Shipping your dog or cat from Greece to Bahrain is a process that rewards early planning.
This route is moderately involved, with a clear checklist to follow. Start preparations at least 20 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up.
Use this guide to map out your preparation timeline and avoid the most common mistakes.
Documents Required for This Route
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Health certificate | Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian, endorsed by national authority. Valid for 14 days from issue. Endorsed government health certificate required. |
| Microchip record | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Before travel |
| Rabies vaccination record | Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Valid rabies vaccination within manufacturer's specified validity. |
| Rabies titre test | Required for: Pets from countries deemed high-risk. Not required for: GCC country movements may be exempt. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml |
| Import permit | Required. Issued by: Animal Wealth Directorate, Ministry of Works, Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning. Import permit required before travel. Apply via the Bahrain eGovernment portal or through a local agent. |
| Export permit (Greece) | No formal export permit required. Destination import documentation serves as travel authority. |
How the Process Works
Bahrain: Entry Requirements for Pets
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Before travel |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Valid rabies vaccination within manufacturer's specified validity. |
| Rabies titre test | Required for: Pets from countries deemed high-risk. Not required for: GCC country movements may be exempt. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml |
| Quarantine | Veterinary inspection on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. Compliant pets released. Non-compliant pets may face quarantine. |
| Import permit | Required. Issued by: Animal Wealth Directorate, Ministry of Works, Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning. Import permit required before travel. Apply via the Bahrain eGovernment portal or through a local agent. |
| Health certificate | Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian, endorsed by national authority. Valid for 14 days from issue. Endorsed government health certificate required. |
Leaving Greece: Export Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | No formal export permit required. Destination import documentation serves as travel authority. |
What This Route Typically Costs
| # | Cost factor |
|---|---|
| 1 | Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate |
| 4 | Rabies titre test laboratory fee |
| 5 | Import permit application fee (Bahrain) |
| 6 | Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes) |
Critical Points — Read Before You Book
What to know about the Greece to Bahrain route
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Greece to Bahrain is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
Bahrain is a GCC member with a significant expat population. Pet import regulated by Ministry of Works, Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning - Animal Wealth Directorate. Breed bans apply. Dogs and cats commonly imported by expats.
Practical advice for shipping your pet from Greece
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
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