United Arab Emirates

The UAE requires an import permit from MOCCAE, ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and a rabies titer test for cats from certain countries.

The minimum age for imported cats depends on the country of origin's rabies risk classification: at least 12 weeks old for cats coming from low-risk countries, and at least 15 weeks old for cats coming from high-risk countries.

For a first-time or lapsed rabies vaccination, a minimum of 21 days must pass after vaccination before the animal can travel. For animals with a valid continuous booster vaccination, no 21-day wait is required. The vaccine must remain valid (per manufacturer guidelines) and not be older than 12 months at time of travel.

The cat must also receive treatment against internal and external parasites within the 14 days before shipment, and this treatment must be recorded on the health certificate or pet passport.

The MOCCAE import permit is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. Cats may not be imported using an expired permit. For regular companion animals such as cats, the standard processing time is 1 working day.

An import permit is obtained online via the MOCCAE portal before travel. Beyond this pre-departure permit, owners must also apply for and pay a separate Release Permit after the cat physically arrives and is inspected at the UAE port of entry.

• Annual quantity limit: MOCCAE caps personal (non-commercial) imports at 2 companion animals per person per calendar year (e.g. 2 cats, 2 dogs, or 1 of each). This cap does not apply to a resident's own pet re-entering the country.
• Bengal and Serval cats: an additional five-generation pedigree certificate is required before an import permit will be granted, for both private owners and commercial importers.