Pet Transport from Zambia to the United Arab Emirates
If you are relocating a pet from Zambia to United Arab Emirates, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. Allow around 8-12 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track. Pets with …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Zambia to United Arab Emirates
typically takes around 8-12 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 Zambia to United Arab Emirates import process
01
Before the rabies vaccination.
Microchip implanted (ISO 11784/11785), if not already in place.
Responsible: Zambia-based vet
02
At least 21 days before the planned travel date.
Rabies vaccination given, pet at least 12 weeks old.
Responsible: Zambia-based vet
03
At least 21 days after vaccination; result must stay within 12 months of the travel date.
Blood drawn for the FAVN/RNATT titre test.
Responsible: Zambia-based vet / approved laboratory
04
Within 14 days before travel.
Internal and external antiparasitic treatment given.
Responsible: Zambia-based vet
05
Once the flight date is fixed; the permit is only valid 30 days, so this has to sit close to departure.
MOCCAE import permit applied for online, AED 200 fee.
Responsible: Owner or UAE-based importer
06
Close to departure.
Zambian export health certificate issued, matching the MOCCAE-expected format.
Responsible: Zambia-based official vet
07
Once the import permit and health certificate dates line up.
Emirates SkyCargo booking confirmed for the direct Lusaka-Dubai service.
Responsible: Owner / cargo agent
08
On arrival.
Arrival clearance in Dubai with the import permit and endorsed health certificate.
Responsible: Importer
Requirements
United Arab Emirates entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip required, implanted before the rabies vaccination. Source: MOCCAE, 'Import of pets (cats/dogs),' moccae.gov.ae, 2026.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination required, pet at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination and at least 21 days before travel. Source: MOCCAE, 2026.
Rabies titre test
FAVN/RNATT rabies antibody titre test required, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. Zambia does not appear among MOCCAE's roughly 50 low-risk countries (which include the UK, Germany, Japan and Australia among others), so it is treated as high risk. Sample must be taken no more than 12 months before travel and, for a first vaccination or an expired one, at least 21 days after vaccinating. Unlike GB's rules, MOCCAE does not impose a further multi-month wait after the titre result. Source: MOCCAE, 2026; Zoovet Travel, 'Requirements to enter the UAE with your pet,' 2026.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for a compliant pet with a valid import permit and paperwork. Source: MOCCAE, 2026.
Import permit
Prior import permit required, obtained online, fee AED 200, valid 30 days from issue. Minimum import age for a high-risk-country pet is 15 weeks (12 weeks for low-risk countries). Source: MOCCAE, 'Import of pets (cats/dogs),' 2026.
Health certificate
Official veterinary health certificate from the exporting country, endorsed by that country's competent authority, required alongside the import permit. Pets must travel as manifested cargo; cabin travel is not permitted. Source: MOCCAE, 2026.
Leaving Zambia
Export requirements
Export permit
No published online export portal for pets. Exporters deal directly with the Department of Veterinary Services (Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock) for the documentation the animal needs to leave the country.
Veterinary inspection
A government or government-recognised vet must examine the pet and confirm vaccination status before issuing export paperwork.
Government endorsement
Documentation should match the format MOCCAE expects on the UAE side; confirm the exact template with the UAE-based importer or agent before the Zambian vet completes it.
Health certificate
Veterinary health certificate confirming rabies vaccination, general health and fitness to travel, issued close to departure.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Zambia vet visits, microchip and vaccination: USD 60-150. No published government fee schedule; confirm locally.
FAVN/RNATT titre test with laboratory fee: USD 150-300
MOCCAE import permit: AED 200 (approximately USD 55), valid 30 days from issue
Zambian export documentation from the Department of Veterinary Services: fee not published; contact Mulungushi House directly
IATA-compliant travel crate: USD 80-300
Emirates SkyCargo Lusaka-Dubai, direct: USD 900-2,200 depending on crate size and season
Critical points
Zambia is not on MOCCAE's roughly 50-country low-risk list, so the titre test and the 15-week minimum import age for high-risk countries apply, not the lighter low-risk rules.
The MOCCAE import permit is valid for only 30 days, which is tight if Zambian vet and lab appointments run long. Apply for it only once the flight is realistically booked.
Pets cannot travel in the cabin on this route. The UAE requires all animals to move as manifested cargo, so budget and book accordingly.
Emirates is currently the only carrier flying Lusaka to Dubai nonstop. Etihad's Abu Dhabi service needs a connection, adding a stop and extra transfer risk for a live animal.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Emirates
Flies Lusaka (LUN) to Dubai (DXB) nonstop as EK713/EK714, roughly 7 hours 10 minutes, using a Boeing 777. Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo, with brachycephalic breeds accepted subject to extra conditions and seasonal heat embargoes in the Gulf.
Cargo Only
Etihad Airways
No nonstop Lusaka-Abu Dhabi (AUH) service; connections add at least one stop and roughly 10 hours 40 minutes total, longer than the direct Dubai option on Emirates.
Cargo Only
Kenya Airways
An alternative cargo routing via Nairobi (NBO), where onward connections to Dubai are available; live animals travel as cargo only on Kenya Airways, useful if the Emirates direct service doesn't have capacity on the required dates.
Cargo Only
How United Arab Emirates handles incoming pets
United Arab Emirates has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
What experienced owners do
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.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
High risk. Zambia is not among the roughly 50 countries on MOCCAE’s low-risk list, so the FAVN/RNATT titre test and the 15-week minimum import age apply, rather than the lighter rules given to low-risk countries. Source: MOCCAE, ‘Import of pets (cats/dogs),’ moccae.gov.ae, 2026.
No. The UAE requires all pets to travel as manifested cargo on this route; Emirates SkyCargo does not offer a cabin option for animals arriving from a high-risk country. Source: MOCCAE, 2026.
Yes. Emirates flies Lusaka to Dubai nonstop as EK713 and EK714, roughly 7 hours 10 minutes on a Boeing 777. It’s currently the only nonstop option; Etihad’s Abu Dhabi service requires a connection.
30 days from the date of issue. Since it costs AED 200 and expires quickly, it’s best applied for only once the flight date and the Zambian vet’s export paperwork are both close to confirmed. Source: MOCCAE, 2026.
Airline guides
Emirates
Etihad Airways
Kenya Airways
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.