PetTravelPass

Bringing a dog or cat from the United Arab Emirates to South Africa

Under South Africa's rules, pets from the United Arab Emirates are in the group “All other countries (dogs)”. A dog from the United Arab Emirates needs a microchip, a rabies vaccine, an import permit and an official health certificate. Expect at least 14 days of quarantine on arrival. There is no long waiting period, so a few weeks of preparation is usually enough.

About South Africa: Every dog and cat needs a veterinary import permit issued before travel (apply at least 4 weeks ahead). No rabies titer is needed, but dogs need several negative blood tests within 30 days of arrival, and dogs from non-approved countries face at least 14 days of quarantine.

Dogs: All other countries (dogs) Quarantine

Titer test
Not required
Wait after blood test
—
Import permit
Required
Quarantine
14+ days

No long wait: Rabies vaccine at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before export.

Step by step

  1. Apply for the import permit and quarantine space

    Apply to VetPermits@daff.gov.za at least 4 weeks ahead, and reserve quarantine space for dogs before booking flights.

  2. Microchip, vaccinate and test

    Same microchip, rabies vaccine and dog blood tests as for exempt countries, following the permit conditions exactly.

  3. Fly into Johannesburg or Cape Town

    Dogs that need quarantine must arrive at OR Tambo or Cape Town International as air cargo.

Dogs: at least 14 days at a government quarantine station (Kempton Park, Johannesburg, or Cape Town) at the owner's cost. Book space before flying.

Cats: All other countries (cats) Paperwork only

Titer test
Not required
Wait after blood test
—
Import permit
Required
Quarantine
None if rules are met

No long wait: Rabies vaccine at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before export.

Step by step

  1. Microchip, vaccinate and test

    Same microchip, rabies vaccine and dog blood tests as for exempt countries, following the permit conditions exactly.

Good to know

Cats
Cats also need the import permit, a microchip and a rabies vaccine, but not the dog blood tests, and are not normally quarantined. Kittens under 3 months can enter only if the mother was vaccinated 30 days to 12 months before the birth; the kitten is then vaccinated at 3 months in South Africa.
How many pets
Not specified; one permit covers one consignment.
Parasite treatment
Dogs: tick/insect repellent within 30 days before departure, plus a heartworm preventive after the negative heartworm test. Products must be recorded on the certificate.
Arrival
Pets arrive as air cargo (service animals excepted). Dogs needing quarantine: OR Tambo (Johannesburg) or Cape Town International only. Others reportedly also Durban and some land borders.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to bring a dog from the United Arab Emirates to South Africa?

The United Arab Emirates counts as "All other countries (dogs)" for South Africa. There is no rabies blood test or long wait. Rabies vaccine at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before export. Allow a few weeks for the vet visits and the health certificate.

Does my pet need a rabies titer test to travel from the United Arab Emirates to South Africa?

No. Pets from the United Arab Emirates do not need a titer test for South Africa if the other rules are met.

Will my pet be quarantined in South Africa?

Yes. Pets from the United Arab Emirates spend at least 14 days in quarantine on arrival.

Do I need an import permit?

Yes. South Africa requires an import permit, and you need to apply or notify at least 28 days before arrival.

Are the rules the same for cats?

No. Cats from the United Arab Emirates fall under "All other countries (cats)": no titer test is needed.

Sources

Checked against official sources on 2026-10-28. Full rules: South Africa pet import rules.

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