Pet Transport UK to Saudi Arabia: 2026 Process and MEWA Requirements
The United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
Responsible: APHA-authorised OV
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Vet
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
Responsible: Airline cargo
Which Saudi Arabia rules depend on a pet coming from the United Kingdom?
These rules apply to pets from the United Kingdom, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Health certificate: Per UK APHA certificate 2914: the animal is examined no more than 96 hours before export and the certificate is valid for 7 days. Applies to dogs and cats from Great Britain.
2914EHC version 3 specimen certificate, checked 2 October 2026 - Health certificate: Per UK APHA guidance notes (revised 15 October 2025): once certificate 2914 has been signed by an Official Veterinarian it must be legalised (the 96-hour examination and 7-day validity come from the certificate itself, see the entry above). Applies to dogs and cats from Great Britain.
2914EHC guidance notes, checked 2 October 2026 - Rabies vaccination: Per UK APHA guidance notes (revised 15 October 2025): rabies vaccination must be given 30 days to 6 months before export. Applies to dogs and cats from Great Britain.
2914EHC guidance notes, checked 2 October 2026 - Banned and restricted breeds: Per UK APHA guidance notes (revised 15 October 2025): a list of 19 breeds Saudi Arabia will not permit is given (see conflict note on the MEWA entry). Applies to dogs from Great Britain.
2914EHC guidance notes, checked 2 October 2026 - How your pet may travel: Per UK APHA guidance notes: airlines must obtain prior permission to carry animals into Saudi Arabia. Applies to dogs and cats from Great Britain.
2914EHC guidance notes, checked 2 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering Saudi Arabia, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Saudi Arabia guide.
What does the United Kingdom require before your pet leaves?
We are still checking the export rules of the United Kingdom against official government pages, so they are not shown here yet.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
The MEWA import permit is valid for 30 days only. If your travel date changes outside this window, you must apply for a new permit.
Embassy attestation of the health certificate is mandatory and takes 1-2 weeks. Do not leave this to the last moment.
Rabies vaccination must retain at least 6 months of validity at the time of arrival in Saudi Arabia, not just at the time of issue. Check the expiry date carefully.
Summer heat embargoes (June to September) affect cargo pet services out of UK airports for some Middle East destinations. Confirm cargo availability before booking.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Common questions
Move your pet to Saudi Arabia.
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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.