Travelling with your pet from Spain to the United Arab Emirates can be a smooth process when everything is prepared correctly and on time. However, the UAE has very strict import requirements, and one of the most important things owners must understand is that most of the final documentation and veterinary procedures must be completed within 24 hours before departure.

Because of this extremely short timeframe, it is essential that every document is accurate, coordinated properly, and free from mistakes. Any error can result in delays, denied boarding, or problems upon arrival in the UAE.

Here is everything you need to prepare before travelling with your pet from Spain to the UAE.

1. UAE Import Permit

Before your pet can travel, an import permit must be obtained from the UAE authorities.

This permit is mandatory for entry into the country and must match all your pet’s details exactly, including:

• Owner information
• Microchip number
• Species and breed
• Date of arrival

Any discrepancy between the permit and the veterinary documents can create serious issues during export or upon arrival.

It is also important to know that without an approved UAE import permit, the government veterinarian in Spain will not issue the official export certificate required for travel.

2. Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination administered according to UAE regulations.

Important points:

• The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is given
• The vaccine must be valid at the time of travel
• First-time rabies vaccinations usually require a waiting period before travel is allowed

Ensuring the vaccine dates are correct is critical for obtaining the export documentation.

3. DHPPI/L Vaccination

Dogs travelling to the UAE are also required to have a valid DHPPI/L vaccination.

This vaccine protects against:

• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Parvovirus
• Parainfluenza
• Leptospirosis

The vaccination must be current and properly recorded in the pet passport or veterinary records.

4. Parasite Treatments

The UAE requires pets to receive internal and external parasite treatments within a specific timeframe before departure.

These treatments must:

• Be administered by a licensed veterinarian
• Be recorded correctly in the pet passport with product name and timing
• Fall within the UAE-required window before the flight

Timing is extremely important, as treatments administered too early may invalidate the export process.

5. Clinical Examination Within 24 Hours Before the Flight

One of the strictest UAE requirements is that the pet must undergo a full clinical examination by a licensed veterinarian within 24 hours prior to departure.

During this examination, the veterinarian confirms that the pet:

• Is healthy and fit to travel
• Shows no signs of infectious disease
• Meets all export requirements

Because this examination happens so close to departure, there is very little margin for error.

6. Health Certificate Issued by a Licensed Veterinarian

After the clinical examination, an official health certificate must be issued.

This certificate includes:

• Pet identification details
• Vaccination information
• Parasite treatment information
• Clinical examination confirmation

All information must perfectly match the import permit and the pet passport.

7. Export Certificate Issued by a Government Veterinarian

Finally, the documentation must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian through the Spanish export platform (CEXGAN).

This export certificate is the final document authorizing your pet to leave Spain and enter the UAE legally.

Since the UAE requires the process to happen within 24 hours before departure, appointments and documentation must be carefully coordinated in advance.

Why Professional Coordination Is So Important

Unlike many other countries, the UAE requires nearly all final veterinary documentation to be completed just 24 hours before the flight.

This means:

• There is almost no time to correct mistakes
• Any missing information can jeopardize the trip
• Timing between the veterinarian, government authorities and owner must be perfectly organized

For this reason, working with an experienced veterinarian familiar with UAE export requirements is highly recommended.

A properly coordinated process helps ensure:

• Correct documentation
• Compliance with UAE regulations
• Smooth airport procedures
• Safe and stress-free travel for your pet

Final Advice

If you are planning to relocate or travel with your pet from Spain to the UAE, it is very important to start the preparation process as early as possible.

At VetGlobal Relocation, we have years of experience helping families relocate their pets safely from Spain to the UAE. We are very familiar with the import process, documentation requirements, and the strict 24-hour timeline required before travel.

Because there is very little time to correct mistakes once the final procedures begin, having professional guidance and proper coordination can make a huge difference in ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your pet.

If you are planning to travel or relocate to the UAE with your pet, we recommend contacting VetGlobal Relocation as early as possible so we can guide you through every step of the process and help ensure all documentation is completed correctly and on time.