GB
United Kingdom
✈️
MA
Morocco

Pet Transport UK to Morocco: ONSSA Rules and the Titre Test Check

6-8 weeks
Typical preparation
None
No quarantine required
Medium
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
Morocco is a popular destination for British expats, and the pet import process is manageable but requires an advance permit from ONSSA and careful attention to the titre test requirement. Morocco does not impose a routine quarantine for pets with correct documentation. The key steps are getting the ONSSA permit in place, confirming whether a titre test applies to UK pets, and timing the APHA health certificate correctly.
Step by step

The United Kingdom to Morocco process

1
Before vaccinations.
ISO microchip implanted

Responsible: Vet

2
At least 21 days before travel.
Rabies vaccination completed

Responsible: Vet

3
Blood drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination. Verify ONSSA requirement first.
Titre test if required by ONSSA

Responsible: APHA-approved laboratory

4
At least 4 weeks before travel.
Apply for ONSSA import permit

Responsible: Owner or agent

5
After permit is confirmed.
Book cargo or cabin transport

Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent

6
Within 14 days of travel (health cert for Morocco is valid 14 days).
APHA Export Health Certificate

Responsible: APHA-authorised vet, then APHA endorsement

7
On arrival. Before customs.
ONSSA inspection on arrival

Responsible: ONSSA Veterinary Services

Checklist

Morocco: entry requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipRequired. ISO 11784/11785 standard.
Rabies vaccinationRequired. Minimum age 12 weeks. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre testRequired for pets from certain countries based on ONSSA's (Office National de Securite Sanitaire des produits Alimentaires) classification. Verify with ONSSA whether UK pets require a titre test before travel.
QuarantineNo routine quarantine for compliant pets. Veterinary inspection on arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport or other entry point.
Import permitRequired. Apply to ONSSA at least 4 weeks before travel.
Health certificateOfficial health certificate issued by APHA-authorised vet and endorsed by APHA. Valid 14 days from issue.
Leaving United Kingdom

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitNo formal UK export permit. The APHA-endorsed certificate is the required document.
Health certificateAPHA Export Health Certificate issued by an APHA-authorised vet and endorsed by APHA. Must list microchip, rabies vaccination, titre test result (if applicable), and any treatments.
Costs

What this route typically costs

1Cargo airline fee: £600 to £1,600 from Heathrow to Casablanca depending on crate size
2Cabin pet fee (Royal Air Maroc): confirm current pricing
3APHA Export Health Certificate and endorsement: £150 to £350
4Rabies titre test if required: £120 to £280
5ONSSA import permit fee: confirm with ONSSA
6Pet transport agent fee (optional): £400 to £1,200
7IATA-compliant travel crate: £60 to £350
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ Verify the titre test requirement for UK pets with ONSSA before starting the process. Morocco's country classification list can change.
⚠ Morocco bans the import of Pit Bull Terrier types, Rottweilers, and Dogo Argentinos. Do not attempt to import a banned breed.
⚠ The health certificate is valid for 14 days from issue (more lenient than some countries). Book the APHA appointment within 14 days of arrival in Morocco.
⚠ ONSSA import permit is mandatory. Apply 4 weeks in advance.
⚠ Budget airlines on the UK-Morocco route typically do not carry pets. Use Royal Air Maroc or British Airways.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

Royal Air Maroc
Morocco's national carrier. Flies direct from Heathrow and Gatwick to Casablanca. Accepts small pets in the cabin (approved carrier required) and larger pets in the hold as cargo.
Cargo and Cabin
British Airways
Heathrow to Casablanca. Pet cargo via IAG Cargo.
Cargo Only
EasyJet / Ryanair
Budget carriers on this route generally do not accept pets. Use a full-service carrier for pet transport.
No Pets

The ONSSA permit and breed restrictions

ONSSA, Morocco’s food and agricultural safety authority, handles pet import permits. Apply at least 4 weeks before your intended travel date. The application covers your pet’s microchip details, vaccination history, and entry point. Morocco uses Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport as the primary entry point for cargo, though other airports handle arriving pets too.

Morocco enforces breed restrictions and bans the import of Pit Bull Terrier types, Rottweilers, and Dogo Argentinos. This is a firm restriction, and attempting to import a banned breed without prior authorisation will result in the animal being refused entry. If your dog is any of these types, contact ONSSA before making any other preparations.

Titre test and health certificate timing

ONSSA classifies countries by their rabies risk status, and whether a titre test is required depends on where Morocco places the UK in that classification. The UK’s rabies-free status is well-established, but individual countries determine their own assessment. Verify the current position with ONSSA or through a pet transport agent before committing to the process, as this affects your preparation timeline by several weeks.

The APHA health certificate is valid for 14 days from issue when entering Morocco, which gives slightly more flexibility than some destinations. That said, time your vet appointment carefully to ensure the certificate is still valid on arrival. APHA endorsement takes 1-5 working days after the vet visit. Royal Air Maroc is the most direct option from the UK for both cabin-eligible pets and cargo.

FAQ

Common questions

Whether a titre test is required depends on how ONSSA classifies the UK in its country risk assessment for rabies. Verify this with ONSSA directly or through a pet transport agent before starting preparations. If required, the titre test blood draw must happen at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination, and you should allow several weeks for the full process.
Morocco prohibits the import of Pit Bull Terrier types, Rottweilers, and Dogo Argentinos. These are firm restrictions and no exemptions are routinely granted. If your dog is one of these types or a cross-breed that resembles them closely, contact ONSSA before applying for an import permit. Do not attempt to travel with a banned breed without prior written authorisation.
No routine quarantine applies for pets arriving with correct documentation, a valid ONSSA import permit, and compliant vaccinations. An ONSSA veterinary inspection takes place on arrival. For pets with all paperwork in order this is typically brief. Pets with non-compliant documentation may be quarantined or refused entry at the owner’s expense.
Royal Air Maroc permits small dogs and cats in the cabin on many of its UK-Morocco routes, provided the combined weight of pet and carrier is within the airline’s limit (typically around 8-10 kg). British Airways transports pets as cargo on this route. Budget carriers including easyJet and Ryanair generally do not carry pets. Always confirm the current cabin pet policy directly with the airline before booking.
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