Destination rules
🇦🇪United Arab Emirates
Middle East · Dubai
Build my United Arab Emirates checklist
The short answer
To bring a dog or cat into United Arab Emirates you need microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate and import permit. There is no quarantine for animals that meet every requirement. Plan on at least 60 days before departure.
The UAE requires an import permit for every cat and dog, applied for through the ministry before the animal flies. Alongside the permit you need an ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccination and a health certificate endorsed in the country of origin, with a titer test for arrivals from higher-risk countries. Compliant animals are not quarantined and clear at Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.
Entry requirements
How far ahead to start
These are the windows the United Arab Emirates requirements create, counted back from your travel date. The first one is the one people underestimate.
- 1
Apply for the import permit
30 days before travel Cannot be rushed
Government approval takes weeks and often fixes the exact dates of every other step, so apply as early as the authority allows.
- 2
Book the flight and reserve the pet slot
30 days before travel
Airlines cap how many animals travel per flight. The pet slot runs out well before the seats do.
- 3
Implant an ISO 11784/11785 microchip
22 days before travel Cannot be rushed
It has to come first: every later certificate references this number, and a rabies shot given before the chip usually does not count.
- 4
Rabies vaccination
21 days before travel Cannot be rushed
Must be given after the microchip and be valid on the day you travel. Most destinations also require a minimum of 21 days between the shot and entry.
- 5
Health certificate and official endorsement
2 days before travel Cannot be rushed
Issued by an accredited vet close to departure, then endorsed by your government authority. This endorsement cannot be done at the airport.
- 6
Travel day
Travel day
Carry the originals plus copies of everything, arrive early, and keep the crate documents attached to the crate.
Confirm with the official source
Rules change without notice and can differ by the country your pet is travelling from. Before you book anything, check the requirements directly with the authority that issues them.
Frequently asked questions
Does United Arab Emirates require a microchip for pets?
Yes — a microchip is required to bring a dog or cat into United Arab Emirates.
Does United Arab Emirates require a rabies titer (blood) test?
It depends — a rabies titer test may be required for United Arab Emirates depending on where your pet has travelled from. Confirm with the official source.
Is there a quarantine for pets entering United Arab Emirates?
No — United Arab Emirates does not quarantine pets that meet every entry requirement before arrival.
How far ahead should I start planning a pet move to United Arab Emirates?
Give yourself at least 60 days before travel to complete every step in the correct order.