When pets travel as manifest cargo to Saudi Arabia we can provide 2 options:
1) Full door-to-door service, including collection, export documents, airfreight, import permit, clearance and delivery
2) You can contact an agent at origin to arrange the export and we will provide import permit, clearance and delivery
What is included in Expat Logistics’ Import Clearance Service?
We offer a full service for pets arriving as manifest cargo to Riyadh Airport, we are not able to provide a service for manifest cargo arrivals to any other airports in Saudi Arabia.
Our service includes:
· Import Approval
· Handling fees & Cargo OK to Forward Service
· Customs Clearance on arrival
· Cargo fees
· Customs fees and standard VAT / taxes
· Airline transfer
· Delivery to your home anywhere in Saudi Arabia in one of our own air-conditioned vehicles
Why does Expat Logistics need my pets’ measurements to quote for travel as manifest cargo?
There are very strict rules which all airlines follow when pets travel as cargo. Your pet will be in the carrier for several hours, so the size of the carrier is important to make sure they are comfortable. More details of how to measure your pet can be found in question 15.
Please note, when travelling as cargo airlines charge by volume weight, this means the size of the carrier determines the cost of the airfreight.
Why does Expat Logistics need photos of my cat to quote for travel as manifest cargo?
Some cat breeds (Scottish Fold, Persian etc.) are termed bronchial breeds and are not accepted by every airline for travel as manifest cargo. There are also cats which have been stated as a bronchial breed on the vaccination book, but are actually a mix, and can be listed as a standard breed for travel, giving more airline options and possibly reducing the costs. To ensure we quote correctly for your cat we will ask for some photos, please make sure we have front and side views of their faces so we can see if they are snub-nosed/flat-faced.
My pet gets very stressed when travelling, can I sedate before travel?
Most countries and airlines will not accept pets if they are sedated. If they arrive sedated, then you may be subject to additional charges by your clearance agent, quarantine facility, airport or government authorities.
There are many herbal calming products available, including collars, treats, pastes, sprays and tablets. We recommend you try some of these before travel date if you think your pet will be nervous in the carrier.
When will my pet have to be collected for travel as manifest cargo?
This will very much depend on from where your pet is travelling from. Some countries require your pet to depart from a specific airport, and have processes which take time, which may mean a domestic flight or road transport a couple of days in advance of the flight to Riyadh. If we are providing door-to-door transport of your pet your Expat Logistics pet relocation specialist will advise the complete schedule for your pets’ travel.
How are pets transported on a plane? Are they with all the baggage?
Large aircraft that accept pets will have separate compartments under the passenger cabin area which are temperature controlled to approx. 18 degrees and pressurised in the same way as the passenger cabin. The compartment will be dimly lit, and with the hum of the aircraft most pets sleep through the flight.
Will my pet be fed during transport?
On the day of travel, we recommend a small meal about 6 hours before they are collected and make sure their water bowl is half full before they leave (if you fill a water bowl it will spill over and won’t be comfortable for your pet).
Pets travelling as manifest cargo will only be let out of the carrier if they are in transit at an airport pet facility, however. You can attach a small zip-lock bag of dry food to the carrier which will be fed to your pet during transit.
Do I have to use an agent if my pet is arriving as manifest cargo?
No, you can go to the airport to arrange your own clearance, however, you must contract with a registered Customs Brokers to complete the customs process.
My pet’s travel includes connecting flights, how will they be looked after during transit?
Not every route has a direct flight option, so if your pets’ travel includes a change of aircraft and they are travelling the hold as manifest cargo they will be taken to the airport’s pet facility for food, eater and exercise.
Most cargo bookings will arrive on Emirates, KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa or Qatar Airways. All these airlines have world class pet handling facilities at their main airports where your pet will be taken from their carrier and given food, water and exercise. They will also be checked by a vet before their onward journey.
I am planning to fly on the same flight as my pet, can I see them during transit?
No. Pet handling facilities are in secure airport locations. Even if you had time during your transit, you would not be permitted to enter. Please be assured that the welfare of your pet will be everyone’s main priority, so the staff will be focused on the pets in their care and do not provide any updates during transit. If there are any issues, for example if the airport vet decides your pet requires treatment and cannot travel on the connecting flight, you will be contacted.
What will happen if my pet is arriving as manifest cargo?
Your pet relocation specialist will set up a WhatsApp group a few weeks before arrival so everyone involved can be kept up to date with your pets’ travel.
Our team will be in the airport and will update you once the flight has arrived in Riyadh and clearance has commenced. Clearance can take between 5-10 hours, but as soon as your pet is released our driver will let you know they are on their way and give an estimated time for delivery.
Pets being delivered outside of Riyadh will be bought to our premises for exercise, food & water before starting their onward journey. We will send photos before they leave and the driver will, where possible, have live location shared.
We know some owners are anxious to see their pets as soon as possible, but the Riyadh Airport cargo warehouse is a secure location so you would not be permitted to enter, and there are no facilities in the car park. Our team will keep you updated and reunite you with your pet as soon as possible.
Can my pet arrive as manifest cargo on any flight to Riyadh?
The welfare of pets entrusted to our care is our priority, so flight arrivals for manifest cargo must be approved in advance.
Riyadh Airport has no pet handling facilities, so whilst they will be an air-conditioned cargo warehouse, they will not be allowed out of their carrier until clearance has been completed.
To ensure pet welfare we can only accept pets arriving Monday to Thursday after 4pm.
Friday & Saturday are the weekend in Saudi Arabia, so there are limited Ministry and Customs staff on duty to assist with any issues or flight changes. We do not accept arrivals on a Friday and can only accept Saturday arrivals if specifically requested and approved in advance.
Confirmation of the intended flight date and arrival time MUST be confirmed with Expat Logistics directly, prior to booking, ensuring we are available to assist with clearance. Acceptance by an agent, including one we have recommended or third party directly, without prior approval from Expat Logistics, does not mean the date is accepted by Expat Logistics. It is the owner’s responsibility to confirm availability of clearance services with Expat Logistics directly.