Saudi Arabia Pet Import Requirements: How to bring a pet to Saudi Arabia in 2026

• Facebook
• Reddit
• X

Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026

Complete Guide to Importing Pets into Saudi Arabia

Planning to relocate to Saudi Arabia with your beloved pet? This comprehensive guide covers all requirements for importing cats, dogs, ferrets, rodents, reptiles, rabbits, and birds into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA).

General Import Requirements for All Pets

Essential Documentation Checklist

All pets entering Saudi Arabia require:

• Import Permit – Obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) before travel
• Health Certificate – Official veterinary health certificate issued by a government-authorized veterinarian in the country of origin (issued within 10 days of travel)
• Vaccination Records – Complete and up-to-date vaccination history
• Microchip – ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip implanted before rabies vaccination
• Certificate of Origin – Document confirming the pet’s country of origin
• Owner Identification – Valid passport and residency permit (Iqama) or visa

Approved Entry Points

• Pets may only enter Saudi Arabia through:
• King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
• King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)
• King Fahd International Airport (Dammam)

—

Importing Dogs into Saudi Arabia

Documentation Requirements

• Import permit from MEWA (mandatory) 
• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant) 
• Rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before travel, valid for one year) 
• Rabies antibody titer test (required – minimum 0.5 IU/ml) 
• Health certificate (within 10 days of departure) 
• Veterinary examination (within 48 hours of travel)

Age Requirements

• Puppies must be at least 4 months old to enter Saudi Arabia
• Must be old enough to complete rabies vaccination and titer test

Prohibited Dog Breeds

The following breeds are BANNED in Saudi Arabia:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Bulldog
• Rottweiler
• Doberman Pinscher
• Argentine Dogo
• Fila Brasileiro
• Tosa Inu
• All wolf-dog hybrids
• Any mixed breeds containing the above

Quarantine Requirements

• No mandatory quarantine if all requirements are met
• Pets may be subject to inspection and temporary hold at the port of entry
• Non-compliant animals may face quarantine or deportation

—

Importing Cats into Saudi Arabia

• Documentation Requirements
• Import permit from MEWA (mandatory) 
• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant) 
• Rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel, valid for one year) 
• Rabies antibody titer test (required – minimum 0.5 IU/ml) 
• Health certificate (within 10 days of departure) 
• Veterinary examination (within 48 hours of travel)

Age Requirements

• Kittens must be at least 4 months old
• Must complete vaccination protocol before travel

Breed Restrictions

• No breed restrictions for cats
• All cat breeds accepted if requirements are met

Quarantine Requirements

• No mandatory quarantine with proper documentation
• Inspection at port of entry required
• Veterinary clearance needed before release

—

Importing Ferrets into Saudi Arabia

Documentation Requirements

• Import permit from MEWA (mandatory) 
• Microchip (recommended) 
• Rabies vaccination (required if available in country of origin) 
• Health certificate (within 10 days of departure) 
• Veterinary examination certificate

Age Requirements

• Minimum 12 weeks old
• Must be weaned and healthy

Quarantine Requirements

• Case-by-case assessment at port of entry
• Possible temporary quarantine for inspection
• Duration: typically 24-48 hours if compliant

—

Importing Rodents into Saudi Arabia (Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Rats, Mice)

Documentation Requirements

• Import permit from MEWA (required) 
• Health certificate (within 10 days of travel) 
• Veterinary inspection certificate 
• Proof of captive breeding (wild-caught animals prohibited) 

⚠️ No rabies vaccination required

Age Requirements

• Must be at least 8 weeks old
• Fully weaned from mother

Species Restrictions

Permitted rodents:

• Domestic hamsters (Syrian, Dwarf varieties)
• Guinea pigs
• Chinchillas
• Domestic rats and mice (pet varieties)
• Gerbils

Prohibited:

• Wild rodents
• Prairie dogs
• Squirrels (most species)

Quarantine Requirements

• Inspection quarantine: 24-72 hours
• Home quarantine may be required
• Must be kept in secure, escape-proof enclosures

—

Importing Rabbits into Saudi Arabia

Documentation Requirements

• Import permit from MEWA (mandatory) 
• Microchip (recommended for valuable breeds) 
• Vaccination certificate (Myxomatosis and Viral Hemorrhagic Disease) 
• Health certificate (within 10 days of departure) 
• Veterinary examination (within 48 hours of travel) 

⚠️ Rabies vaccination not required but recommended

Age Requirements

• Minimum 12 weeks old
• Must be fully weaned

Quarantine Requirements

• No mandatory quarantine with proper documentation
• Veterinary inspection at entry point
• Possible 24-48 hour observation period

—

Importing Reptiles into Saudi Arabia (Turtles, Lizards, Snakes)

Documentation Requirements

• Import permit from MEWA (mandatory – often difficult to obtain) 
• CITES permit (for endangered or protected species) 
• Health certificate (within 30 days of travel) 
• Species identification certificate 
• Proof of legal acquisition 
• Veterinary health inspection

Prohibited Reptiles

STRICTLY BANNED:

• All venomous snakes
• Large constrictors (pythons over 3 meters, anacondas)
• Crocodilians (alligators, crocodiles, caimans)
• Komodo dragons
• Native Saudi Arabian species
• Endangered species without CITES permits

Permitted Reptiles (with restrictions)

• Non-venomous pet snakes (corn snakes, ball pythons under 3m)
• Bearded dragons
• Leopard geckos
• Non-native turtle species (not sea turtles)
• Tortoises (certain species)

Age Requirements

• No specific age requirement
• Must be healthy and eating independently

Quarantine Requirements

• Mandatory inspection quarantine: 7-14 days
• MEWA facility or approved veterinary clinic
• Health monitoring and parasite screening required

—

Importing Birds into Saudi Arabia

Documentation Requirements

• Import permit from MEWA (mandatory) 
• Health certificate (within 7 days of travel) 
• Avian influenza test (negative result within 7 days) 
• Newcastle disease vaccination (required for poultry-type birds) 
• CITES permit (for protected species like parrots) 
• Microchip or closed leg band (for valuable birds) 
• Veterinary examination certificate

Prohibited Birds

BANNED species:

• Birds of prey (falcons, hawks, eagles) without special permits
• Native Saudi Arabian wild birds
• Endangered species without CITES documentation
• Pigeons (restricted due to disease concerns)

Permitted Birds

• Parrots (with CITES)
• Budgerigars
• Cockatiels
• Canaries
• Finches
• Love birds
• Domestic poultry (chickens, ducks) with strict requirements

Age Requirements

• Must be fully feathered and weaned
• Typically at least 8-12 weeks old depending on species

Quarantine Requirements

• Mandatory quarantine: 7-21 days
• MEWA-approved quarantine facility
• Avian disease screening required
• Newcastle disease and avian influenza testing

—

Step-by-Step Import Process

3-6 Months Before Travel

1. Contact MEWA to initiate import permit application

2. Microchip your pet (if required for species)

3. Administer rabies vaccination (dogs, cats, ferrets)

4. Wait 30 days after rabies vaccination

5. Conduct rabies titer test (dogs and cats)

6. Wait for titer results (minimum 0.5 IU/ml required)

30 Days Before Travel

7. Receive import permit from MEWA

8. Book pet-friendly airline to approved entry point

9. Arrange travel crate (IATA-compliant)

10. Complete additional vaccinations if needed

10 Days Before Travel

11. Veterinary examination by authorized vet

12. Obtain health certificate (valid 10 days for most animals, 7 days for birds)

13. Prepare all documentation copies

14. Confirm flight details with airline

48 Hours Before Travel

15. Final veterinary check and endorsement

16. Verify all documents are complete and valid

17. Pack pet essentials for journey

Upon Arrival in Saudi Arabia

18. Present all documents to MEWA officials

19. Veterinary inspection at port of entry

20. Pay any applicable fees

21. Complete quarantine if required

22. Receive clearance for entry

—

Important Tips for Pet Import Success

Documentation Best Practices

📋 Make multiple copies of all documents 

📋 Keep originals in waterproof folder with you 

📋 Have Arabic translations prepared (helpful but not always required) 

📋 Photograph all documents and email to yourself 

📋 Verify expiration dates multiple times before travel

Vaccination Timing

💉 Start early – begin process 4-6 months before travel 

💉 Document everything – keep detailed vaccination records 

💉 Use licensed vaccines – ensure vaccines are internationally recognized 

💉 Get booster shots if vaccinations expire during travel planning

Microchip Requirements

🔍 ISO standard only – 15-digit microchip 

🔍 Implant before rabies vaccine – critical for dogs and cats 

🔍 Register microchip – in international database 

🔍 Verify scanner compatibility – ensure it can be read at destination

Travel Crate Specifications

✈️ IATA-compliant – airline-approved pet carrier 

✈️ Proper size – pet must stand, turn, and lie down comfortably 

✈️ Ventilation – adequate airflow on multiple sides 

✈️ Secure locking – airline-grade locks and bolts 

✈️ Absorbent bedding – for accidents during travel 

✈️ Water and food dishes – attachable to crate door

—

Costs and Fees

Expected Expenses

• Import Permit: 500-1,000 SAR (varies by species) 
• Veterinary Inspection Fee: 200-500 SAR 
• Quarantine Costs: 100-300 SAR per day (if required) 
• Health Certificate: $50-150 USD (in country of origin) 
• Rabies Titer Test: $100-200 USD 
• Microchip: $25-50 USD 
• IATA Travel Crate: $100-500 USD 
• Airline Pet Fee: $200-1,000 USD (varies by airline and route)

*Fees are approximate and subject to change

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an import permit?

Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks. Apply early to avoid delays.

Can I bring multiple pets at once?

Yes, but each pet requires separate documentation and permits. Limit to 2-3 pets per person for practical purposes.

What happens if my documents aren’t in order?

Your pet may be denied entry, quarantined, or deported at your expense. Always verify requirements before travel.

Do emotional support animals have different requirements?

No special exemptions exist. All animals must meet standard import requirements regardless of their service designation.

Can I ship my pet as cargo?

Yes, pets can travel as accompanied baggage, excess baggage, or cargo. Cargo option may be necessary for large dogs or multiple pets.

What if my pet is too young to meet age requirements?

You must wait until your pet reaches minimum age before traveling. Plan your relocation timeline accordingly.

Are there restrictions on the number of pets?

While not officially limited, bringing more than 5 pets may require additional scrutiny and justification as commercial import.

—

Contact Information

Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA)

Animal Quarantine Department: +966-11-401-6666 

Email: info@mewa.gov.sa

Saudi Customs

General Inquiries: +966-11-401-3333 

—

Conclusion: Successfully Importing Your Pet to Saudi Arabia

Bringing your pet to Saudi Arabia requires careful planning, proper documentation, and strict adherence to regulations. Start the process early, maintain organized records, and work with qualified veterinarians familiar with international pet travel requirements.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Begin preparations 4-6 months before travel 

✓ Obtain MEWA import permit before booking travel 

✓ Ensure all vaccinations and titer tests are current 

✓ Use only approved entry points 

✓ Verify breed restrictions (especially for dogs) 

✓ Prepare for potential inspection and brief quarantine 

✓ Keep all documentation organized and accessible

By following these guidelines and maintaining patience throughout the process, you can successfully reunite with your beloved pet in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

—

Disclaimer: Pet import regulations can change. Always verify current requirements with official Saudi Arabian authorities before making travel arrangements.

*This guide is designed for informational purposes. Requirements may vary based on country of origin and specific circumstances. Always consult with official Saudi Arabian government sources for the most current regulations.

Which airline should you choose for flying with a pet?

How to Choose a Pet-Friendly Hotel

PetsTravel Info – the most complete and reliable information on international travel regulations for dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and even exotic pets.