Getting a pet from Netherlands to Lebanon is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is a middle of the road route, and about 8-12 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Netherlands to Lebanon
typically takes around 8-12 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Netherlands to Lebanon pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Apply for Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture import permit
Responsible: Owner or agent
8-10 weeks before travel. Contact agriculture.gov.lb with pet details and travel date.
2
Confirm ISO microchip predates the rabies vaccination
Responsible: NVWA-authorised vet
6+ weeks before travel.
3
Verify rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: NVWA-authorised vet
6+ weeks before travel.
4
Book cargo from AMS to BEY via MEA direct or Turkish via IST
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal acceptance.
5
NVWA-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel
Responsible: NVWA-authorised vet, then NVWA endorsement
Within 10 days of departure.
6
Travel day: Lebanese DGA inspection at BEY on arrival
Responsible: Airline cargo, then Lebanese DGA at BEY
AMS to BEY via MEA direct: approximately 4-5 hours. Via IST: 5-7 hours.
Requirements
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.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant arrivals from the Netherlands at Beirut.
Import permit
Import permit required from the Directorate General of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture of Lebanon. Apply at agriculture.gov.lb.
Health certificate
NVWA-endorsed health certificate from the Netherlands, presented at Beirut (BEY) on arrival.
Export permit (Netherlands)
No separate export permit required. NVWA-endorsed health certificate is the required export document.
Costs
What this route typically costs
NVWA-endorsed health certificate and official vet fee: EUR 100-250
Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture import permit fee: confirm with agriculture.gov.lb
Cargo AMS to BEY via MEA or Turkish: EUR 600-1,800 depending on pet size
IATA-approved travel crate: EUR 80-280 if needed
Pet transport agent: EUR 300-900
Total typical range: EUR 1,100-3,500
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.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
MIDDLE EAST
Middle East Airlines (MEA) from Amsterdam
Middle East Airlines operates services between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Beirut Rafic Hariri International (BEY). MEA Cargo handles live animals on select routes. A direct AMS-BEY option when MEA cargo service is available. Confirm with MEA Cargo before booking.
Cargo Only
TURKISH
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
AMS to Istanbul (IST) on Turkish Airlines, then IST to Beirut (BEY). Turkish Airlines Cargo handles live animals. IST is a major hub for Netherlands-to-Middle East cargo.
Cargo Only
KLM VIA
KLM via connecting hub
KLM from AMS to European or Gulf connecting hub, then onward connections to BEY. KLM Cargo handles live animals from Schiphol. Confirm specific routing and live animal acceptance.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Lebanon
Lebanon keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.
How to keep this move on track
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
FAQ
Common questions about Netherlands to Lebanon pet transport
Middle East Airlines operates the AMS-BEY route. Confirm with MEA Cargo whether they currently accept live animal freight on this service before booking. If they do, this is the most direct Netherlands-to-Lebanon option. If not, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is the alternative.
Apply at least 8-10 weeks before travel at agriculture.gov.lb. Processing times vary. Lebanon’s administrative environment can extend processing timelines. Follow up after submitting and do not book cargo until the permit is confirmed.
No routine quarantine for compliant arrivals. The DGA inspection at BEY is a document and health check. Pets with the import permit, NVWA health certificate, ISO microchip, and current rabies vaccination proceed without quarantine.
No. The EU pet passport is for intra-EU travel only. For Lebanon, the NVWA export health certificate from an official veterinarian is the correct document.
Airline guides
Middle East Airlines (MEA) from Amsterdam
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
KLM via connecting hub
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.