Bringing a Pet to Egypt: GOVS Health Certificate and Cairo Airport Process
Egypt is a popular expat destination for workers in Cairo, the Gulf-adjacent business sector, and the Suez Canal zone. The pet import process is managed by the General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS), and preparation is needed 4 to 8 weeks before travel.
Health certificate
The health certificate must be issued by an official vet in the origin country and endorsed by the government veterinary authority. For UK arrivals, APHA endorsement is required. For US arrivals, USDA APHIS endorsement is needed. The certificate must confirm: microchip number, species and breed, age and sex, rabies and other vaccination records, and clinical fitness for travel. The certificate is typically valid for 10 days after the exam date.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. The chip must be implanted before vaccinations for those vaccinations to count.
Rabies vaccination
A current rabies vaccination is required and must be within the validity period at time of arrival. Egypt does not generally require a titre test from most Western countries, but confirm this for your specific origin country, as requirements can vary.
Additional vaccinations
Egypt typically requires evidence of distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis (for dogs) and cat flu vaccinations for cats. These should be on the health certificate.
Advance notification
Airlines and GOVS vets at Cairo Airport (CAI), Alexandria Borg el Arab (HBE), and other major airports generally expect prior notification when live animals are in transit or arriving. Notify your agent or the cargo facility 24 to 48 hours before arrival.
Arriving at Cairo Airport
Live animal facilities at CAI are operated by EgyptAir Cargo and approved handlers. Veterinary officials from GOVS inspect arriving animals. The process is generally manageable with complete paperwork but can be time-consuming.
Practical note
Egypt’s climate is hot and dry. Summer arrivals (June to September) in Cairo see temperatures above 38C. Confirm with your airline whether heat embargoes apply to your routing before booking cargo space.