Back to All International Travel RequirementsOfficial UAE Travel Guide
Traveling with Your Dog from European Union to United Arab Emirates
Flying from the EU to the UAE with your dog? Here's everything you need to ensure a smooth journey.
Basic Requirements
- • Your dog must have an ISO compliant microchip (15 digits)
- • Required vaccinations:
- • Rabies
• Your dog needs to be at least 12 weeks old to be vaccinated
• Must be given at least 21 days before travel
• Must be valid for the entire stay in the UAE - • Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
- • Canine Parvovirus
- • Infectious Canine Hepatitis
- • Leptospirosis
- • Rabies
- • EU Pet Passport or Official Veterinary Certificate
Must include microchip number, description of your dog, and vaccination details - • Parasite treatment for both internal and external parasites
• Must be administered within 14 days before travel - • Obtain UAE Import Permit from UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment before travel
Required Documentation
- • EU Pet Passport or Official Veterinary Certificate including:
- • Microchip number and date of implantation
- • Complete description of dog (species, breed, color, sex, age/date of birth, distinguishing marks)
- • All vaccination records including:
- • Rabies vaccination
- • Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
- • Canine Parvovirus
- • Infectious Canine Hepatitis
- • Leptospirosis
- • Treatment against internal and external parasites
- • UAE Import Permit
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. The permit is valid for 90 days.
Important Notes
- • Bring originals of all documents; photocopies are not accepted
- • Maximum of 2 pets per person per year are allowed for import from the EU
- • EU Pet Passport must be valid and issued by an authorized veterinarian
Timeline & Planning
- 1. Ensure ISO compliant microchip is implanted
Required for identification and must be done before vaccinations - 2. Complete required vaccinations
Including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and leptospirosis - 3. Wait minimum 21 days after rabies vaccination
Required waiting period before travel is permitted - 4. Apply for UAE import permit
Process electronically through UAE Ministry portal - 5. Administer parasite treatments
Must be done within 14 days before travel - 6. Update EU Pet Passport or obtain veterinary certificate
Must include all vaccination records and treatments - 7. Book approved travel arrangements
Must comply with IATA regulations and airline requirements
Special Requirements for Young Dogs
Important: Minimum age requirements vary by EU country of origin:
15 weeks minimum age requirement:
- France
- Hungary
- Luxembourg
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
12 weeks minimum age requirement:
All other EU countries
Restricted Dog Breeds
Important: The following dog breeds are not permitted entry into the UAE
- • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- • American Pit Bull Terrier
- • American Staffordshire Terrier
- • American Bully
- • Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero)
- • Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)
- • Tibetan Mastiff
- • Neapolitan Mastiff
- • French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)
- • Boerboel
- • Bullmastiff
- • Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)
- • Bully Kutta (Alangu Mastiff, Indian Mastiff)
- • Perro De Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
- • Japanese Tosa
- • Presa Canario
Exceptions may be made for service animals, emotional support animals, or dogs used for medical purposes, subject to regulatory requirements.
Based on the official UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment guidelines
Last updated: November 6, 2024