ES
Spain
✈️
BH
Bahrain

Pet Transport from Spain to Bahrain

20-26 weeks
Typical preparation
None
No quarantine required
Moderate
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

Pet transport from Spain to Bahrain follows a clear process once you know what Bahrain requires.

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.

Step by step

The Spain to Bahrain 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
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

4
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Bahrain

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
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)

6
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

7
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

Bahrain: entry requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipRequired (ISO 11784/11785). Before travel
Rabies vaccinationRequired. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Valid rabies vaccination within manufacturer's specified validity.
Rabies titre testRequired for: Pets from countries deemed high-risk. Not required for: GCC country movements may be exempt. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml
QuarantineVeterinary inspection on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. Compliant pets released. Non-compliant pets may face quarantine.
Import permitRequired. 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 certificateRequired. Issued by: Official veterinarian, endorsed by national authority. Valid for 14 days from issue. Endorsed government health certificate required.
Leaving Spain

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitNo export permit required for cats and dogs.
Health certificateAHC required for export to non-EU countries. EU pet passport valid for intra-EU movement.
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
4Rabies titre test laboratory fee
5Import permit application fee (Bahrain)
6Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
⚠ Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

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
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
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

Key requirements for moving your pet to Bahrain

Compared to some international pet transport routes, Spain 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.

Things to sort before you book

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.

FAQ

Common questions

Allow at least 20 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 Bahrain 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.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Bahrain. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from Bahrain’s authority (Animal Wealth Directorate, Ministry of Works, Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Spain. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Bahrain’s authority for the exact format required.
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Start your journey

Get Your Free Quote

Enter your pet's details and route

Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.

No obligation. Your details are kept private and never shared.

Chat with us