Understanding customs clearance for pets in the UAE
What is customs clearance?
Customs clearance is the process that verifies your pet’s health and documentation upon arrival in the UAE. This involves checking vaccination records, health certificates, and other necessary paperwork to ensure compliance with UAE regulations. Understanding this process is crucial for easing your worries and ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your pet.
What happens when your pet lands?
Once your pet arrives at the airport in the UAE, their journey doesn’t end there. Here’s what to expect:
-
Transport to the animal holding facility: After landing, your pet will be transported to a secure animal holding facility at the airport.They will be kept safe and comfortable here while they customs clearance takes place.
-
Documentation check: While your pet is cared for, customs officials will meticulously review all necessary paperwork, including vaccination records and health certificates. It’s essential to make sure these documents are UAE compliant to avoid any delays.
-
Veterinary inspection: A ministry veterinarian will then inspect your pet to ensure they match the documentation. If everything checks out, your pet will be cleared for entry into the UAE. No quarantine required!
How long does customs clearance take?
The customs clearance process typically takes between 3 to 6 hours, and during this time, you won’t have access to your pet until after the veterinary inspection is complete. However, your pet will be safe and well-cared for in the animal holding facility. If all paperwork and health checks are in order, your pet will not need to go through any quarantine, allowing for a quicker reunion once they are cleared.
How Paws and Planes can help
The customs clearance process is complex and time-consuming, requiring meticulous paperwork checks and multiple trips within the airport’s cargo terminal. That’s where Paws & Planes steps in—we can do it all for you.
Our dedicated team will go to the airport on your behalf, working directly with customs officials, the airline ground handling team, and the ministry veterinarian to ensure a smooth clearance for your pet. Once your pet is cleared, we’ll transport them straight to your home, where you’ll be waiting with open, excited arms.
For an even more stress-free experience, consider our full import service. With this option, we collaborate with you and agents in your country of origin ahead of time to gather all necessary paperwork and ensure it meets UAE regulations. This way, you can relax, knowing that every detail is managed seamlessly from start to finish.
If you’re planning to travel with your pet to the UAE, let us help make the process seamless so you can focus on the happiness of being together again!
