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Paws & Papers / Routes / United States or European Union → United Arab Emirates

Bringing a dog or cat from the USA or the EU to the UAE in 2026: rules and timeline

Plan at least 30 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. A pet that is already vaccinated needs the same time.

Minimum from scratch
30 days
If already vaccinated
30 days
Quarantine
None for pets that meet the rules
Last checked
3 November 2026

Steps, in order

  1. Start nowMicrochip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before or at the same visit as the rabies vaccineSkip if already chipped and vaccinated
  2. With or after the microchipRabies plus core vaccines, pet at least 15 weeks old at import, then wait 21 days
  3. 21 days after the rabies vaccineEarliest day the 21-day rabies wait is over
  4. 14 days before travelImport permit from MOCCAE online (about 200 dirhams, usually 1 working day) Official page
  5. 10 days before travelParasite treatment record. Internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days before travel
  6. 10 days before travelHealth certificate for the UAE. Attested health certificate with USDA ink signature and seal: USDA-accredited vet fills it in, APHIS endorses it (about $101). Must be within 10 days before arrival Official page

Documents

Already vaccinated? Core vaccines also need the 21-day wait, so the plan keeps it.

Get the dated plan for your trip. Pick your pet and travel date and see every deadline from today.

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Questions about this route

How long does it take to bring a dog or cat from the USA or the EU to the UAE?

Plan at least 30 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. A pet that is already vaccinated needs the same time.

Which documents do I need from the USA or the EU to the UAE?

Microchip (any vet); Rabies vaccination record (vet, in the pet passport or vaccination card); Import permit (authority of the country you enter); Parasite treatment record (vet); Health certificate for the UAE (usda vet, endorsed by aphis).

Is a rabies blood test needed?

No, the rules for this route have no blood test. Not every rule on this route could be confirmed on an official page: check with the authority.

Is a microchip needed?

Yes. Microchip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before or at the same visit as the rabies vaccine.

Will my pet be quarantined?

No, if every document is in order. Not every rule on this route could be confirmed on an official page: check with the authority.

Good to know

  • At most 2 pets per person per year, flown as cargo. Pit bull and mastiff types are banned.
  • Sources disagree on whether pets from the USA need a rabies blood test: if yes, plan about 120 days.

Sources

Confidence. Low: we could not confirm every part of this route on an official page, or official sources disagree. Confirm with the authority before you start.

Last checked 3 November 2026. Your vet, the airline and the border authority have the final word. Rules change: check the official pages again before you fly.