and the partner is named before you agree to anything.