Pet Transport Netherlands to Lebanon: 2026 Guide
Middle East Airlines (MEA) operates between Amsterdam Schiphol and Beirut, making this one of the more direct Netherlands-to-Middle East routes. If MEA Cargo accepts live animal freight, the AMS-BEY service avoids a hub transfer. The …
The Netherlands to Lebanon pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
What your pet needs to enter Lebanon
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
What this route typically costs
Critical points to read before you book
Apply for the Lebanese import permit 8-10 weeks ahead at agriculture.gov.lb. Lebanon's administrative environment can affect processing timelines. Follow up after submitting.
MEA's direct Amsterdam to Beirut service is the most convenient option when cargo live animals are accepted. Confirm this with MEA Cargo before committing to this routing.
The Dutch EU pet passport is for intra-EU travel only. The NVWA export health certificate is the correct document for Lebanon.
Both the import permit and health certificate must be present and correctly formatted at BEY. An incomplete documentation set will prevent clearance.
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
MEA's Amsterdam to Beirut service
Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon’s national carrier, operates services between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY). If MEA Cargo accepts live animal freight on this route, the AMS-BEY service provides a direct connection with a transit time of approximately 4-5 hours.
Contact MEA Cargo directly to confirm live animal cargo acceptance, crate size limits, and any seasonal or route-specific restrictions before planning around this option. If MEA cargo is not available for your dates, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is the well-established alternative. Turkish operates AMS-IST and IST-BEY with regular frequency, and Turkish Airlines Cargo handles live animals on this corridor.
Lebanese import permit: the process from the Netherlands
Lebanon’s Directorate General of Agriculture (DGA) under the Ministry of Agriculture controls companion animal imports. Apply for the import permit at agriculture.gov.lb at least 8-10 weeks before travel. You will need your pet’s microchip number, vaccination history, breed, and travel date.
Lebanon’s DGA is the competent authority for this process. Given Lebanon’s current economic and administrative situation, processing timelines can be unpredictable. Apply as early as possible and follow up after submitting to confirm your application is being processed.
At Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, the DGA inspection team checks the permit alongside the NVWA health certificate. A complete document set clears without quarantine.
NVWA export health certificate
For non-EU destinations, Dutch pet owners need an official health certificate from an NVWA-authorised veterinarian. The EU pet passport is for intra-EU travel only and is not valid for Lebanon.
Book an appointment with an NVWA-authorised vet (Officieel Dierenarts) in the Netherlands. They issue the export health certificate after a pre-travel examination. NVWA endorses the certificate. It must be issued within 10 days of travel.
Amsterdam Schiphol has live animal cargo handling facilities for departing animals. Whether you fly with MEA or via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, Schiphol cargo is the natural departure point from the Netherlands.
Common questions about Netherlands to Lebanon pet transport
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