Bringing a pet to Saudi Arabia

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Saudi Arabia enforces strict dog import rules under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA). All dogs need an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, an official health certificate, and a MEWA import permit. Quarantine is not routine when documents are complete, but rules vary by the origin country's rabies status. Start planning 2–3 months before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Saudi Arabia.

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

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Saudi Arabia bans the import of certain dog breeds, including Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, and their mixes. Brachycephalic breeds may face airline restrictions but are not banned by MEWA. Check with the airline and MEWA for the latest list.

Documents checklist

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

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit fee $50–100. No titer test is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MEWA.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the government authority.

MEWA Saudi Arabia

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

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

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

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit fee $50–100. No titer test is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MEWA.

No titer test is required for low-risk origins.

MEWA Saudi Arabia

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

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

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

Rough budget

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

A rabies titer test is mandatory for high-risk origins. The test must be done at an approved laboratory. Quarantine is not routinely imposed if all documents are in order.

MEWA Saudi Arabia

Frequently asked questions

Saudi Arabia generally allows up to 2 dogs per passenger for non-commercial import. More than that may be considered commercial and require additional permits. Confirm with MEWA before travel.

Yes. Saudi Arabia does not exempt service or emotional support dogs from import requirements. All dogs must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit. Service dogs may be allowed in the cabin with prior airline approval, but import rules still apply.

It depends on the origin country. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) must have a FAVN titer test with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. Dogs from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.

MEWA import permits typically take 5–10 business days to process. Apply online via the MEWA portal. The permit is valid for 30 days from issuance, so time your application accordingly.

There is no routine quarantine for dogs with complete and valid documentation. If documents are missing or the titer test is not done for high-risk origins, quarantine may be imposed at the owner's expense. Ensure all paperwork is correct to avoid delays.

Saudi Arabia bans the import of Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, and their mixes. This list may change; verify with MEWA or the Saudi embassy before travel.

Yes, but you need an import permit from MEWA, a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), and an ISO microchip. No titer test is required for dogs from the USA. Quarantine is not required if documents are in order.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Saudi Arabia.

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 Saudi Embassy or consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

MEWA import permit
Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days and no more than 1 year before travel)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Saudi Embassy/consulate
ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate or proof
Veterinary certificate showing no signs of infectious disease

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: MEWA import permit ~$50–150, health certificate and embassy endorsement ~$100–200, microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. No titer test required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MEWA.

Cats must be at least 3 months old. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order.

MEWA Saudi Arabia

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 Saudi Embassy or consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

MEWA import permit
Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days and no more than 1 year before travel)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory, dated at least 90 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Saudi Embassy/consulate
ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate or proof
Veterinary certificate showing no signs of infectious disease

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: MEWA import permit ~$50–150, health certificate and embassy endorsement ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MEWA.

Minimum preparation time from vaccination to travel is 111 days (21 days post-vaccination + 90 days post-titer). No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order.

MEWA Saudi Arabia

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 Saudi Embassy or consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

MEWA import permit
Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days and no more than 1 year before travel)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory, dated at least 90 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Saudi Embassy/consulate
ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate or proof
Veterinary certificate showing no signs of infectious disease

Rough budget

Same requirements as low-risk. No additional quarantine if documentation is complete, but expect additional scrutiny at the port of entry. Ensure all documents are original and endorsed.

MEWA Saudi Arabia

Frequently asked questions

Saudi Arabia does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet cats. In practice, MEWA typically allows up to 2 cats per passenger without a commercial import licence. If you are bringing more than 2, you may need to apply for a commercial import permit and meet additional requirements. Always confirm with MEWA before travel.

No. Saudi Arabia does not exempt emotional support or service animals from its import requirements. All cats, including those accompanying disabled travellers, must have a MEWA import permit, a valid rabies vaccination, a microchip, a health certificate endorsed by the Saudi embassy, and for low-risk/high-risk origins, a FAVN titer test. There is no waiver for service animals.

The process takes at least 4 months: 1) Microchip and rabies vaccination (day 0). 2) Wait 21 days, then FAVN titer test (day 21). 3) Wait 90 days after titer test (day 111). 4) Apply for MEWA import permit (can be done in parallel, takes 1-2 weeks). 5) Health certificate within 10 days of travel. 6) Embassy endorsement. Total minimum: 111 days from vaccination to travel.

No, quarantine is not required if all import conditions are met: valid import permit, rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and for low-risk/high-risk origins, a passing FAVN titer test. If documents are incomplete or the titer test fails, the cat may be quarantined at the owner's expense or returned to the origin country.

No. Saudi Arabia requires all imported cats to be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination, and the microchip number must appear on all documents. If your cat is not microchipped, it will not be allowed entry.

Rough estimate: MEWA import permit ~$50–150, health certificate and embassy endorsement ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250 (if required), microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. Total: $300–700. These are estimates only; confirm current prices with a local vet and MEWA.

Saudi Arabia does not impose breed-specific bans on domestic cats. However, some airlines may have restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds due to respiratory risks during transport. Check with your airline before booking.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Saudi Arabia.

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 Saudi Embassy or consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Saudi Embassy/consulate
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50; health certificate ~$100–200. Import permit not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MEWA.

Ferrets are not listed as prohibited animals in Saudi Arabia, but import is subject to MEWA approval. A health certificate endorsed by the Saudi embassy is required. No quarantine for ferrets from free-tier countries.

MEWA Saudi Arabia

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 Saudi Embassy or consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Saudi Embassy/consulate
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50; health certificate ~$100–200. Import permit not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MEWA.

Same requirements as free-tier origins. No rabies titer test or quarantine for ferrets from low-risk countries. Ensure the health certificate is endorsed by the Saudi embassy in the origin country.

MEWA Saudi Arabia

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 Saudi Embassy or consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Saudi Embassy/consulate
Import permit issued by the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

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

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries require a rabies titer test and an import permit. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are in order, but the animal may be subject to inspection at the port of entry. The titer test must be done at least 90 days before travel.

MEWA Saudi Arabia

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not explicitly listed as allowed pets in Saudi Arabia. Import is subject to approval by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA). You must have a health certificate endorsed by the Saudi embassy, a rabies vaccination certificate, and a microchip. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries also need a rabies titer test and an import permit. Contact MEWA or the Saudi embassy in your country before travel to confirm current requirements.

Saudi Arabia does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but generally non-commercial pet imports are limited to a small number (typically up to 2–3 pets per family). If you are bringing more, they may be considered commercial and require additional permits. Confirm with MEWA.

No. Saudi Arabia does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of role, must meet the same health, vaccination, and documentation rules. Service animals may be allowed in cabins on some airlines, but import rules remain the same.

Only if your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East). The FAVN test must show at least 0.5 IU/ml and be done at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Ferrets from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Saudi embassy or consulate in the origin country. It is valid for 10 days from issuance.

No, there is no quarantine for ferrets entering Saudi Arabia if all import requirements are met. However, the animal will be inspected at the port of entry, and if documents are not in order, it may be quarantined or refused entry.

The ferret must be at least 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 import is 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days).

Good to know

A MEWA import permit is required for all pet dogs regardless of origin. The permit is typically valid for 30 days and must be obtained before travel. Pets must arrive at a designated port of entry (Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam) and may be inspected. Airlines may impose additional requirements.

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