Bringing a pet to Saudi Arabia

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Saudi Arabia has strict pet import requirements that vary depending on the origin country's rabies risk classification. All pets need a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a government-issued health certificate, and some origins require a rabies titer test. There is no mandatory quarantine for pets meeting all requirements, but delays at entry are possible if documentation is incomplete.

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 (e.g., USDA for US, DEFRA for UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

The following dog breeds are banned from import into Saudi Arabia: Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, and any mixed breeds visibly resembling these types. Check with the airline for additional carrier-specific bans on brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) due to health risks in cargo.

Documents checklist

  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine date and validity (at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Ensure microchip is implanted before rabies vaccination.

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 (e.g., USDA for US, DEFRA for UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

The following dog breeds are banned from import into Saudi Arabia: Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, and any mixed breeds visibly resembling these types. Check with the airline for additional carrier-specific bans on brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) due to health risks in cargo.

Documents checklist

  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine date and validity (at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Ensure microchip is implanted before rabies vaccination.

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 (e.g., USDA for US, DEFRA for UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

The following dog breeds are banned from import into Saudi Arabia: Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, and any mixed breeds visibly resembling these types. Check with the airline for additional carrier-specific bans on brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) due to health risks in cargo.

Documents checklist

  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine date and validity (at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Ensure microchip is implanted before rabies vaccination.

MEWA Saudi Arabia

Frequently asked questions

No, Saudi Arabia does not require a rabies titer test for dogs from any origin country. A valid rabies vaccination and health certificate are sufficient.
No, there is no quarantine for dogs arriving in Saudi Arabia, regardless of the origin country's rabies status. Your dog can be released after customs clearance if all documents are in order.
Saudi Arabia does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet imports, but bringing more than 2-3 dogs may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for the current limit.
No, Saudi Arabia does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. They must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules as any other dog.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the dog's arrival in Saudi Arabia. It cannot be older than 10 days at the time of entry.
No, the rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and a 21-day waiting period is required after vaccination. Therefore, the minimum age for entry is about 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days). Puppies younger than that cannot meet the rabies vaccination requirement.
Yes, Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and mixed breeds resembling them are banned from import. Additionally, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) in cargo due to breathing risks.

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 (Ministry of Agriculture in origin country) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine batch, and dates
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by origin country's veterinary authority
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 chip implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).

Cats from rabies-free origins (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican) must follow the same baseline rules as low-risk origins. Microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination.

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 (e.g. USDA-accredited vet endorsed by APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine details, and dates
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by origin's veterinary authority
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO chip

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MEWA.

Cats from low-risk origins (US, UK, EU, Japan, Australia, etc.) do not need a rabies titer test or import permit. The health certificate must be endorsed by the origin's national veterinary office (e.g. USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK).

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 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (endorsed by origin's national veterinary authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine details, and dates
  • FAVN titer test certificate (0.5 IU/mL minimum, from OIE-approved lab)
  • Import permit issued by Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by origin's veterinary authority
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO chip

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MEWA.

Cats from high-risk origins (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) require a rabies titer test and an import permit from MEWA. The import permit must be obtained before travel. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

MEWA Saudi Arabia

Frequently asked questions

No. Cats from the US (low-risk origin) do not need a FAVN titer test. Only cats from high-risk origins (e.g. Thailand, India, Egypt) need a titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL, performed at an OIE-approved lab at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the cat's arrival in Saudi Arabia. It must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country (e.g. USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK).
No. Saudi Arabia does not impose a mandatory quarantine for cats arriving from any origin tier, provided all required documents (rabies vaccination, health certificate, and if applicable, FAVN test and import permit) are in order. The cat can go home with you upon arrival.
Saudi Arabia does not publish a strict numeric limit for non-commercial pet cats, but as a general rule, bringing more than 5 cats may trigger commercial import regulations. Check with MEWA directly if you plan to bring more than 2-3 cats to confirm the threshold.
No. Saudi Arabia does not grant any special exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats must meet the same import requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and if from a high-risk origin, a FAVN titer test and import permit. There is no separate category for service animals.
Cabin travel depends on the airline's policy, not Saudi entry rules. Most airlines allow small cats (under 8 kg including carrier) in the cabin on international flights, but check with your specific carrier. Saudi Arabia does not restrict cabin travel for cats meeting entry requirements.
The rabies vaccine must be valid at the time of travel. If the vaccine expires before your arrival date, your cat must be revaccinated, and you must wait 21 days after the booster before entering Saudi Arabia. The microchip must be implanted before the vaccine is given.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine given at least 21 days before travel
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee, no titer test fee, no quarantine fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).

Saudi Arabia does not distinguish rabies risk tiers for ferrets. All ferrets require an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (minimum 21 days wait), and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No titer test, no import permit, no quarantine for any origin. Ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old to vaccinate.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine given at least 21 days before travel
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee, no titer test fee, no quarantine fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).

Saudi Arabia does not distinguish rabies risk tiers for ferrets. All ferrets require an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (minimum 21 days wait), and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No titer test, no import permit, no quarantine for any origin. Ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old to vaccinate.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine given at least 21 days before travel
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee, no titer test fee, no quarantine fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).

Saudi Arabia does not distinguish rabies risk tiers for ferrets. All ferrets require an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (minimum 21 days wait), and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No titer test, no import permit, no quarantine for any origin. Ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old to vaccinate.

MEWA Saudi Arabia

Frequently asked questions

Ferrets are allowed as pets in Saudi Arabia. There is no breed or species ban for ferrets. You must follow the standard import requirements: ISO microchip, rabies vaccine (minimum 21 days before travel), and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.
Saudi Arabia does not publish a specific numeric cap for non-commercial ferret imports. In practice, up to 5 pets per traveller is generally accepted as non-commercial. If you bring more than 5, contact the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) in advance to confirm whether commercial rules apply.
No. Saudi Arabia does not recognise emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from standard import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules.
No. Saudi Arabia does not require a rabies titer test for ferrets from any country. Only a rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine was given at least 21 days before travel is needed.
No. Saudi Arabia does not require an import permit for ferrets. You only need the health certificate, rabies certificate, and microchip proof. However, always confirm with the airline, as some carriers may request additional documentation.
No. There is no quarantine for ferrets entering Saudi Arabia, regardless of origin country. Your ferret can go home with you immediately after customs clearance, provided all paperwork is in order.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the ferret's arrival in Saudi Arabia. It must be signed by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian. If your travel is delayed, you may need a new certificate.

Good to know

Pets must be at least 4 months old to enter, and all required vaccinations and tests must be completed at least 30 days before travel. The rabies titer test, if needed, must be done at an approved laboratory and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.

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).

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 Saudi Arabia's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.