Taking a Dog to the UAE from the UK in 2026: Everything you need to know

Dr Gemma Nash
Feb 9
4 min read

Taking a dog from the UK to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is entirely possible, but it requires very careful planning. The UAE has strict vaccination rules, a mandatory import permit, and a short 24-hour window for issuing the Export Health Certificate.

At PassPets, we regularly help owners travel to the UAE and issue the required UK Government Export Health Certificate (EHC 3926) through our Official Veterinarians. Below is a clear, step-by-step overview of what’s typically required. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is composed of 7 emirates, but pets normally have to travel through Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Please note, our vets regularly monitor these guides to ensure they are up to date. If you spot any incorrect or out of date information, please let us know.

Step 1: Microchip

Your dog must be microchipped with a 15-digit, ISO-compliant microchip.

The microchip must be implanted before any vaccinations used for travel and must match all documentation exactly

If your dog has a non-ISO microchip (for example, if originally microchipped outside the UK), you must confirm directly with the UAE authorities whether this will be accepted.

Step 2: Vaccinations

Your dog must be fully vaccinated, and you must be able to provide documentary proof (vaccination certificates) for all required vaccinations.

Rabies vaccination

Must be administered at least 21 days and less than 12 months before the export date (not the EHC appointment date)
Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination
If additional certificates are required (for example due to transit), the rabies vaccination may need to be given at least 21 days before the certification appointment instead

Core canine vaccinations (within 12 months of export)

Canine Distemper
Canine Parvovirus
Canine Hepatitis

Leptospirosis

Required within 12 months of export
For Lepto 4, the primary course must be exactly 4 weeks apart
All boosters must be less than 12 months apart
If this schedule has not been followed exactly, the course must be restarted

All vaccination certificates must clearly show:

pet details and microchip number
vaccination dates and validity periods
vaccine names and batch numbers
owner details matching the exporter details on the EHC

A valid EU pet passport may be used instead of separate vaccination certificates where applicable.

Step 3: Plan Your Travel Date and Route to the UAE

Before booking your appointment with us, you should confirm:

your intended export date
your full travel route, including any transit countries

This is essential, as additional documentation or testing may be required depending on the route taken, even where your dog does not leave the airport during transit.

Certain transit routes may not be accepted by the UAE without additional certification, so this must be checked in advance.

Step 4: UAE Import Permit

An import permit is mandatory for entry into the UAE.

You must apply directly through the UAE authorities’ website. The permit is typically valid for 90 days, so it should not be applied for too early.

A copy of the approved import permit must be provided to us before the Export Health Certificate appointment.

Step 5: Export Health Certificate (EHC 3926)

The UAE requires a UK government-issued Export Health Certificate (EHC 3926) issued by an Official Veterinarian.

Timing rules are strict:

the EHC appointment must take place within 24 hours (1 day) of export
there is no timestamp, so the appointment can be the day before or the day of departure
your dog must arrive in the UAE within 10 days of the EHC being issued

At the EHC appointment, our OV will:

perform a full clinical examination
check the microchip
review all vaccination certificates and clinical history
administer or verify parasite treatment
issue the completed Export Health Certificate (assuming all requirements are met)

Appointments are available at our Havant, Bristol and London branches.

Once booked, you will need to apply for the UAE EHC via the UK Government website and confirm once this has been submitted.

Step 6: Internal and External Parasite Treatment

Dogs travelling to the UAE must receive both internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days of export.

Requirements:

Internal parasite treatment must contain Praziquantel
External parasite treatment must be Fipronil or Permethrin

Treatment can be administered by us at the EHC appointment, or by your own vet in advance, provided suitable documented evidence is supplied.

A separate parasite treatment certificate is issued to accompany the EHC.

Step 7: Airline Requirements and Fit to Fly (If Applicable)

You must check directly with your airline whether they require a Fit to Fly certificate in addition to the Export Health Certificate.

Airlines may also apply additional rules, particularly around:

brachycephalic breeds
crate specifications
limits on the number of pets per passenger

If required, we can issue a Fit to Fly certificate alongside the EHC.

Step 8: Transit Countries

If your route involves transiting through other countries, additional documentation or testing may be required.

Examples include:

EU transit: an EU Animal Health Certificate or additional rabies testing may be required depending on the country
Non-EU transit: each country has its own rules

Owners must check with:

the airline
the importing authorities of any transit country
the UAE authorities

Some transit routes may not be accepted by the UAE without additional certification.

Step 9: Returning to the UK (If Applicable)

If you plan to return to the UK from the UAE, additional steps are required.

This typically includes:

a rabies blood test (rabies serology) taken more than 30 days after rabies vaccination
testing at a government-approved laboratory
confirmation with APHA whether a 3-month waiting period applies before re-entry to the UK

UK re-entry rules are strict and should be considered early.

Other Important Considerations

Before travelling, owners must also check:

Banned dog breeds, including Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, Tosas, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Presa Canario and Boxers (see EHC specimen certificate for the full list)
Pet limits: generally two pets per year, unless resident animals returning to the UAE

How PassPets Can Help

Travel to the UAE involves tight timelines, multiple vaccinations, an import permit, and last-minute certification.

At PassPets, we:

review vaccination schedules in advance
check import permit validity
advise on routing and transit risks
arrange the final OV appointment to issue EHC 3926 and any other required travel documentation.