Importing Your Pet to Saudi Arabia
Strict to importThe Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) regulates pet imports into Saudi Arabia and schedules arrivals against quarantine capacity at the port. Imports are allowed only from the countries shown on MEWA’s electronic platform, and MEWA may reject applications from countries according to WOAH reports.
Dogs and cats must be identified with an electronic chip or other identification means. The rabies vaccination must have at least six months’ validity remaining, and pets must be at least 4 months old.
MEWA prohibits several dog breeds outright. Check the list below before you make any travel plans, because no paperwork gets a prohibited breed in.
Import Requirements
Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 2 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.
Who is in charge
- The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) regulates pet imports and schedules arrivals against quarantine capacity.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026
Where your pet travels from
| Group | What applies | Origins |
|---|---|---|
| Origins approved on the MEWA platform | MEWA allows imports only from the countries shown on its electronic platform and may reject applications from countries according to WOAH disease reports; no published grouping changes the requirements by origin. Source | Countries listed on the MEWA Naama (Anaam) platform |
- Imports are allowed only from the countries shown on MEWA's electronic platform, and MEWA may reject applications from countries according to WOAH reports. No other origin grouping is published.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026
Import permit
- MEWA pet import procedures: the permit application is made through the Anaam (now Naama) electronic platform, with the listed documents attached.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026 - MEWA news item (2019): the importer must obtain the import permit 15 days before the consignment is shipped.
Live animal import licence electronically, completed in 3 days (news), checked 2 October 2026 - MEWA pet import procedures: the import permit is valid for 30 days from issue.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026 - Under MEWA's import permit for fierce animals (dogs) service, once the application is completed it is referred to Public Security to check the dog's record, and the applicant completes the details on the Absher platform. (MEWA Naama user guide for the import permit for fierce animals (dogs), undated; quote read visually in Chrome on 2 October 2026 on page 3 of the rendered PDF, which has no text layer.)
User guide: import permit for fierce animals (dogs) (Naama), checked 2 October 2026 - Per USDA APHIS guidance (last modified 30 July 2025): all dogs and cats need an import permit from the Saudi ministry, and a certificate of origin obtained from the Saudi ministry must accompany the pet; for US exports it does not need Saudi embassy attestation.
Applies to dogs and cats from the United States.
Pet Travel From the United States to Saudi Arabia, checked 2 October 2026
Microchip
- Dogs and cats must be identified with an electronic chip or other identification means.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026
Rabies vaccination
- The rabies vaccination must have at least six months' validity remaining.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026 - Per UK APHA guidance notes (revised 15 October 2025): rabies vaccination must be given 30 days to 6 months before export.
Applies to dogs and cats from Great Britain.
2914EHC guidance notes, checked 2 October 2026
Rabies titre test
- Not listed: MEWA's English 'Pets Importing procedures' (its own published conditions and the list of documents for an import application through the Anaam/Naama platform) contain no rabies titre or antibody test; the only rabies condition is a vaccination with at least six months' validity remaining. No other official source in this file (USDA APHIS page, re-read 2 October 2026; UK APHA 2914 guidance) says a titre test is required for Saudi Arabia. Note the procedures also refer to the GCC Veterinary Quarantine Law and ministerial directives, and MEWA may run laboratory tests on arrival.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026
Health certificate
- The original veterinary health certificate approved by the veterinary authorities must accompany every pet consignment, with the original pet passport or vaccination record and the original certificate of origin.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026 - MEWA news item (2019): each consignment must carry the original veterinary health certificates and a certificate of origin from the exporting country's government, attested by the Saudi embassy or that of another GCC state.
Live animal import licence electronically, completed in 3 days (news), checked 2 October 2026Official sources differ
USDA APHIS guidance (last modified 30 July 2025, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-saudi-arabia) says that for US exports the certificate of origin is obtained from the Saudi ministry and does not need Saudi embassy attestation. The importing authority's rule is recorded; check the permit for the origin concerned. - Per UK APHA certificate 2914: the animal is examined no more than 96 hours before export and the certificate is valid for 7 days.
Applies to dogs and cats from Great Britain.
2914EHC version 3 specimen certificate, checked 2 October 2026 - Per UK APHA guidance notes (revised 15 October 2025): once certificate 2914 has been signed by an Official Veterinarian it must be legalised (the 96-hour examination and 7-day validity come from the certificate itself, see the entry above).
Applies to dogs and cats from Great Britain.
2914EHC guidance notes, checked 2 October 2026
Other vaccines and tests
- Per the USDA APHIS-hosted unofficial translation (April 2021): pets are vaccinated against rabies and other diseases according to the vaccination programmes approved in the country. MEWA's English procedures name no vaccine other than rabies and no other test. MEWA's Naama pet entry and exit permit guide (no text layer, read visually) asks for a vaccination certificate against rabies or any other diseases, without naming any other vaccine or test.
Revised Saudi Pets Imports Requirements April 2021 Unofficial Translation, checked 2 October 2026
Parasite treatment
- Cats should be free from parasites, especially Toxoplasma. MEWA's English procedures set no parasite treatment or timing for dogs or cats. The April 2021 unofficial translation hosted by USDA APHIS lists among the health conditions for pets that they be free from external diseases and parasites, again with no named treatment or timing.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026
Quarantine
- MEWA may schedule the arrival date of consignments according to quarantine capacity at the port.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026 - MEWA news item (2019): clearance into the country is issued only after a visual inspection and laboratory results that meet the Ministry's conditions. No fixed quarantine period is published.
Live animal import licence electronically, completed in 3 days (news), checked 2 October 2026
Arrival points and notice
- Consignments must enter through the port specified in the import permit.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026
Minimum age
- Pets (dogs and cats) must be at least 4 months old. (MEWA Naama user guide for the pet entry and exit permit, undated; quote read visually in Chrome on 2 October 2026 on page 3 of the rendered PDF, which has no text layer. The April 2021 unofficial English translation hosted by USDA APHIS says the same.)
User guide: pet entry and exit permit (Naama), checked 2 October 2026
How many pets
- Individuals may obtain one import permit every 6 months, and an entry and exit permit may cover no more than 2 animals. (MEWA Naama user guide for the pet entry and exit permit, undated; quote read visually in Chrome on 2 October 2026 on page 3 of the rendered PDF, which has no text layer. The April 2021 unofficial English translation hosted by USDA APHIS says 2 cats or 2 dogs every six months.)
User guide: pet entry and exit permit (Naama), checked 2 October 2026
Banned and restricted breeds
- Per the USDA APHIS-hosted unofficial English translation of the revised Saudi pet import requirements (April 2021): imported dogs must not be of, or crossed from, the forbidden breeds Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Boxer, Mastiff, Tosa, Bulldog and Perro de Presa Canario. This supports the MEWA entries for this topic: MEWA's English procedures PDF prints the same seven breeds (under a heading that reads "allowed species", apparently a translation error) and the MEWA Naama dog import guide lists them as prohibited.
Revised Saudi Pets Imports Requirements April 2021 Unofficial Translation, checked 2 October 2026Official sources differ
UK APHA guidance notes (revised 15 October 2025, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68efc73f82670806f9d5e11a/2914EHC-guidance.pdf) list 19 breeds Saudi Arabia will not permit, including Great Dane, Newfoundland, Leonberger, Hovawart, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Japanese Akita, Chinese Spitz, Affenpinscher, Griffon Bruxellois, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Lancashire Heeler and Swedish Vallhund. The seven-breed list matches the MEWA Naama Arabic guides (no text layer) and is recorded. The English MEWA procedures PDF (https://www.mewa.gov.sa/en/InformationCenter/DocsCenter/RulesLibrary/Docs/Pet%20import%20mechanism.pdf) prints the same seven breeds under the heading "allowed species", which contradicts the Arabic guides and appears to be a translation error. - The MEWA Naama guide for the import permit for fierce animals (dogs) details the prohibited types: Pit Bull types (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier), Rottweilers purebred or hybrid, Boxer, any Mastiff or hybrid (including Fila Brasileiro and Dogo Argentino), Japanese Tosa, Bull Dog and Perro de Presa Canario. (MEWA Naama user guide for the import permit for fierce animals (dogs), undated; quote read visually in Chrome on 2 October 2026 on page 3 of the rendered PDF, which has no text layer.)
User guide: import permit for fierce animals (dogs) (Naama), checked 2 October 2026 - Per UK APHA guidance notes (revised 15 October 2025): a list of 19 breeds Saudi Arabia will not permit is given (see conflict note on the MEWA entry).
Applies to dogs from Great Britain.
2914EHC guidance notes, checked 2 October 2026
How your pet may travel
- Animals must travel in new, clean, sterile cages with no contact with other animals during shipping.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026 - Per UK APHA guidance notes: airlines must obtain prior permission to carry animals into Saudi Arabia.
Applies to dogs and cats from Great Britain.
2914EHC guidance notes, checked 2 October 2026
Official fees
- MEWA news item (2019): the import permit service takes 3 working days and carries no service fee. No newer MEWA fee schedule was found; any quarantine or laboratory charges are not published.
Live animal import licence electronically, completed in 3 days (news), checked 2 October 2026
Other conditions
- The applicant for a dog must be at least 21 years old. (MEWA Naama user guide for the pet entry and exit permit, undated; quote read visually in Chrome on 2 October 2026 on page 3 of the rendered PDF, which has no text layer.)
User guide: pet entry and exit permit (Naama), checked 2 October 2026Official sources differ
The April 2021 unofficial translation hosted by USDA APHIS (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/saudi-arabia-imports-requirements.pdf) says the importer of dogs must be at least 30 years old. The newer MEWA guide (21 years, also stated in the MEWA dog import permit guide) is recorded. - The applicant for a cat must be at least 18 years old. (MEWA Naama user guide for the pet entry and exit permit, undated; quote read visually in Chrome on 2 October 2026 on page 3 of the rendered PDF, which has no text layer.)
User guide: pet entry and exit permit (Naama), checked 2 October 2026 - MEWA's Naama import permit service for fierce animals (dogs) is open to citizens, visitors and residents of the Kingdom, as well as companies and government bodies, to request a permit to import pet dogs, subject to the prohibited-breed list. (MEWA Naama user guide for the import permit for fierce animals (dogs), undated; quote read visually in Chrome on 2 October 2026 on page 3 of the rendered PDF, which has no text layer.)
User guide: import permit for fierce animals (dogs) (Naama), checked 2 October 2026Official sources differ
USDA APHIS guidance (last modified 30 July 2025, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-saudi-arabia) says dogs are generally not allowed except for hunting, guarding and guides for the disabled; UK APHA guidance notes (revised 15 October 2025, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68efc73f82670806f9d5e11a/2914EHC-guidance.pdf) say dogs are banned except watch/guard, hunting and guide dogs and require owner declaration 2914OWN. The importing authority's own service pages are recorded; expect the exporting country's certificate to still require the purpose declaration.
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Import permit and documentation process
The permit application is made through MEWA’s Naama platform (formerly Anaam), with the listed documents attached. MEWA’s 2019 guidance says the importer must obtain the permit 15 days before the consignment is shipped, that the service takes 3 working days and that there is no service fee. The permit is valid for 30 days from issue.
Individuals may obtain one import permit every 6 months, and an entry and exit permit may cover no more than 2 animals. The applicant must be at least 21 years old for a dog, or at least 18 for a cat. For a dog, the application is also referred to Public Security to check the dog’s record, and the applicant completes the details on the Absher platform.
Every consignment must travel with the original veterinary health certificate approved by the veterinary authorities, the original pet passport or vaccination record and the original certificate of origin. MEWA’s 2019 guidance says the certificate of origin must be attested by the Saudi embassy or that of another GCC state, although USDA APHIS says US exports do not need that attestation.
From the UK, APHA’s certificate 2914 needs an examination no more than 96 hours before export, is valid for 7 days and must be legalised once signed by an Official Veterinarian. APHA also says the rabies vaccination must be given 30 days to 6 months before export.
Quarantine and breed restrictions
MEWA publishes no fixed quarantine period. Its 2019 guidance says clearance into the country is issued only after a visual inspection and laboratory results that meet the Ministry’s conditions. Consignments must enter through the port named in the import permit, and MEWA may schedule the arrival date according to quarantine capacity at that port.
MEWA’s Naama guide prohibits these dog types: Pit Bull types (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier), Rottweilers purebred or hybrid, Boxer, any Mastiff or hybrid (including Fila Brasileiro and Dogo Argentino), Japanese Tosa, Bull Dog and Perro de Presa Canario. UK APHA guidance gives a longer list of 19 breeds Saudi Arabia will not permit, so if you are exporting from the UK, check your breed against that list too.
Routes to Saudi Arabia
Frequently Asked Questions
MEWA’s published import procedures list no rabies titre test. The rabies condition they set is a vaccination with at least six months’ validity remaining. MEWA may still run laboratory tests on arrival.
Check the separate matter of breed restrictions first. MEWA prohibits a list of dog breeds outright, and no amount of bloodwork solves that.
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Saudi Arabia
- Difficulty: Strict
- Code: SA
Sources
Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- MEWA · Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saudi Arabia