Taking a pet out of Thailand · By destination
Taking a pet from Thailand to the UAE
The UAE route is a common one for Pattaya expats. The import permit and vaccination rules are manageable if you start in good time and confirm the current detail with MOCCAE.
Last updated 30 May 2026
This guide was last reviewed in May 2026. Export rules — Thai DLD procedures, destination-country requirements and airline policies — change without notice. Use this as orientation, then confirm every current requirement with the DLD and the destination country's authority before booking.
Entering the UAE from Thailand
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) requires an import permit, an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (and usually other core vaccinations), an official veterinary health certificate and compliance with any breed restrictions in the emirate you are entering. Some emirates and airlines add their own rules — confirm with MOCCAE, your airline and the destination emirate before booking.
The Thai side
All of this sits on top of the Thai export process — the DLD health certificate and export permit — which your pet must clear on the way out. The two sets of paperwork have to agree.
The UAE does not generally require a rabies titer test for entry from Thailand, but if you might move your pet on to the EU, UK or similar later, having the titer test done early keeps that option open.
Importing a pet from the UAE to Thailand
See our guide to bringing a pet from the UAE for the MOCCAE export side and the standard Thai import steps.
Official sources
Official sources to verify against: DLD export of live animals; Suvarnabhumi AQS export: [email protected]; UK pet travel; CDC animal import (USA); EU pet movement; Japan MAFF Animal Quarantine; Singapore AVS; UAE MOCCAE pet import; Australia DAFF; New Zealand MPI; Canada CFIA; Switzerland FSVO.
Frequently asked
Does the UAE require a rabies titer test from Thailand?
Generally no for UAE entry itself, though MOCCAE's rules can change. Confirm the current requirements with MOCCAE. Consider a titer test anyway if you might travel onward to stricter destinations.
Which UAE emirate am I importing into?
The import permit is federal, but some emirates and airlines add their own conditions. Confirm with MOCCAE and your airline for the emirate and airport you will use.