expat logistics

CAN I JUST GET ON A PLANE WITH MY PET AND LEAVE?

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)

IMPORTANT - MEWA are overwhelmed with priority requests so their expedited service may take longer, please allow up to 5 business days for permit approval

MEWA will be closed from 18-24 March for Eid, NO PERMITS OR EXPORT HEALTH CERTIFICATES WILL BE PROCESSED DURING THIS PERIOD

DOES MY PET HAVE TO HAVE ANY VACCINATIONS OR TREATMENTS TO TRAVEL?

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

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

I AM IN SAUDI ARABIA ON A VISA, CAN I EXPORT MY PET?

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. If you can’t find an exporter please contact pettravel@expatlogistics.com and we may be able to assist.

I HAVE TO LEAVE RIYADH, WHERE CAN I BOARD MY PET?

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

I HAVE BEEN TOLD PETS TRAVELLING FROM GCC COUNTRIES DON'T NEED SAUDI DOCUMENTS TO TRANSIT?

If MEWA do not receive official guidance from the destination regarding a change of requirements then the existing rules for import/export will apply.

You must contact the destination country authorities, usually the Ministry of Agriculture (or similar) to request a dispensation. This approval must be provided in writing and will absolve Expat Logistics of any associated liability in the event your pet is rejected by the airline, airport or government entity for travel or entry to your destination

To import/export pets to/from Saudi Arabia the importer/exporter MUST have an Iqama or Saudi/GCC National ID. You can ask a friend or colleague to act as the importer/exporter on your behalf, they do not have to be travelling with the pet.