Import Permit & Paid Release Fees

An import permit must be issued before the pet travels. The permit is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Once import permit is issued, pet release fees are to be paid.

For cats and dogs residing in the UAE and returning back to the country, they must:

• have obtained a Export Permit from the Ministry before leaving the country;
• be accompanied by an authorized veterinary certificate issued by the competent authorities in the exporting country;
• and have been vaccinated against rabies before departure from the UAE, with that vaccination still valid on return.

If the vaccination is no longer valid, the animal will be treated under the conditions of a first import.

Quantity Limit for Personal Import

Personal import is allowed for no more than 2 cats, 2 dogs, or 1 dog and 1 cat per year, except for resident animals returning to the UAE.

Direct Shipment

Cats and dogs must be shipped directly from the exporting country. If the shipment passes through another country in transit, the pet must not mix with other pet animals during transit.

Parasite Treatment

The animal must receive preventive treatment for internal and external parasites during the 14 days prior to shipment, and this must be stated in the health certificate or passport.

Minimum Age

The minimum age for import is 12 weeks from low-risk countries and 15 weeks from high-risk countries. Vaccination must be given at an age of not less than 12 weeks.

Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Bulgaria, Caledonia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Finland, French Polynesia, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Palau, Portugal, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain (excluding Melilla), Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vanuatu

Rabies Titer Test for High-Risk Countries

The veterinary health certificate must be issued and signed by the competent government veterinary authority in the exporting country.

Veterinary Health Certificate from the Country of Origin

If the pet is imported from a high-risk country, a rabies antibody titration test certificate is required from an approved laboratory. The test result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. If the pet was vaccinated for rabies for the first time, or if vaccination continuity was interrupted, at least 21 days must pass after vaccination before testing. If the pet has a valid booster vaccination, the test may be done directly. The rabies test certificate remains valid for 365 days, provided the rabies vaccination remains valid and continuous.
No waiting time after this test is required.