How do I get a Bahrain pet import permit?

01First, choose the correct import route

The personal service is for an individual importing a live animal or bird with the required documents. The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture provides it. Do not use a commercial animal-import service just because its name looks similar.

Personal import is limited to live animals. The official quarantine guide excludes animal products, meat and veterinary feed from this route.

02Apply before your pet travels

Start in the Ofoq system. Complete the import permit application, fill every required field and attach every required document. Once Ofoq gives you the application number, send the form and all required papers by email. The official quarantine contact is [email protected].

The guide states: If all requirements are not sent in full, the application will be rejected. After applying, the national portal lists Request Status Enquiry (Import Permit Live Animal (Personal)) as a separate service.

1. Open the official personal live-animal service.
2. Complete the import permit form in Ofoq and attach all required documents.
3. Save the application number that Ofoq gives you.
4. Email the form and required papers to [email protected].
5. Ask [email protected] whether personal attendance should happen before or after the email submission.
6. Coordinate the arrival date and time with the authority before travel.

03Prepare the dog or cat documents

The arrival-document list names an original government health certificate, an original certificate of origin and, for dogs and cats, a vaccination book and an RNAT blood test certificate. Carry the originals named by the guide, not only phone photographs.

The online application and the arrival check are separate moments. Upload the documents requested in Ofoq, email the complete set after receiving the application number, and keep the arrival originals ready.

04Plan the personal attendance step

The guide says personal import must be handled by personally attending the Veterinary Quarantine Section from 07:00 to 13:00, Sunday to Thursday. It also says import requests must be submitted by email only and are not accepted by phone.

The guide does not say which comes first. Confirm the order with [email protected] before you travel. A request sent after 13:00 will not be processed.

05Coordinate the port arrival in advance

Customs says animals accompanying a traveller are restricted and controlled by Veterinary Quarantine. Contact the authority before arrival and give the date and time so the officials can prepare the required control step.

If you do not coordinate, Customs contacts the regulatory authority and you must wait for its representative to arrive and finish the procedures. After that control step, a simplified customs declaration is prepared. Veterinary Quarantine is represented at King Fahd Causeway, Khalifa bin Salman Port and Bahrain International Airport air cargo, 7 days 24 hours.

Do not travel first and ask for an immediate permit at the port. The guide says the section is not obliged to issue an immediate permit when an animal arrives without prior approval.

1. Confirm that the permit process is complete before travel.
2. Give Veterinary Quarantine the arrival date and time.
3. Carry the original health certificate, vaccination book and RNAT certificate for a dog or cat.
4. Allow time for the regulatory check and customs declaration.

06What the official pages don't say

The national-portal service page and the Ministry quarantine guide checked on 16 October 2026 list no fee or processing time. Do not build your flight plan around a fee or turnaround quoted by a commercial pet site. Ask Veterinary Quarantine for the current amount and timing before booking a fixed travel date.

The checked pages also do not give one complete vaccine schedule for every species, age and origin country. They name the vaccination book and RNAT certificate for dogs and cats. Use the official email for the exact health requirements that apply to your animal and origin.

07Use the official contacts when a step is unclear

For permit documents and veterinary-quarantine questions, email [email protected]. For an arrival or customs question, Bahrain Customs lists 17389999 and [email protected].

Describe the animal, origin country, planned port and arrival date in your question. Ask for the current document list, fee and expected processing time. Keep the reply with your travel file so you can match the instruction to your specific journey.

08FAQs

Do I need a permit to bring a pet into Bahrain?

Use the official Import Permit Live Animal (Personal) service. It allows an individual to request a licence for a live animal or bird when the required documents are submitted.

Where do I apply for a Bahrain pet import permit?

Begin with the official personal live-animal service, complete the Ofoq form and attachments, then email the form and documents after you receive the application number.

Which documents do dogs and cats need?

The arrival-document list names an original government health certificate, an original certificate of origin and, for dogs and cats, a vaccination book and an RNAT blood test certificate.

What are the Veterinary Quarantine office hours?

The personal-import attendance hours are 07:00 to 13:00, Sunday to Thursday. Requests sent after 13:00 are not processed.

Can I submit the permit request by phone?

No. The quarantine guide says import requests must be submitted by email and are not received by phone. The listed email is [email protected].

What happens if I arrive without coordinating?

Customs says it will contact the regulatory authority and you must wait for its representative. The quarantine section is not obliged to issue an immediate permit for an animal that arrives without prior approval.

How much does a Bahrain pet import permit cost?

The national-portal service page and the Ministry quarantine guide checked on 16 October 2026 list no fee or processing time. Confirm the current amount through the official service or [email protected] before you commit to travel.

09Official sources

• Import Permit Live Animal (Personal)
• Personal Pets
• Veterinary Quarantine import controls
• Decision 100 of 2023 on dangerous and predatory animals
• Law 5 of 2021 on CITES-listed species
• Ministry service catalogue

Official details checked 16 October 2026.

Related guides: Bahrain Airport arrivals and transport guide