Flying with your pet from Egypt
Microchip, vaccines, health certificate, and the rules of your airline and destination. Start early: some countries need months of preparation.
Taking your pet abroad means paperwork and careful timing. The rules come from three places: Egypt, which your pet is leaving; your destination country; and your airline. Check all three.
Start early
Some countries require a rabies antibody blood test after vaccination, followed by a waiting period that can last months before your pet may enter. Start asking at least 4 months before you travel if you can.
The usual steps
Egypt's rules for exporting dogs, as reported in June 2026, ask for things like these, and cats usually follow the same pattern:
- A microchip, fitted by your vet. Many countries require an ISO-standard chip.
- Rabies vaccination after the chip is fitted, with other vaccines up to date.
- A pet passport or vet record with every vaccine and its date.
- Lab tests, depending on your destination.
- A health certificate and export approval from the General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS) shortly before travel.
- An import permit from your destination, if it requires one.
Ask GOVS and your destination's embassy for the exact papers and timings.
Your airline
- In the cabin: usually only small cats and dogs, in a soft carrier under the seat, with a weight limit.
- In the hold or as cargo: larger pets, in an airline-approved travel crate.
- Some airlines won't carry snub-nosed breeds (Persians, Pugs, French Bulldogs) in the hold, because they breathe less easily.
- Some airlines stop carrying pets in the hold during the hot months.
- Book your pet's place early, with your ticket: each flight takes only a few animals.
The travel crate
- Big enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.
- Ventilated on several sides, with a fixed water bowl and your details on it.
- Get your pet used to it weeks ahead.
Sedatives
Don't sedate your pet unless your vet decides to. Sedatives can affect breathing and balance in the air, and many airlines refuse sedated pets.
Coming back to Egypt
Bringing a dog into Egypt also needs a health certificate, a microchip, a passport and a rabies lab certificate. The law counts importing as "trading", so you can't bring in a dog of a banned breed. See banned and conditional breeds.