Before we start checking the requirements, it is important to note that some breeds are banned in Saudi Arabia, with the exception of watch/guard dogs, hunting dogs and guide dogs for the blind.

• LANCASHIRE HEELER

• SWEDISH VALLHUND

• MASTIFF/OLD ENGLISH MASTIFF

• NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF

• BULLMASTIFF

• NEW FOUNDLAND

• GREAT DANE

• LEONBERGER

• HOVAWART

• BOXER

• BULLDOG/ENGLISH BULLDOG

• ROTTWEILER

• BULL TERRIER

• STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER

• DANDIE DINMONT TERRIER

• JAPANESE AKITA

• CHINESE SPITZ

• AFFENPINSCHER

• GRIFFON BRUXELLOIS

Each pet must be identified with a microchip transponder compliant with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785.

Your pet must be examined by a vet within 96hrs before embarkation.

A special certificate, called Export Health Certificate, is required to travel to Saudi Arabia.

Official Veterinarians (OVs) are the only vets authorised by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to sign and approve it and all of our vets have gone through the rigorous training to become OVs.

The document will be provided to you at the time of the clinical examination.

The animal must be transported in accordance with the International Air Transport Association (I.A.T.A) Standards.

Airlines have to obtain prior permission to take animals into Saudi Arabia.

Exporters should advise the airline of the name, address and telephone number of the consignee in Saudi Arabia.

Once the documents have been signed by an Official Veterinarian they must be legalised first at:

The Legalisation Office

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Norfolk House (West)

437 Silbury Boulevard

Milton Keynes

MK9 2AH

Telephone: 01908 295 111

(Open 09:30 - 15:30 Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays).

followed by legalisation at:

The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

30 Charles Street

London W1X 7PM

Telephone: 0207 917 3000.

(Open weekdays, excluding public holidays).

Prior to the date of requirement please confirm with both offices timeframes and preferred methods of delivery. You can be advised at this time of the costs of legalisation.

The Legalisation Office of the FCO does not run a counter service so this cannot be done in person by the exporter. If using a postal service the exporter should check with the office beforehand that it is acceptable and that the turnaround time of a particular office meets the requirements of the certificate. If the Embassy legalisation is being done in person, prior appointments with the Embassy should be arranged, bearing in mind the timescales required between OV certification and export.

If using a Consular Services company, the documents can be taken to the required locations on the exporter’s behalf. Arrangements should be made by the exporter, be aware that a Consular Services company is a private company that will charge for their services.