Moving Pets to Kuwait: PAH Import Rules, Breed Restrictions, and Kuwait City Arrival
Kuwait is home to a significant expat community across the oil and gas, financial, and government sectors. The country’s pet import rules are managed by PAH (Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources) and require advance permit.
Import Permit Requirement
Apply for a PAH import permit before travel. Typically required:
- Owner’s passport and Kuwait residency details
- Animal species, breed, age, sex, microchip number
- Current vaccination records
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
Documentation Required
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| PAH import permit | Before travel |
| ISO 15-digit microchip | Yes |
| Rabies vaccination | Current |
| Full vaccination record | Core vaccines required |
| Health certificate | Issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by government authority |
| Parasite treatment | Within 14 days of travel |
Breed Restrictions
Kuwait’s breed ban list is updated periodically. Known restricted/banned breeds include Pit Bull types and Rottweilers. Confirm the current list directly with PAH before booking.
Climate
Kuwait is extremely hot in summer (June-September), with regular temperatures above 45°C. Airlines will typically not accept live animal cargo when ground temperatures exceed 29°C. Plan pet travel for October through April.
Arrival at Kuwait International Airport
PAH vets inspect arriving animals at Kuwait International Airport (KWI). Present all original documents. Cargo pets are collected from the cargo facility after PAH clearance.
Cost Estimate (UK to Kuwait)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| PAH permit fee | Variable |
| Government health certificate + APHA endorsement | GBP 200-350 |
| Airline cargo | GBP 500-1,000 |
| Total | ~GBP 700-1,350 |
Sources: Kuwait PAH official pet import requirements; APHA UK export guidance. Data current as of June 2026.