Bringing a pet to United Arab Emirates

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

The UAE has strict, origin-dependent import rules for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Requirements vary significantly based on the rabies-risk category of the country your pet is travelling from, so you must check the specific rules for your origin. There is no mandatory quarantine for pets arriving from low-risk countries if all documentation is in order, but pets from high-risk areas face additional testing and possible isolation.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to United Arab Emirates.

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 administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by official government veterinarian)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

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 UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

No additional requirements for rabies-free origin countries. The 21-day wait after rabies vaccination applies regardless of origin.

MOCCAE UAE

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 administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by official government veterinarian)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

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 UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

Same as free tier. No titer test or import permit required.

MOCCAE UAE

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 administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by official government veterinarian)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

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 UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

Same as free and low_risk tiers. The UAE does not impose stricter requirements for high-risk origin countries.

MOCCAE UAE

Frequently asked questions

The UAE allows up to 3 dogs per traveller under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 3, commercial import regulations apply, which may require an import permit and additional fees.
No. The UAE does not require a rabies titer test (FAVN) for any origin country. A valid rabies vaccination with a 21-day wait is sufficient.
No. The UAE does not impose quarantine for dogs arriving from any country, provided all documentation is in order. Dogs may be inspected at the port of entry but are not held.
No. The UAE does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service dogs. They must meet the same import requirements as any pet dog: microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate, and 21-day wait.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in the UAE. It must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
The UAE itself does not ban any dog breeds. However, some airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) due to in-cabin or cargo policies. Check with your airline before booking.
No. The UAE does not require an import permit for pet dogs entering with a traveller. Only commercial shipments (more than 3 dogs) or animals for resale require a permit.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to United Arab Emirates.

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

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, non-expired)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Passport or pet identification document

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$30-60. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

No import permit needed for cats from rabies-free origins. No quarantine upon arrival. Cat must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccine. Health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country.

MOCCAE UAE

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

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, non-expired)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Passport or pet identification document

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$30-60. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

No import permit needed for cats from low-risk origins. No quarantine upon arrival. Cat must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccine. Health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country.

MOCCAE UAE

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed vet · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, non-expired)
  • FAVN titer test certificate (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit from UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Passport or pet identification document

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$30-60, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees ~$50-150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

Import permit must be obtained before travel. No quarantine upon arrival. Cat must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccine. FAVN test is mandatory for high-risk origins. Health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country.

MOCCAE UAE

Frequently asked questions

The UAE allows up to 5 cats per person under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, commercial import regulations apply, including additional permits and possible customs duties.
No. The US and UK are classified as low-risk origins. A rabies titer (FAVN) test is only required for cats arriving from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, India).
No. The UAE does not impose quarantine on cats arriving from any origin, provided all documentation (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate, and if applicable, FAVN test and import permit) is in order.
The health certificate must be issued no more than 10 days before the date of arrival in the UAE. It must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian of the origin country.
No. The UAE does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) FAVN test and import permit requirements.
No. The rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and the UAE requires a valid rabies vaccination. A cat under 12 weeks cannot meet this requirement, so travel is not permitted until the cat is at least 12 weeks old and has had the vaccine.
You must bring your own ISO-compatible microchip reader. UAE officials will scan the microchip upon arrival. If they cannot read it, your cat may be denied entry or placed in quarantine until a compatible reader is found.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to United Arab Emirates.

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
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of 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 UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

Ferrets are legal as pets in UAE. No additional restrictions for rabies-free origin countries.

MOCCAE UAE

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
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of 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 UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

No titer test or import permit needed for low-risk origins. Ferret must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccine.

MOCCAE UAE

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
30 days
Mandatory quarantine at a UAE government-approved facility. Owner pays all costs. Duration may vary based on origin country risk assessment.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit from UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
  • Vaccination record for distemper and hepatitis (recommended)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100, quarantine costs ~$500-1500 depending on duration. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

High-risk origins face stricter rules: titer test, import permit, and quarantine. Ferret must be at least 4 months old. Quarantine period typically 30 days but may extend.

MOCCAE UAE

Frequently asked questions

Only if your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country. For free and low-risk origins, no import permit is needed. For high-risk origins, apply to the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment at least 30 days before travel.
No quarantine for ferrets from free or low-risk origins. Ferrets from high-risk origins must undergo a 30-day quarantine at a UAE government-approved facility at the owner's expense.
The UAE does not set a specific numeric cap for non-commercial pet imports, but bringing more than 5 animals may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment for the latest guidance.
No. The UAE does not recognize emotional support animals under pet import regulations. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and quarantine requirements regardless of their role.
No. Rabies vaccination is required and cannot be given before 12 weeks of age. For high-risk origins, the ferret must be at least 4 months old due to the titer test and quarantine timeline.
A veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA-accredited vet in the US, DEFRA-endorsed vet in the UK). It must confirm the ferret is healthy, microchipped, and rabies-vaccinated.
Only ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchips are accepted. If your ferret has a non-ISO chip, you must bring your own scanner or have the chip replaced before travel.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip, have a valid rabies vaccination (administered after microchipping), and be accompanied by a government-issued health certificate endorsed within 10 days of travel. Airlines may have their own restrictions, so confirm with your carrier well in advance.

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 United Arab Emirates, 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 United Arab Emirates's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.