Pet Transport from UAE to New Zealand: MPI 180-Day Wait and Levin Quarantine
New Zealand maintains strict biosecurity controls for all pet imports. MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) requires an FAVN titre test at a WOAH-approved laboratory, a mandatory 180-day wait from …
Get your free quoteThe United Arab Emirates to New Zealand import process
Responsible: Owner or specialist agent
Responsible: Vet in UAE
Responsible: Vet in UAE
Responsible: Vet and WOAH-approved laboratory
Responsible: Owner to track
Responsible: Accredited vet, municipal authority, MOCCAE
Responsible: Airline, MPI
New Zealand entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Export requirements
What this route typically costs
Critical points
The 180-day wait from titre test blood draw date is mandatory and cannot be shortened. Plan at least 8 months before your intended New Zealand arrival date.
The 10-day Levin quarantine on arrival is mandatory for all pets from the UAE. This is not waivable for compliant documentation.
The MPI import permit must be obtained before any other step. Apply for it as early as possible.
No direct flights operate from the UAE to New Zealand. All routings require an Australian gateway connection (Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane). Allow extra time for cargo coordination across multiple legs.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates SkyCargo | Emirates operates connections from Dubai (DXB) to Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC) via Australian gateways (Sydney, Melbourne). DXB does not operate direct to NZ; connections through Australia are standard. | Cargo Only |
| Air New Zealand Cargo | Air New Zealand Cargo handles live animal imports at Auckland and Christchurch. Connects from Dubai via partner carrier or via Australian gateways. Advance MPI permit required before Air NZ can accept the shipment. | Cargo Only |
| Qantas Freight | Via Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL) to Auckland AKL or Christchurch CHC. A practical connecting routing from Dubai for UAE-to-NZ cargo. | Cargo Only |
| Etihad Cargo | From Abu Dhabi (AUH) to New Zealand via Australian connections. An option for Abu Dhabi-based owners. | Cargo Only |
MPI import requirements: the 180-day wait and Levin quarantine
MPI’s biosecurity requirements apply to all countries, including the UAE. The full process: MPI import permit obtained before travel; ISO microchip implanted before vaccination; current rabies vaccination; FAVN titre test at a WOAH-approved laboratory (minimum 0.5 IU/ml); blood draw at least 30 days after final vaccination; 180-day wait from the blood draw date; MPI-format health certificate endorsed by municipal authority and MOCCAE, issued within 14 days of departure from the UAE; 10-day quarantine at the Levin MPI Quarantine Facility on arrival. Source: MPI, mpi.govt.nz.
The MPI import permit is the first step. It must be in place before any other preparation begins, and it takes time to process. Apply as early as possible. The 180-day wait from blood draw cannot be shortened under any circumstances. If your pet arrives before 180 days have elapsed from the blood draw date, MPI will handle the situation on arrival, which will involve additional costs and delays.
UAE export: municipal endorsement, MOCCAE, and the MPI format requirement
The UAE export process for New Zealand requires a health certificate in MPI-specified format. The certificate is issued by an accredited vet, endorsed by the relevant municipal authority (ADAFSA, Dubai Municipality, or Sharjah Municipality), and then endorsed by MOCCAE. Allow 48 hours for the MOCCAE endorsement step. The health certificate must be issued within 14 days of departure from the UAE.
The MPI format requirement is specific. A general MOCCAE export certificate for other destinations is not sufficient. Use a specialist pet transport agent familiar with NZ MPI documentation for UAE-origin animals. No direct UAE-to-New Zealand cargo services exist; all routing goes via Australia. Emirates Cargo to Sydney or Melbourne, followed by Air New Zealand or Qantas Freight to Auckland or Christchurch, is the standard approach.
UAE-to-New Zealand versus UAE-to-South Korea or UAE-to-Japan
For UAE-based owners comparing Asian-Pacific destinations, the timeline differences are significant. UAE-to-Japan: two vaccinations, titre test, 180-day pre-travel wait, 40-day AQS notification, no quarantine if wait complete on arrival. Total: 32-40 weeks. UAE-to-South Korea: one vaccination, titre test, 5-10 day quarantine at Incheon on arrival, no pre-travel 180-day wait. Total: 12-20 weeks. UAE-to-New Zealand: one vaccination, titre test, 180-day pre-travel wait, 10-day Levin quarantine on arrival. Total: 32-44 weeks.
Japan and New Zealand share the 180-day pre-travel wait as the dominant planning constraint. South Korea is the most accessible of the three in terms of total preparation time. New Zealand adds a mandatory arrival quarantine on top of the pre-travel wait, making it the most restrictive destination in terms of combined requirements. For owners whose relocation to New Zealand is fixed, plan a minimum of 8 months ahead.
Common questions about this route
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