Pet Travel Requirements

Flag of Saudi Arabia

Pet Travel: Transporting Dogs and Cats to and from Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia requires an import permit from MEWA and restricts dog imports to specific categories, with no quarantine if documentation is complete.

1

UK to Saudi Arabia: Transporting Dogs and Cats

Transporting your dog or cat from the UK to Saudi Arabia requires careful planning to meet all specific import regulations.

  • Microchip: An ISO 11784/11785 microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
  • Rabies: A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required, administered at least 30 days and no more than 6 months before travel.
  • Import Permit: You must obtain a mandatory import permit from the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, which is valid for 30 days.
  • Health Certificate: An official health certificate endorsed by the UK government veterinary authority is required for entry.
  • Restrictions: Dogs are restricted to working, guard, hunting, or guide animals, and a maximum of two dogs and two cats per person is allowed.
  • Arrival: Pets must be transported in accordance with IATA standards and will be checked against documentation upon arrival at the airport.
  • Guidance: Rules change frequently, so please confirm all current requirements with your vet and the official authorities on both sides before you travel.
2

Saudi Arabia to the UK: Bringing Pets to Great Britain

Bringing your dog or cat from Saudi Arabia into Great Britain involves meeting strict health and documentation standards for non-listed countries.

  • Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped before receiving their rabies vaccination to ensure proper identification.
  • Rabies: A valid rabies vaccination is required, followed by a blood sample drawn at least 30 days after vaccination.
  • Blood Test: A rabies antibody titration test must be performed at an approved laboratory, followed by a mandatory three-month wait before entry.
  • Health Certificate: You must provide an official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the competent authority in Saudi Arabia.
  • Tapeworm: Dogs must receive a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before their scheduled arrival in Great Britain.
  • Quarantine: A compliant pet that meets all documentation and health requirements will not be subject to quarantine upon arrival.
  • Guidance: Regulations are subject to change, so always verify the latest entry procedures with your vet and the relevant government authorities before departure.
3

EU to Saudi Arabia: Exporting Pets from the European Union

Travelling from the EU to Saudi Arabia requires following specific export protocols as Saudi Arabia is a non-EU country.

  • Export Certificate: You must obtain an EU export health certificate issued by an official veterinarian in your country of residence.
  • Import Permit: A valid import permit from the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture is mandatory for all pet arrivals.
  • Microchip: Your pet must be identified with an ISO-compliant microchip before any required vaccinations are administered.
  • Rabies: A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required, ensuring the pet is protected according to Saudi import standards.
  • Documentation: Ensure all original veterinary records, including the health certificate and vaccination history, accompany the pet during transit.
  • Carrier Rules: Check with your chosen airline regarding their specific requirements for pet transport and kennel standards.
  • Guidance: As international pet travel rules change, please confirm all requirements with your vet and the official authorities on both sides before you travel.

Pet travel rules change without notice. Always confirm the current requirements with your vet and the authorities in Saudi Arabia before you book, and check the rules for bringing your pet back into the UK.

Transporting a pet to Saudi Arabia?

Door-to-door collection, paperwork checks before departure and a fixed price confirmed in writing.