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Pet Travel from the UK to Bahrain: Dog & Cat Import Requirements

Sebastian Miller
5 days ago
4 min read
Twin glass skyscrapers rise over a waterfront city skyline at sunset, with a calm orange-blue sky and Sheraton visible.

Step 1 — Check That Your Pet Is Eligible to Enter Bahrain


Before arranging vaccinations or applying for travel documents, make sure your pet is eligible to enter Bahrain.


Puppies and kittens under 3 months of age are not permitted to enter Bahrain.

Rabies vaccination should not be given before 3 months of age.

Certain dog breeds are also prohibited from import into Bahrain.


Banned breeds include:

  • Pit Bulls, including Pit Bull Terriers

  • Mastiffs, including Bull Mastiffs, English Mastiffs and Neapolitan Mastiffs

  • Japanese Tosa

  • Presa Canario

  • Staffordshire Terriers

  • Crossbreeds or hybrids of the above breeds


If your dog may fall into one of these categories, eligibility should be confirmed before making travel arrangements.



Step 2 — Microchip Your Pet


Your dog or cat should be permanently identified with a microchip.


The microchip number should be consistent across all relevant documentation, including:

  • vaccination records

  • import permit

  • Export Health Certificate

  • any supporting veterinary documentation


Any inconsistencies between documents can cause problems during certification or entry.



Step 3 — Ensure the Required Vaccinations Are Up to Date


Bahrain has specific vaccination requirements for dogs and cats.


All required vaccinations must have been administered:

  • more than 30 days before export, and

  • less than 6 months before export

This timing is important and should be checked carefully when planning your travel date.


Dogs

Dogs must be vaccinated against:

  • Rabies

  • Distemper

  • Infectious canine hepatitis

  • Parvovirus

  • Leptospirosis


Cats

Cats must be vaccinated against:

  • Rabies

  • Feline panleukopenia

The following feline vaccinations are also highly recommended:

  • Feline leukaemia

  • Calicivirus

  • Herpesvirus


These additional feline vaccinations are recommended but are not part of the mandatory vaccination requirements outlined above.


Black-and-white dog pants beside a brown-and-white cat outdoors, both gazing upward against a leafy blurred background.

Step 4 — Obtain a Formal Vaccination Certificate


All of the required vaccinations must be supported by appropriate veterinary documentation.


The vaccination certificate should clearly record the relevant vaccination details and your pet's identification information.


The vaccination certificates will need to be attached to the Export Health Certificate, so it is important that the records are complete and consistent.


If vaccinations have been administered by another veterinary practice, you should obtain copies of the relevant vaccination certificates before your export appointment.



Step 5 — Apply for the Bahrain Import Permit


All dogs and cats travelling to Bahrain require an import permit, sometimes referred to as a No Objection Certificate (NOC).


The permit must be obtained from the relevant veterinary authorities in Bahrain.

The import permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so the application needs to be timed appropriately around your intended travel date.


You should obtain the permit before the final export certification appointment so that the details can be checked against the Export Health Certificate.



Step 6 — Confirm Your Travel Arrangements


Before arranging the final veterinary examination, make sure your flight is confirmed.


You should check:

  • your airline accepts pets on the chosen route

  • whether your pet will travel as accompanied baggage or cargo

  • the airline's carrier or crate requirements

  • any airline-specific breed restrictions

  • your exact departure date and time


Animals travelling by air should be transported in accordance with applicable IATA standards.


Airline requirements can be stricter than the destination country's requirements, so these should always be checked directly with the carrier.


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Step 7 — Apply for Export Health Certificate 3889EHC


Dogs and cats travelling from the UK to Bahrain require Export Health Certificate 3889EHC.


The certificate must be completed by an authorised UK Official Veterinarian.


As part of the certification process, the Official Veterinarian will review:

  • your pet's identification

  • vaccination history

  • Bahrain import permit

  • supporting veterinary records

  • travel details


The OV will also certify the relevant UK animal health status requirements, including the appropriate rabies disease clearance. This aspect is handled as part of the export certification process and does not normally require additional action from the owner.



Step 8 — Final Veterinary Examination Within 48 Hours of Departure


Your pet must undergo a final veterinary examination within 48 hours of departure.


During this appointment, the Official Veterinarian will:

  • confirm your pet's identity

  • review the microchip number

  • check the required vaccinations

  • review the Bahrain import permit

  • perform a clinical examination

  • confirm your pet is fit to travel

  • complete and certify Export Health Certificate 3889EHC


Because of the strict 48-hour timing requirement, the appointment should be arranged around your confirmed flight departure time.



Step 9 — Prepare the Final Travel Documents


Before travelling, make sure you have the original documentation required for your pet's journey.


This should include:

  • Bahrain import permit / No Objection Certificate

  • Export Health Certificate 3889EHC

  • vaccination certificates

  • rabies vaccination documentation

  • any additional airline paperwork

  • any supporting veterinary documents required for your journey


The vaccination records should accompany the Export Health Certificate.



Step 10 — Travel to Bahrain


On the day of travel, make sure your pet is transported in a suitable carrier or crate that meets your airline's requirements and applicable IATA standards.

Keep all original documentation easily accessible throughout the journey.

On arrival in Bahrain, the relevant authorities may inspect your pet and review the accompanying documentation before allowing entry.


Bahrain flag waving on a tall white pole against a clear blue sky.

Ready to Start Your Pet’s Bahrain Travel Paperwork?


If you’re planning to travel from the UK to Bahrain with your dog or cat, we can help make the process clear, organised, and stress-free.


Complete our enquiry form and we’ll review your pet’s details, travel dates, vaccination history, and certification requirements so we can guide you through the next steps.


Ready to get started? Click below to begin your Bahrain pet travel enquiry.







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