Pet Travel Requirements: United States to United Arab Emirates
Strict import protocols for companion dogs and cats traveling from the United States to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Enforces mandatory rabies titer tests and MOCCAE import permits.
Can I travel with my pet from United States to United Arab Emirates? Yes. Companion dogs and cats can enter United Arab Emirates from United States under non-commercial regulations established by Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) (UAE Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 concerning Dangerous Animals & MOCCAE Ministerial Decree). Entry requires an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination with a 3–4 months minimum waiting period, mandatory rnatt / favn (≥ 0.5 iu/ml), and an endorsed MOCCAE Import Permit & USDA APHIS Health Certificate. Compliant pets are eligible for 0 days quarantine (if compliant).
Key Route Factors at a Glance
Mandatory RNATT / FAVN (≥ 0.5 IU/mL)
All dogs and cats must undergo an official FAVN/RNATT rabies antibody titer test with result ≥ 0.5 IU/mL drawn at least 12 weeks before departure.
0 Days Quarantine (If Compliant)
Direct release at Dubai International (DXB) or Abu Dhabi (AUH) animal quarantine centers upon verified paperwork.
3–4 Months Minimum
Mandatory 12-week wait following rabies titer blood draw + advance MOCCAE import permit.
MOCCAE Import Permit & USDA APHIS Health Certificate
Federal electronic import permit from UAE MOCCAE + USDA-endorsed veterinary certificate.
Statutory Requirements Checklist
Every requirement must be met in strict chronological order before departure.
FAVN Titer ≥ 0.5 IU/mL (12-Week Latency)
Sequence Protocol: Verified in MOCCAE import portal.
The 4-Step Preparation Timeline
Follow this verified corridor timeline to prevent border delays or invalid document rejections.
ISO 11784/11785 Microchip
Implant 15-digit microchip prior to rabies vaccination.
Rabies Vaccination & FAVN Titer Draw
Administer vaccine; draw blood after 21 days for FAVN titer at Kansas State or Auburn lab (must achieve ≥ 0.5 IU/mL).
Apply for MOCCAE Import Permit
Submit titer report, vaccine records, and microchip number to UAE MOCCAE online portal.
USDA Health Certificate Endorsement
Accredited vet conducts exam and submits export certificate to USDA APHIS VEHCS.
MOCCAE Quarantine Clearance
Animals arrive via manifest cargo and are inspected by ministry veterinarians before customs release.
Frequently Asked Questions: United States to United Arab Emirates
Q:Can my dog travel in cabin on flights to Dubai?
No. The UAE government strictly mandates that all companion pets must enter the country as manifested cargo in pressurized holds (via Emirates SkyCargo or Etihad Cargo).
Q:What dog breeds are banned from entering the UAE?
Under UAE Federal Law No. 22, dangerous breeds including Pitbulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Presa Canarios are banned from import or ownership in the UAE.
Q:Is a rabies titer test required for Dubai?
Yes. Dogs and cats entering the UAE from the United States must have a passing FAVN rabies titer test (≥ 0.5 IU/mL) drawn at least 12 weeks before travel.
Government regulations strictly prohibit or restrict the import of specific dog breeds into United Arab Emirates:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Bully
- Rottweiler
- Doberman Pinscher
- Canary Mastiff (Presa Canario)
- Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)
Traveling from United States to United Arab Emirates with your pet?
Upload your pet's vaccination records and microchip certificate. We verify vaccination dates, 21-day latency windows, and USDA health certificate deadlines against official Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) rules in seconds.
Run Free Route Compliance Assessment→