Importing Animals to Bahrain: Required Passports and Vaccinations

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Importing pets to Bahrain may seem like a complex challenge, but understanding the essential procedures makes it a simpler process.

To ensure the safety and well-being of animals, specific requirements such as pet passports and required vaccinations must be met.

This article will demystify the key steps to facilitate your four-legged companion’s entry into this Gulf country, guiding you through the administrative formalities and providing practical tips to navigate Bahraini regulations with ease.

Details of Veterinary Formalities for Importation

International Health Certificate

All pets entering Bahrain must be accompanied by an international health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian. This document, issued within 7 to 10 days prior to travel, certifies that the animal is healthy, identifies completed vaccinations, and confirms the absence of transmissible diseases. For U.S. citizens, the APHIS 7001 form (United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination) is accepted; for European citizens, the European veterinary certificate (2012 EU Veterinary Certificate) may also be used. The certificate cannot be issued until at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination.

Mandatory Vaccination Protocols

Animals must be up to date with the following vaccines before entering Bahraini territory:

Animal	Mandatory Vaccines	Minimum Time Before Arrival
Dog	Rabies, Distemper, Canine Infectious Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus (DHLP)	Rabies: at least 21 days
Cat	Rabies, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Panleukopenia (Tri-cat)	Rabies: at least 21 days
Bird	Certificate confirming absence of avian flu and psittacosis	–
Small Domestic Animal (rodent…)	General examination + species-specific vaccinations	–

• The rabies vaccine is mandatory for all dogs and cats, with a minimum three-week interval between injection and arrival in Bahrain.
• Other vaccines must comply with current veterinary recommendations in the country of origin.

Parasite Treatments

External parasite treatment (against fleas and ticks) and internal deworming are strongly recommended before departure. Although not explicitly required by publicly available official Bahraini regulations, these treatments are often required by airlines or recommended by veterinarians to ensure health safety during transport.

Electronic Identification

Identification with an ISO-standard microchip (15 digits) is mandatory for all animals before any vaccination or administrative procedures.

Pet Passport

The European pet passport is not recognized as an official entry document for Bahrain. Only an international health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian is valid. This certificate is only valid for a limited period—typically between 7 and 10 days—requiring careful travel planning.

Quarantine

No systematic quarantine is imposed on animals from common expatriate countries as long as all health documents are in order and presented upon arrival. However, if anomalies are detected during customs inspection or if certain documents are missing, temporary quarantine may be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Important Administrative Timelines

• Start all procedures at least three months before your planned arrival.
• The import permit application must be submitted to Bahraini authorities well in advance.
• The issued permit remains valid for only thirty days from its date of issue.
• Your local sponsor must welcome you with this original permit to ensure your animal is admitted without customs issues.

Competent Authorities & Useful Contacts

To obtain all necessary authorizations:

• Contact the Veterinary Quarantine Authority of the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs of Bahrain directly.
• Address: BLDG 201 AVE 62 BLOCK

Pet Passport: Conditions and Obtainment

The pet passport is an official document that certifies a pet’s identity, vaccination status, and health condition, essential for traveling abroad. It replaces the standard health record and serves as proof that the animal meets international health requirements, particularly regarding rabies.

Definition and Importance

The pet passport consolidates all information needed to identify the animal (microchip or tattoo), its owner, and its medical history (vaccinations, parasite treatments, test results). This document is mandatory for crossing borders with a pet: without it, the animal may be denied entry or placed in quarantine. It also facilitates veterinary checks at borders and ensures health traceability.

Specific Conditions for Bahrain

To import an animal to Bahrain, the passport must comply with local requirements. The main conditions are:

• Identification: The animal must be identified by a compatible ISO microchip (or a clearly legible tattoo if dated before July 2011).
• Mandatory Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination is imperative for all dogs and cats over 3 months old. The vaccine must have been administered at least 21 days before departure.
• Parasite Treatments: Treatment against internal (worms) and external (ticks) parasites is generally required in the days preceding travel.
• International Veterinary Certificate: In addition to the European passport (for EU residents), an international veterinary certificate conforming to the OIE/FAO model may be requested by Bahrain.
• Blood Tests: Depending on the country of origin and species, serological tests (rabies antibody titration) may be required.
• Applicable Animals: Dogs, cats; other species require a specific application to Bahraini authorities.

Requirement	Detail
Identification	ISO microchip or tattoo
Rabies Vaccination	Mandatory > 3 months; > 21 days before departure
Parasite Treatment	Internal/external before travel
Veterinary Certificate	OIE/FAO model often required
Blood Tests	Depending on country of origin/species

Complete Passport Obtainment Process

1. Identification: Have a microchip implanted by an accredited veterinarian.
2. Rabies Vaccination: Vaccinate against rabies; record the date in the passport.
3. Other Vaccinations/Treatments: Check with your veterinarian for those required for Bahrain.
4. Pre-Departure Health Certificate: Obtain a certificate attesting that the animal is healthy less than 10 days before departure.
5. Official Application to Competent Authorities
   • For EU residents: contact your veterinarian holding the health mandate who will issue the standardized European passport.
   • For non-EU residents: approach the competent national veterinary service to obtain an equivalent certificate recognized by Bahrain.
6. Administrative Validation: Some countries require additional official validation (e.g., apostille or legalization).
7. Cost: Varies by country/veterinarian (~$50–150 for identification + vaccinations + consultations)
8. Timeline: Allow several weeks between complete identification/primary vaccination/if serological testing is needed

Vaccinations & Mandatory Treatments

Minimum health obligations include:

• Valid rabies vaccine
• Standard vaccine boosters according to species
• Recent internal deworming treatment
• Recent external parasite treatment

Additional requirements may apply depending on geographical origin or local epidemiological context.

Specific Regulations by Species/Breed/Health

Some dogs considered “dangerous” may face specific restrictions or even total bans in certain Arab states—your case is not confirmed here but always check with the local Bahraini embassy as each state applies its own national regulations on certain sensitive breeds.

In case of chronological issues related to young age (All animals from shelters must present a complete file including:

• Detailed adoption/rescue history,
• Behavioral assessment validating aptitude for long-distance travel,
• Comprehensive medical certificates attesting absence of transmissible diseases,
• Proof of compliance with health regulations of final destination,

In complex cases involving multiple origins/third intermediate countries/short timelines between adoption and export… it will be essential to contact Bahraini consular services directly to obtain personalized instructions adapted to the individual situation of each animal concerned…

Administrative management remains similar but requires increased rigor in documentation provided both from the owner and local authorities competent in customs at port/airport entry points…

List of Mandatory Vaccines for Pets Expatriated to Bahrain

List of Mandatory Vaccines for Pets Expatriated to Bahrain

Animal Type	Mandatory Vaccines	Specifics and Required Documents
Dogs	Rabies (at least 21-30 days before arrival), Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus (DHLP)	Identification by ISO microchip. European passport or veterinary record with microchip number and vaccination. Import permit issued by Bahraini health authorities. International health certificate issued within 7 days before departure. Parasite treatment within 5 days preceding travel.
Cats	Rabies (at least 21-30 days before arrival), Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, Feline Rhinotracheitis (Tricat)	Identification by ISO microchip. European passport or veterinary record up to date with vaccinations and identification. Mandatory import permit. Recent international health certificate.

For any return to the European Union after stay: consider prior rabies titer testing as it is not required for Bahrain but mandatory from this country to the EU.

Owners wishing to travel with their animal outside of standard dog/cat/bird/horse species are strongly advised to contact their local embassy and a specialized veterinarian to verify any additional restrictions applicable to their specific case.

Summary List of Administrative Steps:

1. 1 month before:
   • ISO identification
   • Updated passport/record
2. Minimum 30 days:
   • Rabies vaccination + other specific vaccines
3. Maximum 7 days:
   • Official medical certificate
4. Maximum 5 days:
   • Parasite treatments
5. Day of Arrival:
   • Presentation of permit + original documents
   • Customs inspection & possible testing

Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey with Your Pet

Preparing your pet in advance greatly facilitates travel and reduces stress. Start several weeks before departure:

• Gradually acclimate your pet to the carrier: leave it open at home, place treats, toys, or familiar blankets inside so it associates it with a safe and pleasant environment.
• Take short trips by car or in the carrier, then gradually increase duration to familiarize your pet with the sensation of movement.
• Maintain your pet’s daily routine (meal times, walks) as much as possible to limit anxiety.

Travel Organization

• Plan a route adapted to your pet’s needs: schedule frequent breaks for stretching, drinking, and relieving itself.
• Always carry a supply of fresh water and a bowl.
• Line the bottom of the carrier with absorbent, comfortable bedding.

Checking Weather Conditions in Bahrain

• Research expected temperatures and humidity upon arrival: Bahrain experiences significant heat, especially in summer.
• Plan arrival during cooler hours and avoid leaving your pet in a parked vehicle.

Essential Documents and Procedures

Required Documents	Details to Verify
Pet Passport	Must include microchip identification
Up-to-Date Vaccination Certificates	Rabies, other vaccines required by Bahrain
Health Record	Recent veterinary attestation