How many pets can I import to Saudi Arabia?
Each Import permit is for a maximum of 2 pets, and each Importer can have 1 Import Permit every 180 days. If more than two pets are to be imported, a separate Import Permit (with a different Importer name) will be required.
What do I need to apply for an Import Permit?
All pets arriving to Saudi Arabia require an import approval from Ministry of Environment, Agriculture & Water (MEWA). We can apply on your behalf and forward a copy to you or your agent to attach to the shipping paperwork and the completion of all export documents.
Import permit approvals take 10 working days, and the permit is valid for 30 days from issue.
An expedited service is available for approval in 3 working days; additional fees will be incurred (please check your quotation for details).
To apply for an Import Permit we will need:
I don’t have my Iqama yet; can I still bring my pet?
Only residents or Saudi Nationals are allowed to apply for an Import Permit. If you are arriving on a Visa, or have yet to receive your Iqama, you can ask a friend or colleague to act as the Importer on your behalf, we will just need 10 minutes of their time to process the permit application. There is no pet database in Saudi Arabia, so they will have no liability of responsibility for your pet after it arrives.
Please note there may be different processes for Importers who are on a Diplomatic Passport, please ask your pet relocation specialist for more details.
Is there a minimum age to Import Pets?
Yes, to import cats the Importer must be aged 18 or over, for dogs they must be aged 21 or over…..this is the age of the Importer, not the pet.
What is the process for the permit application?
You will need to download the NAFATH application. To download please visit the relevant link below:
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=sa.gov.nic.myid
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/sa/app/%D9%86%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B0-nafath/id1598909871
Huwawi: https://appgallery.huawei.com/app/C106870695
You must switch your account location to Saudi Arabia to access the application; however, it will work anywhere once downloaded
Once you have downloaded the application, you must register your iqama and details with the application
To allow us access, please advise once you are set up and free to give us access
Every time we need to access the relevant platform, we will be given a random number from the website
We will advise you of this number
You need to log into the application; confirm you are expecting a request and select the number we advised from the choice of 3 that will be given to you on the application. You must set up a pin number at the time of registration to verify it is you once you have accepted the request.
Once you select the correct number, the website will allow us access to the Ministry of Agriculture website to submit your request.
We will require this for
NAAMA - The ministry of agriculture portal
FASAH - to assign a customs broker
NIJAS – To allow us to exit customs / airport facilities on your behalf
Please note all of this actions are not exclusive and will have no impact should you wish to assign a broker or third party for other services now or at any time in the future.