Lead time needed
6-10 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Medium
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
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Home/Routes/United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia
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SA

Pet Transport UK to Saudi Arabia: 2026 Process and MEWA Requirements

Shipping a dog or cat from United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia rewards owners who start planning early. Plan on roughly 6-10 weeks; the checklist is clear and the timing is manageable. No routine quarantine applies as long as every requirement is met. The sections …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia typically takes around 6-10 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step

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.

1
At least 4 weeks before intended travel date
Apply for MEWA import permit via Anaam electronic platform

Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent

2
Before starting the permit application
Confirm your dog's classification meets MEWA rules (working dog requirement)

Responsible: Owner, with advice from pet agent

3
Within validity window for Saudi requirements. Allow time for embassy attestation.
Obtain official veterinary health certificate from an Official Veterinarian (OV)

Responsible: APHA-authorised OV

4
Allow 1-2 weeks for embassy processing
Submit health certificate for Saudi embassy attestation at the Saudi Embassy in London

Responsible: Owner or agent

5
At least 30 days before travel. Booster if needed.
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and retains 6+ months validity at travel date

Responsible: Vet

6
Once permit and health certificate are in hand
Book cargo space on airline

Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent

7
Within MEWA permit validity (30 days from issue)
Travel to Saudi Arabia with full documentation

Responsible: Airline cargo

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Saudi Arabia

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip mandatory. Must be implanted and readable.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required. Must have been administered at least 30 …
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant pets. Veterinary inspection on arrival at …
Import permit
MEWA import permit required. Apply via the Anaam electronic platform at least 4 …
Health certificate
Official veterinary health certificate. Must be attested by the Saudi Arabian …
Export permit
No UK export permit required for dogs and cats.
Costs

What this route typically costs

MEWA import permit: nominal government fee, check current Anaam …
Official veterinary health certificate (OV fee): £150 to £350
Saudi embassy attestation in London: £80 to £200 depending on service …
Dog and cat vaccination update if needed: £60 to £150
Cargo airline fee Heathrow to Riyadh or Jeddah: £700 to £2,200 …
Pet transport agent fee: £400 to £1,100
IATA-compliant travel crate: £80 to £400
Total typical range: £1,500 to £4,000 all in

Critical points

Saudi Arabia permits dog imports only for working dog classifications: guard dogs, guide dogs, and hunting dogs. Companion dogs are not generally permitted. Confirm your dog's status with MEWA before investing time in the permit process.

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.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

British Airways / IAG Cargo
Direct Heathrow to Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED) routes. Cargo-only for pets. PetAir UK …
Cargo Only
Saudia (Saudi Airlines)
Direct London Heathrow to Riyadh and Jeddah. Cargo-only for pets on this route.
Cargo Only
Etihad Cargo
Via Abu Dhabi hub. Heathrow to AUH to Riyadh or Jeddah. Additional connection adds transit …
Cargo Only

Saudi Arabia entry requirements at a glance

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

Getting the details right

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

This is the most important question to answer before starting any process. Saudi Arabia’s MEWA regulations restrict dog imports to working dog classifications, specifically guard dogs, guide dogs, and hunting dogs. Whether a companion dog can be imported under an employer-sponsored permit or special arrangement depends on your individual situation. Speak to a specialist pet relocation company with Saudi Arabia experience before assuming this is possible. Cats face no equivalent restriction.
The Saudi Arabian embassy in London typically takes one to two weeks to process health certificate attestation. Express services may be available for an additional fee. Do not underestimate this step: the attested certificate must be ready before your travel date, and the MEWA permit you have already received is only valid for 30 days. Most people coordinate the attestation and permit timing carefully so both are ready within the same window.
MEWA requires current rabies vaccination with at least 6 months validity remaining at the time of arrival. For dogs, MEWA also expects current core vaccinations including DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus) and Bordetella. For cats, FVRCP vaccination is expected. Ensure your pet’s vaccination certificate is comprehensive and up to date before the health certificate is issued.
The MEWA import permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. If your travel date changes beyond that window, you must apply for a new permit via the Anaam platform. There is no straightforward extension process. This is why most people apply for the permit only once their travel date is firmly set rather than as early as possible in the process.
Heathrow is the main departure point for direct cargo services to Riyadh and Jeddah. Other UK airports do not have direct cargo connections to Saudi Arabia for live animals. Cargo connections from Heathrow are handled by British Airways and Saudia directly, or by cargo agents. If you are not near London, most pet transport agents can arrange collection and delivery to Heathrow on your behalf.
Airline guides
  • British Airways / IAG Cargo
  • Saudia (Saudi Airlines)
  • Etihad Cargo
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

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GB SAUnited Kingdom to Saudi Arabia
International pet transport route
Lead time6-10 weeks
QuarantineNone
ComplexityMedium
Airlines3
ServiceDoor to door
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