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Taking a dog or cat to Saudi Arabia from the UK
Travelling with a dog or cat from the UK to Saudi Arabia requires careful preparation, including
vaccinations, an import permit, Export Health Certificate and document legalisation. Dogs are subject to additional entry restrictions, so eligibility should always be checked before starting the process.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing your dog or cat from the UK to Saudi Arabia
1
Check Your Pet Is Eligible to Travel
Cats are generally permitted to enter Saudi Arabia, provided they meet the required health and import conditions.
Dogs have restricted entry. Saudi Arabia generally permits dogs travelling for specific purposes, such as guard, hunting or guide dogs, and certain breeds are prohibited.
If travelling with a dog, we recommend confirming acceptance with the Saudi authorities before arranging certification or travel.
2
Microchip
Your pet should be microchipped, and the microchip number must match the vaccination records and all other travel documentation.
3
Rabies & Routine Vaccinations
All dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination.
For travel to Saudi Arabia, the rabies vaccination must have been administered:
• At least 30 days before export
• No more than 6 months before export
Three-year rabies vaccine validity is not recognised for this certification.
Pets must also have the required routine vaccinations. Dogs require the relevant canine core vaccinations, while cats require vaccination against feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.
4
Obtain Your Import Permit
All dogs and cats require a Saudi Arabian Import Permit before travel.
The permit should be applied for at least 15 days before export and is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so the application needs to be carefully timed around your travel date.
Applications are made through the official Saudi Naama Portal.
5
Additional Requirements for Dogs
Permitted dogs require an Owner Declaration (2914OWN) confirming the purpose of travel and that the dog is not a prohibited breed.
This declaration must be signed by the owner or representative and countersigned by the Official Veterinarian.
6
Arrange Your Export Health Certificate
Your pet requires Export Health Certificate 2914 (EHC 2914), completed by a UK Official Veterinarian.
The final veterinary examination must take place within 96 hours (4 days) before departure.
During the appointment, the OV will examine your pet, verify the microchip and vaccinations,
review the supporting documents and complete the Export Health Certificate.
7
Legalise the Certificate
Following veterinary certification, the signed Export Health Certificate must be legalised through the UK Government's FCDO Legalisation Service before travel.
Allow sufficient time between the veterinary appointment and your flight for this additional step to be completed.
8
Confirm Airline & Travel Arrangements
Your airline must approve your pet's transport into Saudi Arabia. Pets must travel in an appropriate IATA-compliant crate, and Saudi consignee details will also be required.
Before departure, make sure you have your:
• Legalised Export Health Certificate
• Import permit
• Vaccination records
• Dog declaration, if applicable
• Airline approval and travel documentation