RIYADH AIRPORT WLL BE CLOSED UNTIL 17TH OCTOBER 2026 11.59PM
LATEST FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS/ROUTE SUSPENSIONS:
QATAR HAVE SUSPENDED FLIGHTS TO/FROM DAMMAM & RIYADH UNTIL FORTHER NOTICE
KLM/AIR FRANCE ALL KSA FLIGHTS SUSPENDED UNTIL 31ST OCTOBER
LUFTHANSA ALL KSA FLIGHTS SUSPENDED UNTIL 17TH OCTOBER
We have been inundated with urgent requests from concerned pet parents wishing to travel from Saudi Arabia due to the current conflict.
We do understand your concerns so have tried to answer as many questions as possible on this page to help you understand your options during this worrying time.
Please understand that the situation is evolving, and individual airlines are making their own decisions to suspend or resume flying, even when Saudi airports are open. We will update this page as and when more information is available.
If you have a specific question please don't hesitate to email pettravel@expatlogistics.com and our team will reply as soon as possible
Unfortunately many airlines have suspended flights to/from Saudi Arabia for the next 7 days, and some until the end of the month.
Once flights resume there is no guarantee they will accept live animals, but we are working with the airlines as the situation evolves and will keep all owners updated once we have news on when it will be safe for their pets to travel.
If possible we will look at alternative routes to your destination, please see the below information on entry requirements for pets travelling to the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman
NO! To leave Saudi Arabia every pet must have an Export Permit and Health Certificate, both issued by MEWA (Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture). We can arrange these for you, but the minimum approval time is 3 business days, and the Exporter must have an Iqama or Saudi / GCC National ID (with Absher access)
YES! To apply for an Export Permit for your pet to travel they must have:
· Microchip implanted on or before the date of the vaccinations
· Valid Core (DHPPi for dogs or DEL/FELV for cats) Vaccination
· Valid Rabies Vaccination
If your destination requires an Import Permit this must be obtained before the MEWA Export Permit can be applied for.
Depending on the destination your pet may also need additional treatments and/or tests, please contact pettravel@expatlogistics.com for advice on your specific destination
No, Exporters must have an Iqama or Saudi / GCC National ID (with Absher access), but you can ask a friend or colleague to act as the Exporter for you, they do not have to be travelling with your pet.
As a licensed pet handling company we can act as the Exporter on your behalf. If you can’t find an exporter please contact pettravel@expatlogistics.com and we may be able to assist.
If you have to leave Riyadh and don’t have any friends who can look after your pet there are boarding options available.
For cats we may have room in our own facility (it’s booking up fast!), alternatively you could contact Kai Clinic
For dogs we recommend Pet Haven or Kai Clinic
An RNATT test, also known as a Rabies Titre test, is a simple blood sample which is sent to a globally recognised laboratory to test the level of rabies anti-bodies in a pet.
Many countries require RNATT certificates for pets to enter, but the validity does vary by country. We have listed the entry requirements for frequently requested destinations below, but please contact pettravel@expatlogistics.com if you have a specific enquiry.
We can arrange RNATT testing, cost is SAR1,950 per pet (results in 4-6 weeks) or SAR2,500 (results in 2-3 weeks), both options include transport to/from the vet visit or courier to Riyadh if you are located elsewhere in Saudi Arabia.
In theory yes, you could drive to Bahrain, Qatar, Muscat or the UAE and then fly home with your pet, but they must meet the entry requirements for each country they enter and you will require export and import documents & permits for each leg of the journey.
To leave Saudi Arabia your pet must have a MEWA Export Permit and MEWA Health Certificate. The MEWA Export Permit can only be applied for once you have the relevant Import Permit for your first destination.
To travel from Saudi Arabia to the UAE each pet must have:
www.snoopypets.com can assist with the Import Permit and the export documents for onward travel as accompanied baggage from Dubai or Abu Dhabi
To travel from Saudi Arabia to Qatar each pet must have:
To travel from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain each pet must have:
To travel from Saudi Arabia to Oman each pet must have:
Once you arrive in your first destination you will need export documents for your travel, we can provide local contacts to assist you.