Home/Routes/Saudi Arabia to Portugal
SA
Saudi Arabia
✈️
PT
Portugal

Pet Transport from Saudi Arabia to Portugal

4-10 weeks
Typical preparation
None
No quarantine required
Low
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
Regulations verified

Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →

Overview

Getting your dog from Saudi Arabia to Portugal is entirely achievable, but the preparation timeline is not flexible.

This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international routes. Start preparations at least 4 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened.

Start early and follow the steps in sequence. Missing a deadline pushes the whole timeline back.

Step by step

The Saudi Arabia to Portugal process

1
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

4
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

5
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

Checklist

Portugal: entry requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipRequired (ISO 11784/11785). Before rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccinationRequired. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. EU requirement: 21 days between vaccination and travel.
Rabies titre testNot required for pets from EU, UK, and certain third countries.
QuarantineNo quarantine for compliant pets from approved countries.
Import permitEU pet passport or health certificate
Health certificateRequired. Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 10 days from issue. EU pet passport valid from EU; health certificate for non-EU origins.
Leaving Saudi Arabia

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitExport permit from MEWA required. Apply in advance.
Health certificateFormat depends on destination. MEWA endorsement required for most destinations.
Costs

What this route typically costs

1Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
2IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
3Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
4Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Etihad Airways
Cargo: Pets travel through Etihad Cargo. Brachycephalic breeds subject to seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during Abu Dhabi summer months
Cargo Only

Key requirements for moving your pet to Portugal

Compared to some international pet transport routes, Saudi Arabia to Portugal is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.

EU member state. EU pet travel rules apply. DGAV (General Directorate of Food and Veterinary) oversees imports.

Practical advice for shipping your pet from Saudi Arabia

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.

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.

FAQ

Common questions

Allow at least 4 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in Portugal for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
No, Portugal does not require a rabies titre test for most pets arriving from Saudi Arabia. Your pet still needs a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. Check the current requirements with the destination authority before travel.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Saudi Arabia. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Portugal’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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