Bringing a pet to Qatar

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Qatar requires an import permit, ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate for all dogs, regardless of origin. Quarantine is not routinely imposed when documents are in order. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries also need a FAVN titer test. Start the permit process at least 4–6 weeks before travel.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs, boxers) may be restricted by airlines due to respiratory risks, especially in cargo. Qatar does not ban specific breeds, but owners should check with their airline.

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
Official health certificate
Import permit from MME
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50; health certificate ~$100–200; import permit fee ~$50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MME.

No quarantine if documents are in order.

Apply / official dog 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 · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
Official health certificate
Import permit from MME
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50; health certificate ~$100–200; import permit fee ~$50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MME.

No quarantine if documents are in order.

Apply / official dog 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 · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN titer test result
Official health certificate
Import permit from MME
Microchip certificate

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50; health certificate ~$100–200; FAVN titer test ~$100–250; import permit fee ~$50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MME.

No quarantine if all documents are valid, but pets may be subject to inspection on arrival.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, all dogs entering Qatar require an import permit issued by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME). Apply online through the MME website at least 2–4 weeks before travel. The permit is valid for a specific period and must accompany the pet.

A rabies titer test (FAVN) is required only if your dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country. It must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. Dogs from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.

Qatar generally allows up to 2 pets per passenger for non-commercial import. If you are bringing more than 2, you may need to meet additional requirements or use a commercial import process. Confirm with MME before travel.

No, service dogs and emotional support animals are subject to the same import requirements as pet dogs. They must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit. Airlines may have additional policies for service animals in the cabin.

There is no quarantine for dogs entering Qatar if all import requirements are met: valid import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate. Pets from high-risk countries may be inspected on arrival, but quarantine is not routinely imposed.

Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination, and then wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. So the minimum age for entry is 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days).

You need: a rabies vaccination certificate, an official health certificate issued by a government veterinarian within 10 days of travel, an import permit from MME, and a microchip certificate. For high-risk countries, also a FAVN titer test result.

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

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 competent authority of the origin country · 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 not expired
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Import permit (if required by Qatar Ministry of Municipality and Environment for certain origins)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fees vary by country. A rabies titer test is not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

For rabies-free origins, Qatar requires a microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate. A rabies titer test is not required. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are in order. The cat must be at least 3 months old for rabies vaccination.

Apply / official cat 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 or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · 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 not expired
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Import permit (if required by Qatar Ministry of Municipality and Environment for certain origins)

Rough budget

For low-risk origins (e.g., EU, US, UK, Japan, Australia), Qatar requires a rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate. A rabies titer test is not required. No quarantine is imposed if documents are complete. The cat must be at least 3 months old for rabies vaccination. Ensure the microchip is implanted before vaccination.

Apply / official cat 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 or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · 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 not expired
FAVN rabies titer test result (minimum 0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Import permit issued by Qatar Ministry of Municipality and Environment

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary by country. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

For high-risk origins (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), Qatar requires a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a minimum 0.5 IU/ml result, performed at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. An import permit must be obtained in advance. No quarantine is imposed if all requirements are met. The cat must be at least 3 months old for rabies vaccination. The microchip must be implanted before vaccination.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Qatar does not explicitly cap the number of cats for non-commercial import, but if you bring more than 5 cats, the shipment may be considered commercial and require additional permits and inspections. For 1-5 cats, the standard non-commercial rules apply. Always confirm with the Qatar Ministry of Municipality and Environment before travel.

Yes. Qatar does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import regulations. All cats, regardless of function, must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and if applicable, a titer test and import permit. No special exemption exists.

No. The United States is considered a low-risk country for rabies, so a titer test is not required. However, the cat must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days old) and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.

The cat must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of rabies vaccination, and the vaccination must be valid for at least 21 days before travel. So the minimum age at entry is 3 months + 21 days = approximately 4 months.

If your cat is travelling from a high-risk country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), an import permit is required. For low-risk and free origins, an import permit is not required. Always check the current requirements with the Qatar Ministry of Municipality and Environment.

If the titer test result is below 0.5 IU/ml, the cat will be considered unvaccinated and may be denied entry or required to undergo quarantine and re-vaccination. It is essential to ensure the test is done at an approved laboratory and meets the threshold.

No, Qatar does not impose breed restrictions on cats. All domestic cat breeds are allowed, provided they meet the health and documentation requirements.

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

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 · 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 still valid
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit issued by the Qatari Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-100. No FAVN titer test is required for this tier.

Ferrets are treated as exotic pets in Qatar. An MME import permit is mandatory and must be obtained before travel. The ferret must be microchipped, at least 3 months old, and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. No quarantine is required if all documentation is complete.

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 · 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 still valid
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit issued by the Qatari Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-100. No FAVN titer test is required for this tier.

Same requirements as the free tier. No rabies titer test is required for ferrets from low-risk countries. No quarantine is required if all documentation is complete.

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 · 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 still valid
FAVN rabies titer test result from an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory showing titer ≥0.5 IU/ml
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit issued by the Qatari Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-100, FAVN titer test ~$100-250.

Ferrets from high-risk countries require a valid FAVN rabies titer test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine is required if all documentation is complete, but the animal may be inspected on arrival.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are considered exotic pets and require an MME import permit obtained before travel. The ferret must be microchipped, at least 3 months old, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, and accompanied by an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. Ferrets from high-risk countries also need a FAVN rabies titer test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel.

Qatar does not publish a maximum number for non-commercial ferret imports. If you bring more than a small number (typically more than 5), the shipment may be treated as commercial and require additional permits. Contact the MME directly if you plan to bring multiple ferrets.

No. Qatar does not exempt emotional support or service ferrets from import requirements. All ferrets must meet the same conditions: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit. Service animals may be allowed in the cabin, but the import regulations remain the same.

It depends on the origin country. Ferrets from free or low-risk countries (e.g., EU, US, UK, Japan) do not require a rabies titer test. Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN rabies titer test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel.

Processing time for an MME import permit varies. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date. The permit is typically valid for a specific period, so coordinate with the MME to ensure it covers your arrival date.

No quarantine is required for ferrets entering Qatar if all import requirements are met, including a valid import permit, health certificate, and rabies vaccination (and titer test if applicable). The animal will be inspected by a veterinary officer at the port of entry.

Ferrets must be at least 3 months old to enter Qatar. This ensures they can receive a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, as required.

Good to know

The import permit is issued by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) and must be obtained before travel. The health certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian in the origin country. Airlines may impose additional requirements, especially for brachycephalic breeds.

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 Qatar, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).