Pet Transport from the United Kingdom to Algeria

Moving a dog or cat from United Kingdom to Algeria is very doable with the right preparation. Expect about 5-9 weeks. Nothing here is unusually complex, but the deadlines matter. No routine quarantine …

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5-9

Weeks lead time needed

Start this early minimum

None

Quarantine on arrival

Medium

Route complexity

Airlines on this route

Lead time needed

5-9 weeks

Quarantine

None

Route complexity

Medium

Airlines

3 carriers on this route

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In short: Preparing to move a pet from United Kingdom to Algeria typically takes around 5-9 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.

Regulations checked July 2026

Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team

Step by step

The United Kingdom to Algeria import process

Before the rabies vaccination.

Microchip implanted (ISO 11784/11785), if not already fitted.

Responsible: UK vet

At least 21 to 30 days before travel.

Rabies vaccination given, or a current booster confirmed, after microchipping.

Responsible: UK vet

As early as possible in the process.

Breed checked against Algeria's restricted list before booking anything else. Owners of a restricted breed should contact DSV and the Algerian consulate directly at this stage.

Responsible: Owner

Several weeks before travel, allowing time to apply if one is needed.

Import authorisation position confirmed directly with DSV or the Algerian consulate, given the mixed guidance on whether one is required for an accompanied pet.

Responsible: Owner / Algerian consulate

Ideally more than 7 working days before the intended certification date.

APHA Official Veterinarian booked and export application (EXA) submitted.

Responsible: Owner, with the nominated OV

Within the certificate's validity window before travel, commonly 10 days.

Export Health Certificate issued in French or Arabic, or with a certified translation attached.

Responsible: APHA-authorised OV / translator

Once the certificate date and flight are aligned.

Freight booking confirmed with British Airways/IAG Cargo, Air Algérie Cargo, or Turkish Airlines via Istanbul.

Responsible: You / pet relocation agent

On landing.

Arrival inspection at Houari Boumediene Airport, Algiers; documents, microchip and breed checked against the certificate.

Responsible: Algerian veterinary officials

Requirements

Algeria entry requirements

Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.

Microchip

ISO 11784/11785 microchip required, implanted before the rabies vaccination. A vaccination given first is not recognised.

Rabies vaccination

Current rabies vaccination required, given 21 to 30 days before entry (30 days is the safer margin to avoid disputes at the border), valid for up to 12 months.

Rabies titre test

A rabies antibody titre test is not routinely required for a pet arriving from the UK, since the UK is treated as a controlled-rabies-risk country of origin. Requirements for individual cases can vary, so confirm current status with DSV, the Algerian consulate, or the receiving vet before travel.

Quarantine

No mandatory quarantine for a pet arriving with complete, compliant documentation. Non-compliant animals may face quarantine where facilities allow, forced re-export, or refusal of entry.

Import permit

Sources differ on whether a standalone import authorisation from DSV is required for an owner travelling with their own pet; some describe it as unnecessary for accompanied pets, others as advisable to arrange in advance through the Algerian consulate or DSV directly. Confirm directly with DSV or the consulate before travel rather than assuming either position.

Health certificate

The UK-issued Export Health Certificate, in French or Arabic or with certified translation, examined on arrival. Should be dated within 10 days of the health exam.

Leaving United Kingdom

Export requirements

Export permit

An export application (EXA) is submitted to APHA with the certificate request; there is no separate standalone export permit for a companion pet.

Veterinary inspection

Clinical examination by an APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian (OV), confirming the pet meets Algeria's stated import conditions.

Government endorsement

Only an APHA-authorised OV can issue and sign the Export Health Certificate. Applications submitted more than 7 working days ahead are processed 7 working days before the certification date. Source: GOV.UK, 'Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Getting an animal health certificate,' 2026.

Health certificate

Export Health Certificate covering microchip, rabies vaccination and general health, valid a limited number of days, commonly 10, before travel. Algerian authorities expect this in French or Arabic, or with a certified translation attached.

Costs

What this route typically costs

APHA Official Veterinarian consultation and Export Health Certificate: GBP 200-400

Microchip and rabies vaccination, if not already current: GBP 40-90

Certified French or Arabic translation of the certificate: GBP 40-100

IATA-compliant travel crate: GBP 80-300

Agent handling the freight booking with BA/IAG Cargo, Air Algérie Cargo, or the Istanbul routing: GBP 700-1,600

Air freight Heathrow to Algiers, direct or via Istanbul: GBP 900-2,200 depending on crate size and season

Critical points

Algeria treats certain dog breeds, including Pit Bull-types and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, as a border-control issue in their own right. A restricted breed can be refused entry even with every other document perfectly in order, so confirm the position with DSV or the Algerian consulate before booking any travel.

Guidance on whether a standalone DSV import authorisation is required for an accompanied pet is genuinely mixed across sources. Don't assume either way; get a direct answer from DSV or the Algerian consulate well before travel so there's time to apply if one turns out to be needed.

Air Algérie will not carry pets in the hold on flights to or from the UK, despite operating direct routes into Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester. Bookings have to go through Air Algérie Cargo as freight or a different carrier's cargo service entirely.

Export certificates issued only in English can cause delays at the Algerian end. Arrange a certified French or Arabic translation alongside the APHA certificate rather than after it.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

Airline	Notes	Type
British Airways	Flies Heathrow to Algiers roughly five times a week. Pets travel only as manifested cargo through IAG Cargo, arranged from the UK side via PetAir UK.	Cargo Only
Air Algérie	Operates direct routes from Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester into Algiers, but its own pet policy prohibits carrying animals in the hold on any UK route. Export bookings from Britain must go through Air Algérie Cargo as freight, not through passenger check-in.	Cargo Only
Turkish Airlines	Connects London to Algiers via Istanbul, with Turkish Cargo's AVI live-animal service and a dedicated Pet Lounge for connecting animals on layovers over 75 minutes. A useful alternative when direct freight capacity from Heathrow is tight.	Cargo Only

What Algeria requires

Getting a pet into Algeria is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.

Avoiding the common mistakes

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 this route

Not necessarily. Algeria restricts entry for dogs it considers dangerous, including Pit Bull-types and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and a pet can be refused at the border on breed grounds regardless of otherwise complete paperwork. Confirm the current position with DSV or the Algerian consulate before booking travel.

Sources genuinely disagree on this. Some describe standalone import permits as unnecessary for an owner travelling with their own pet, while others recommend applying through DSV or the Algerian consulate in advance. Given the conflicting guidance, a direct enquiry to DSV or the consulate before travel is the safest approach.

Not routinely. The UK is generally treated as a controlled-rabies-risk country of origin, so a standard 21 to 30 day post-vaccination wait applies rather than a blood test. Requirements can vary by case, so confirming with DSV or the receiving vet close to travel is worthwhile.

Not as hold baggage. Air Algérie’s policy prohibits transporting pets in the hold on any UK route, so the booking has to go through Air Algérie Cargo as freight, or with a different carrier such as British Airways (via IAG Cargo) or Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul).

Airline guides

British Airways
Air Algérie
Turkish Airlines

Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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