Bringing your dog or cat from United Arab Emirates to Slovenia takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Around 16-20 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. No routine quarantine applies as …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Arab Emirates to Slovenia
typically takes around 16-20 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The United Arab Emirates to Slovenia pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm or administer the rabies vaccination.
Responsible: MOCCAE-approved vet.
At least 21 days before the titre test blood draw, if primary vaccination.
2
Draw blood for the titre test at an EU-approved laboratory.
Responsible: Vet and laboratory.
At least 30 days after vaccination.
3
Wait 90 days from the blood draw date.
Responsible: N/A.
Fixed EU requirement.
4
Apply for the MOCCAE export certificate.
Responsible: Owner or agent.
3-4 weeks before travel.
5
Obtain the EU-format health certificate, endorsed by MOCCAE.
Responsible: MOCCAE-approved vet.
Within 10 days of travel.
6
Fly via Istanbul or Frankfurt/Munich, arriving at Ljubljana or a larger EU hub with onward transfer.
Responsible: Airline cargo handling.
Once documents and the wait period are complete.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Slovenia
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard (15-digit). Must precede rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current, administered after microchipping. If a primary vaccination, at least 21 days must have passed before entry.
Rabies titre test
Required. The UAE is an Annex II country under EU rules, not a listed low-risk third country, so a FAVN or equivalent rabies antibody titre test is required, blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, minimum result 0.5 IU/ml, followed by a mandatory 90-day wait from the blood draw date.
Quarantine
Not required for a compliant pet with valid documentation and current vaccination.
Import permit
Not required for non-commercial companion movements.
Health certificate
EU-format non-commercial health certificate for unlisted third countries, issued by a vet in the UAE and endorsed by MOCCAE.
Export permit (United Arab Emirates)
No separate export permit, but a MOCCAE export health certificate is mandatory for every pet leaving the UAE. Valid 30 days from issue.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Rabies antibody titre test at an EU-approved laboratory: USD 150-250.
MOCCAE export certificate and clinic exam: AED 400-800.
Cargo fee, Dubai to Ljubljana via Istanbul or a German hub: USD 700-1,300 depending on routing and crate size.
IATA-approved travel crate: USD 150-400.
Onward ground transfer, if landing at Frankfurt, Munich or Vienna instead of Ljubljana directly: EUR 150-400.
Critical points to read before you book
Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport is a smaller EU gateway with fewer long-haul cargo options than Vienna, Frankfurt or Munich. Confirm whether your cargo agent routes directly to LJU or via a larger hub with a ground transfer.
The 90-day wait counts from the blood draw date, not the vaccination date.
There is no direct Dubai-Ljubljana flight.
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.
TURKISH
Turkish Airlines Cargo
Via Istanbul (IST), the most practical routing into Ljubljana, with reliable live animal cargo handling.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo
Via Frankfurt or Munich, an alternative connection with onward road or short-haul transfer into Slovenia.
Cargo Only
Meeting Slovenia's entry requirements
Getting a pet into Slovenia is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.
Advice worth following
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about United Arab Emirates to Slovenia pet transport
Yes. The UAE’s Annex II classification under EU rules means a rabies antibody titre test and a 90-day wait from the blood draw are both required.
No. Most pet transport routes this journey through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines Cargo, or via Frankfurt or Munich with Lufthansa Cargo, sometimes finishing with a ground transfer into Slovenia.
Ljubljana’s airport has less long-haul cargo capacity than larger EU hubs. Some routings land at a bigger airport and complete the journey by road or a short connecting flight.
No. A pet with valid documentation, current vaccination, and a cleared titre test after the 90-day wait does not need to quarantine on arrival.
Airline guides
Turkish Airlines Cargo
Lufthansa Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your United Arab Emirates to Slovenia pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.