Pet Transport from Saudi Arabia to France
Which France rules depend on a pet coming from Saudi Arabia?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and Saudi Arabia falls in “Non-listed third countries and territories”.
Rabies antibody titration test required: sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, tested in an EU-designated laboratory, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait does not apply to re-entry of an EU-resident pet whose passport documents a favourable test done before leaving the EU. Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Rabies titre test: Where required (non-listed origins), the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done in a designated laboratory. Neither the EC page nor 2026/131 (which refers to point 1 of Annex XXI to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692) names a test method such as FAVN or RFFIT. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: The test must be done by an official laboratory designated under Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, or by a laboratory in a third country listed in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 designated in line with Article 37(4) and (5) of that Regulation; only laboratories specifically accredited for the method may do it, so the laboratory need not be in the EU. The EC publishes the lists of designated laboratories. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests, checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series) and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering France, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our France guide.
What does Saudi Arabia require before your pet leaves?
- Export permit: Pets travelling with their owners can get an exit-and-return permit on the Anaam platform, with a return period not exceeding 60 days. Applies to resident dogs and cats leaving and returning with travellers.
Pets Importing procedures, checked 2 October 2026 - Export permit: MEWA news item (2019): owners taking pets abroad must obtain an export permit from the General Directorate of Agricultural Affairs for the region of the exit port, bringing all veterinary certificates well before travel. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Saudi Arabia.
Live animal import licence electronically, completed in 3 days (news), checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: MEWA's Conditions for exporting pets (undated): apply through the Anaam platform with the importing country's permit and health requirements and a veterinary health certificate from a Ministry-accredited clinic, approved by the Ministry branch or office where the pet is located, stating the animal was clinically and laboratory examined and found free of disease, especially rabies and toxoplasmosis. The export permission is valid 30 days. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Saudi Arabia.
Conditions for exporting pets, checked 2 October 2026 - Other conditions: Per the USDA APHIS-hosted unofficial translation of the Saudi requirements (April 2021): the rabies vaccination's validity is checked when entry and return permits are issued. MEWA's Naama pet entry and exit permit guide (no text layer, read visually) sets the condition that the remaining period of the rabies vaccination is not less than six months. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Saudi Arabia.
Revised Saudi Pets Imports Requirements April 2021 Unofficial Translation, checked 2 October 2026
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.