Bahrain
Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island nation in the Arabian Gulf between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, made up of dozens of natural and artificial islands centered on Bahrain Island. Pet entry requirements depend on whether the origin country is considered a rabies risk.
At a Glance
Bringing a pet into Bahrain requires a microchip, current vaccinations, an import permit, and a government-endorsed health certificate — a rabies blood test is only required if the pet’s country of origin is classified as a rabies risk, and there’s no waiting period after a passing result.
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Health Certificate
Required
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Blood Test (RNATT/FAVN)
Only if origin is rabies-risk
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Import Permit
Required
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Min. Age
~4 months
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Min. Prep Time
~6 weeks (longer if blood test required)
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
Minimum Age
Pets can travel 30 days after the first rabies vaccination, which is given at 3 months of age — around 4 months old at the earliest. If a blood test is required, the minimum age is effectively higher to allow time for the test.
Microchip
An ISO 11784/5 compliant microchip is required. Other formats risk not being identifiable, and the owner won’t be able to scan it with their own device to prove identity.
Vaccinations
Dogs need valid rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospira vaccinations. Cats need valid rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccinations. All vaccines must be valid within 1 month of the import permit application. Puppies and kittens under 6 months need 2 doses of each vaccine, and cannot travel until at least 4 weeks after the second dose.
Rabies Blood Test (RNATT/FAVN) — Risk Origins Only
Required only if the origin country is considered a rabies risk by Bahrain’s veterinary authorities. The test must be done at a WOAH-accredited laboratory. There is no waiting period after a satisfactory result — the pet can travel as soon as the certificate is available. The certificate is valid for 1 year, provided the rabies vaccine itself stays within validity.
Import Permit
Required for all pets entering Bahrain. Valid for 30 days. Processing takes 1–2 business days when no blood test is required, or up to 4 business days when a blood test certificate needs to be validated with the testing laboratory first.
Official Health Certificate
A government-issued health certificate is required, and its stated origin must match the origin shown on the airway bill.
Export Certificate
An export certificate from the official government veterinary authority is required for departure from the origin country.
Summer Embargo
Temperature-related embargoes may apply during summer months. Check current restrictions before booking travel dates.
Number of Pets
Non-commercial imports are limited to residents applying in person, with a maximum of 4 pets per person per year. Residency in Bahrain is not required to import a pet.
Breed Restrictions
Wolves and wolf hybrids are banned from import. Breeds often considered dangerous are generally restricted, though exceptions can apply with proof of return travel, such as for a dog show or competition.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
This timeline covers the case where the origin country is considered a rabies risk and a blood test is required. If your origin isn’t a rabies risk, the blood test step is skipped and the process is considerably shorter.
1
Microchip
Assumed already present
2
Vaccinations (incl. Rabies)
Rabies given at 3 months old
3
Rabies Blood Test (if required)
No sooner than 30 days after vaccination
4
Apply for Import Permit
1–4 business days to process
5
Health Certificate + Export Certificate
Close to departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bahrain the same as Dubai for pet travel?
No — Bahrain has its own rules, administered separately. Requirements differ from the UAE. Speak to a specialist familiar with Bahrain →
Is a blood test required for Bahrain?
Only if your pet’s origin country is considered a rabies risk by Bahrain’s veterinary authorities. If required, the blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, but there’s no waiting period after a passing result — your pet can travel as soon as the certificate is ready.
Do requirements change depending on which country I’m travelling from?
Yes, in one key respect. If your pet’s origin country is classified as a rabies risk by Bahrain’s veterinary authorities, a blood test is required in addition to the standard vaccinations. Pets from countries not classified as a rabies risk skip this step entirely and follow a shorter, simpler timeline. The rest of the process — microchip, import permit, and health certificate — applies the same way regardless of origin.
Is there quarantine in Bahrain?
No quarantine required for compliant pets.
How old does my pet need to be to travel to Bahrain?
At least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination, which is given at 3 months of age — so around 4 months old at the earliest. Puppies and kittens under 6 months also need 2 doses of every required vaccine, with travel no sooner than 4 weeks after the second dose.
Are there breed restrictions in Bahrain?
Yes. Wolves and wolf hybrids are banned entirely. Breeds often considered dangerous are generally restricted, though exceptions can apply with proof of return travel, such as for a dog show or competition. Verify your breed’s eligibility before starting the process.
How many pets can I bring to Bahrain?
Non-commercial imports are limited to 4 pets per person per year for residents applying in person. Bahrain residency itself is not required to import a pet.
How much does it cost?
Request a free personalised quote →
Ready to start planning?
Every pet’s situation is different. Get a free, no-obligation quote from a certified pet relocation specialist.
⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.