How to Import a Pet into the UAE (MOCCAE Import Permit)
Pet imports into the UAE go through MOCCAE (Ministry of Climate Change and Environment) and its import-permit system. The requirements, fees, and timelines change. Secondary sources also give conflicting key figures. So check the current checklist on moccae.gov.ae before you book travel. Do not rely on fee or timeline figures from non-official sites.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Varies — confirm on moccae.gov.ae
- Total time:
- Varies — confirm on moccae.gov.ae
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- site.moccae.gov.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go Before booking travel
Confirm the current requirements
Check the MOCCAE services portal for the current checklist for a pet import permit. Do not book travel first. Permit conditions, document rules, and timelines change. Also, the MOCCAE pet-permit page could not be verified in this review.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare Varies — confirm on moccae.gov.ae
Prepare the documents on the MOCCAE checklist
Prepare exactly what the current MOCCAE checklist asks for. This is typically identification and vaccination records, plus a veterinary health certificate. But MOCCAE sets the exact rules for the microchip, the vaccines, the timing, and the certificate. These rules could not be verified on an official page in this review. Check them on moccae.gov.ae.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Varies — confirm on moccae.gov.ae Varies — confirm on moccae.gov.ae
Apply for the import permit
Apply for the import permit through the MOCCAE services portal. Check the current fee, the validity period, and the processing time on the portal. Secondary sources conflict on all three. For example, fees of AED 200 vs AED 500, and validity of 30 vs 90 days.
Click to mark as done
- Go After permit issuance
Book travel only after the permit is issued
Arrange transport only once you have the permit. Check the carrier and crate rules with the airline. The travel-mode rules could not be verified on an official page in this review.
Click to mark as done
- Receive Varies — confirm on moccae.gov.ae
Arrival: inspection / release
On arrival, your pet is handled under MOCCAE's current inspection and release procedure. Quarantine depends on whether you meet the current MOCCAE requirements. Check the procedure on the portal before you travel.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Before booking travel
Breed and age rules
The UAE has breed restrictions and age limits. But the lists in secondary sources conflict with each other. They could not be verified on an official page in this review. Check the current banned-breed list and the age limits on moccae.gov.ae before you commit to travel.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an import permit for my pet?
MOCCAE runs an import-permit system for pets. Check the current permit requirement and checklist on moccae.gov.ae before you travel.
How much does the import permit cost?
It varies. Check on moccae.gov.ae. Secondary sources conflict. They state AED 200 vs AED 500 per pet. So do not rely on a non-official figure.
Is there quarantine on arrival?
Quarantine depends on whether you meet the current MOCCAE requirements. Check the arrival procedure on the MOCCAE portal before you travel.
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