Bringing a pet to Iraq

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Iraq has no single published pet-import regulation matching EU or US frameworks. Rules are applied at the port of entry by Ministry of Agriculture veterinary officers, and requirements can change with little notice. In practice, a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a recent international health certificate are the baseline, but officers at Baghdad International Airport have broad discretion to request extra documents or refuse entry. Iraq does not operate a routine quarantine kennel network for pet dogs; if documents are missing, the animal may be held at the airport or returned at the owner's expense. Carry original, stamped documents and a certified Arabic translation.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Iraq.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed or stamped by the national veterinary authority (e.g. USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Iraq does not publish a national breed ban for pet dogs. However, some airlines serving Baghdad and Erbil, including Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, refuse to carry brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers) in the hold, especially between May and September when tarmac temperatures exceed 40°C. Check with your specific carrier; the airline embargo, not Iraqi law, is the practical restriction.

Documents checklist

  • Original rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine date, batch number, and validity
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin government veterinary authority
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip, with the microchip number matching the rabies certificate
  • Owner's passport copy and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, optional Arabic translation/attestation ~$50-150. No titer test or import permit is required in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture before travel.

Airport veterinary staff may request an Arabic translation of the health certificate. Carry the original rabies certificate; photocopies are routinely refused.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed or stamped by the national veterinary authority (e.g. USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Iraq does not publish a national breed ban for pet dogs. However, some airlines serving Baghdad and Erbil, including Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, refuse to carry brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers) in the hold, especially between May and September when tarmac temperatures exceed 40°C. Check with your specific carrier; the airline embargo, not Iraqi law, is the practical restriction.

Documents checklist

  • Original rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine date, batch number, and validity
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin government veterinary authority
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, optional Arabic translation/attestation ~$50-150. No titer test or import permit is required in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture before travel.

There is no formal low-risk fast track. Dogs from the US, UK, and EU are routinely admitted with a valid rabies certificate and a recent health certificate, but officer discretion applies as for any origin.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed or stamped by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Iraq does not publish a national breed ban for pet dogs. However, some airlines serving Baghdad and Erbil, including Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, refuse to carry brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers) in the hold, especially between May and September when tarmac temperatures exceed 40°C. Check with your specific carrier; the airline embargo, not Iraqi law, is the practical restriction.

Documents checklist

  • Original rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine date, batch number, and validity
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin government veterinary authority
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Rabies antibody titer (FAVN) result if available; strongly recommended for high-risk origins
  • Owner's passport copy and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, optional FAVN titer test ~$100-250, optional Arabic translation/attestation ~$50-150. No import permit or quarantine fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture before travel.

Iraq publishes no high-risk list, but dogs arriving from countries with endemic canine rabies are more likely to be questioned. A titer test result is not formally mandated but can help prevent refused entry.

Frequently asked questions

Iraq does not publish a fixed non-commercial cap, but airport veterinary officers generally treat one to two dogs per traveller as personal pets. Three or more on the same itinerary is likely to be treated as a commercial import, requiring a Ministry of Agriculture import licence and a different clearance process. For a multi-dog household, split the animals across separate travellers or engage an Iraqi customs broker in advance.
No. Iraq does not recognise an emotional-support-animal exemption, and service dogs are not exempt from rabies vaccination, microchip, or health-certificate requirements. A service dog still needs a valid rabies certificate, an ISO microchip, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. Some airlines carry service dogs in the cabin, but that is airline policy, not an Iraqi veterinary concession; the dog must still clear the same veterinary desk at Baghdad International Airport.
No routine government quarantine applies to pet dogs with complete paperwork; quarantine_days is 0. Iraq does not operate a quarantine kennel network like the UK or Australia. If documents are missing or the officer is not satisfied, the dog can be held at the airport, in practice in a carrier near the veterinary office, until the issue is resolved, or refused entry and returned on the next flight at the owner's cost. That is discretionary detention, not a scheduled quarantine period.
Iraq does not formally require a rabies antibody titer test for any origin country. If you are arriving from a country with endemic canine rabies, such as Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, or elsewhere in the Middle East, an airport veterinary officer may ask for one. If you obtain one, the blood must be drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and results take 21-30 days from an approved laboratory. Budget approximately $100-250.
Expect to present: (1) the original rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine date, batch number, and validity; (2) an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by your origin country's government veterinary authority; (3) proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip; (4) your passport and flight ticket. Arabic translations of the health certificate are not legally mandated but are frequently requested; a certified Arabic translation costs approximately $50-150 and can save hours at the veterinary desk.
That depends on the airline, not Iraqi law. Iraq's civil aviation authority does not publish a cabin-pet rule. Carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Flydubai each set their own weight limits, typically 6-8 kg including carrier for cabin travel, and brachycephalic-breed embargoes. For hold travel, most carriers embargo brachycephalic breeds between May and September because Baghdad tarmac temperatures routinely exceed 40°C. Confirm with your carrier at booking; veterinary import rules are separate from airline carriage rules.
The airport veterinary officer may detain the dog at the airport, refuse entry, or require return on the next available flight at your expense. There is no published appeal process and no on-site vaccination service at Baghdad International Airport. The practical fix is to have your origin-country vet issue the health certificate no more than 10 days before departure, carry the original rabies certificate rather than a copy, and keep a certified Arabic translation with the documents. If unsure, contact the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture veterinary department before you fly, but expect slow responses.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Iraq.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, rabies vaccination $20–50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iraqi veterinary authority.

Iraq does not maintain a formal tiered system like the EU. Cats from countries with negligible rabies risk (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) are subject to the same basic requirements as other origins, but enforcement is less stringent. A rabies titer test is not required. Quarantine is not imposed. Ensure the health certificate is endorsed by the origin's government veterinary service.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, rabies vaccination $20–50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iraqi veterinary authority.

Iraq does not require a rabies titer test or quarantine for cats from low-risk countries. Some airlines may require additional documentation. The health certificate must be endorsed by the origin's government veterinary authority. Upon arrival, a veterinary inspection may be conducted.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (titer ≥ 0.5 IU/ml, blood drawn at least 30 days post-vaccination, travel at least 90 days after blood draw)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, rabies vaccination $20–50, FAVN titer test $100–250, import permit fee $50–200. No quarantine fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iraqi veterinary authority.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a valid rabies titer test and an import permit. Quarantine is not typically imposed if all documentation is in order, but the animal may be detained for inspection. The import permit must be obtained prior to travel from the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture. The titer test must be done at an approved laboratory.

Frequently asked questions

Iraq does not publish a limit for non-commercial pet imports. Travellers typically bring 1–2 cats without issue. If you are moving with more than 5 cats, customs may consider it a commercial import, which requires additional permits and compliance with commercial regulations. Check with the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture in advance.
No. Iraq does not recognise emotional support animals as a separate category. All cats, including service animals, must meet the same import requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk origins, a titer test and import permit. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the destination country does not grant exemptions.
No. The United States is considered a low-risk country for rabies by Iraq. A titer test is not required for cats from the US. You will need a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days old), a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and a microchip.
Iraq does not impose quarantine on cats with valid documentation. There is no mandatory quarantine period. However, if the animal arrives without proper paperwork, it may be detained or refused entry. Ensure all documents are complete before travel.
Yes, but additional requirements apply. You must have a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination. Travel must occur at least 90 days after the blood draw. You also need an import permit from the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, obtained before travel. Quarantine is not required if all documents are in order.
You need an international health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by the government veterinary authority of the origin country. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. It should state that the cat is healthy and free from infectious diseases, and include details of rabies vaccination and microchip.
No. Iraq does not have any breed-specific bans or restrictions for cats. All breeds are allowed, provided they meet the general import requirements. Airlines may have their own restrictions on brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Persian cats) for transport, so check with your airline.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Iraq.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be stamped and signed within 10 days of arrival. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip or clear identification
  • Airline-issued pet booking confirmation

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30-50, health certificate $100-200, airline pet fee $100-300. An import permit is not required for this tier, so no permit fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture.

Ferrets are not explicitly listed in Iraq's animal import regulations, which are written primarily for dogs and cats. In practice, the Ministry of Agriculture and customs treat ferrets as 'other pets' and apply the same documentation rules. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all carnivores. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are in order, but officials at Baghdad International Airport may require a veterinary inspection on arrival.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be stamped and signed within 10 days of arrival. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip or clear identification
  • Airline-issued pet booking confirmation

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30-50, health certificate $100-200, airline pet fee $100-300. An import permit is not required for this tier, so no permit fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture.

Requirements match the free tier. Iraq does not impose a rabies titer test or quarantine for ferrets from low-risk countries. Because ferrets are not explicitly listed in Iraq's animal import regulations, customs officials may apply dog and cat rules by analogy. Some airlines require additional health documentation for ferrets; check with your carrier.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be stamped and signed within 10 days of arrival. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN/RFFIT) result from an approved laboratory showing ≥0.5 IU/ml
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Import permit from Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture (apply at least 30 days in advance)
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Airline-issued pet booking confirmation

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30-50, rabies titer test $100-250, health certificate $100-200, import permit $50-150, airline pet fee $100-300. No quarantine fee applies because quarantine is not imposed when documents are complete. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries (as defined by CDC or WHO) must have a valid rabies titer test and an import permit. Iraq does not quarantine ferrets on arrival if all documentation is complete, but the Ministry of Agriculture may require a veterinary inspection at the port of entry. The import permit must be obtained before travel; processing can take 2-4 weeks. Some airlines may refuse to transport ferrets from high-risk countries; check with your carrier.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, ferrets are allowed, but they are not explicitly listed in Iraq's animal import regulations. The Ministry of Agriculture and customs treat ferrets as 'other pets' and apply the same rules as for dogs and cats. You will need a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, and an import permit if your ferret is from a high-risk rabies country. Confirm with the Iraqi embassy in your country before travel.
Yes. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all carnivores entering Iraq, including ferrets. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and be valid at entry. A rabies titer test is required only if your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa).
No. Iraq does not impose quarantine on ferrets if all import requirements are met. If documents are incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness, customs may require a veterinary inspection and possibly quarantine at your expense.
Iraq does not specify a maximum number for non-commercial pet ferrets. If you bring more than 5 ferrets, customs may consider it a commercial import, which requires additional permits and veterinary inspections. For personal pets, keep the number to 1-2 to avoid complications.
No. Iraq does not recognize emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of role, must meet the same rabies vaccination, health certificate, and permit requirements. Airlines may have their own policies for service animals in the cabin, but Iraqi customs will still require the standard import documents.
You will need: (1) a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel, (2) an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, (3) proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip, (4) an import permit from the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture if your ferret is from a high-risk rabies country, and (5) a copy of your airline booking for the pet. Carry originals and copies.
No. Iraq does not have breed restrictions for ferrets; all ferrets are treated the same under import rules. Some airlines may have restrictions on transporting ferrets, especially during extreme temperatures. Check with your airline.

Good to know

Iraq's import rules are not consolidated in a single English-language regulation. The Ministry of Agriculture (وزارة الزراعة) and the Iraqi Veterinary Syndicate are the nominal authorities, but airport veterinary officers make on-the-spot decisions. Arabic-language documents or certified translations are strongly advised. No bilateral pet-passport scheme with the EU or US is in force.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Iraq, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Iraq's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.