Pet travel route
Dog or cat from Iceland to Bahrain: official requirements
Possible. There is no official waiting period for a dog, but you still need: vaccinations, including rabies, complete before the permit, rabies blood test (RANAT) certificate and cat or dog import permit from the Veterinary Quarantine Section and 2 more.
Rules checked up to 12 October 2026From 4 official pages
In short
- Dogs and cats differ on this route: choose Dog or Cat to see just yours.
- On this route: rabies blood test needed, import permit needed and tell the authority in advance.
- No quarantine on this route for a pet that meets the rules.
- Coming back to Iceland? One step has to happen before your pet leaves.
Limited official guidance. The authority for entering Bahrain publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. Bahrain publishes only a short description of its cat and dog import permits (in the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture's 2024 services guide, in Arabic) and a list of documents on the Customs Affairs website. Neither says whether a microchip is needed, which vaccinations are required or how long before travel, the minimum result, laboratory or timing of the rabies blood test, how recent the health certificate must be, how long the permit is valid, or which countries pets may come from. Ask the Veterinary Quarantine Section (vetquarantine@mun.gov.bh, +973 17987039) before you book anything.
At a glance
How early to start (dogs)
No official wait
whether or not your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated
No official wait still means appointments: vaccinations, including rabies, complete before the permit, rabies blood test (RANAT) certificate and cat or dog import permit from the Veterinary Quarantine Section and 2 more. Book them early; lab and paperwork times are not counted.
On this route (dogs)
- Rabies blood test needed
- Import permit needed
- No quarantine
- Tell the authority in advance
How early to start (cats)
No official wait
whether or not your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated
No official wait still means appointments: vaccinations, including rabies, complete before the permit, rabies blood test (RANAT) certificate and cat or dog import permit from the Veterinary Quarantine Section and 2 more. Book them early; lab and paperwork times are not counted.
On this route (cats)
- Rabies blood test needed
- Import permit needed
- No quarantine
- Tell the authority in advance
Rule-change alertsChecked daily
Know the moment the rules change from Iceland to Bahrain
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Rule change for pets travelling from Iceland to Bahrain
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Iceland → Bahrain
What your pet needs
In the order you do them. Each step says whether Iceland (leaving) or Bahrain (entering) asks for it.
Dogs
Get ready
VaccinationEntering Bahrain
Vaccinations, including rabies, complete before the permit
Before it issues the permit, the Veterinary Quarantine Section checks your pet's vaccination booklet and that all required vaccinations are complete. The guide doesn't list the vaccinations or say how long before travel they must be given. Bahrain also asks for a rabies blood test, which is only meaningful for a pet vaccinated against rabies, so have your pet vaccinated against rabies and ask the section which other vaccinations it wants.
The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.
Details and the official words
Neither the ministry's guide nor Customs names rabies vaccination as such. We list it because the rabies blood test is asked for, and we mark it for confirmation.
“والتأكد من دفتر التطعيمات”
“وإكمال كافة التطعيمات المطلوبة”
Blood testEntering Bahrain
Rabies blood test (RANAT) certificate
Your pet needs a rabies blood test (a rabies antibody neutralisation test, RANAT), and its certificate is shown on arrival with the health certificate. Neither the ministry nor Customs says what result is needed, which laboratory to use or how long before travel the blood sample must be taken: ask the Veterinary Quarantine Section before you book the test.
Details and the official words
“عند الوصول شهادة صحية حكومية وشهادة منشأ وشهادة فحص دم عن مرض السعار”
“A blood test for rabies (RANAT)”
PermitEntering Bahrain
Cat or dog import permit from the Veterinary Quarantine Section
Apply in person at the Veterinary Quarantine Section of the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture (you, or someone holding your power of attorney if you aren't in Bahrain). Bring a copy of your pet's vaccination booklet and a copy of your ID card. The section checks the booklet and that all required vaccinations are complete, then issues the permit. The fee is 5 Bahraini dinars for a personal import. The guide gives no processing time or validity period, so apply well before you travel.
Details and the official words
Cats and dogs are separate permits (services 112 and 113 in the ministry's guide). The guide doesn't say whether one permit covers several animals.
Bahrain Customs says to contact the Veterinary Quarantine Section before importing a dog or cat. Email vetquarantine@mun.gov.bh or call +973 17987039 or 17987364.
“تصريح إستيراد قطط”
“تصريح إستيراد كلب”
“يجب على صاحب الطلب الحضور إلى قسم المحاجر البيطرية لطلب إصدار تصريح إستيراد كلب”
“نسخة من دفتر التطعيمات”
“صورة من بطاقة الهوية وصورة من السجل التجاري أو توكيل عن الشخص المستورد في حال عدم تواجده”
“5 دينار للشخصي”
“To contact the Veterinary Quarries Department before importing”
“vetquarantine@MUN.GOV.BH”
In the days before you travel
PaperworkEntering Bahrain
Original government health certificate and certificate of origin
Your pet arrives with an original government health certificate from the country it comes from and an original certificate of origin, together with the rabies blood test certificate. The pages don't say how recent the health certificate must be or what it must state.
Details and the official words
“عند الوصول شهادة صحية حكومية وشهادة منشأ وشهادة فحص دم عن مرض السعار”
“Importing live animals (dogs and cats)”
“An original government health certificate”
“An original certificate of origin”
NoticeEntering Bahrain
Tell the Veterinary Quarantine Section when your pet arrives
Pets arriving with a traveller are controlled by the ministry's Veterinary Quarantine. Contact the section in advance and tell it the date and time of arrival, so the checks aren't delayed. No deadline is given.
Details and the official words
The Customs page still uses the ministry's older name (Ministry of Municipalities Affairs, Works and Urban Planning). Today it is the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture.
If this is missed: If you haven't arranged it, Customs contacts the Veterinary Quarantine and you must wait until its representative arrives and completes the procedures.
“Domestic animals accompanying the traveler are restricted and subject to the control of the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs, Works and Urban Planning - Veterinary Quarantine.”
“The matter requires that the traveler or the importer coordinate in advance with the concerned parties in the regulatory authority and inform them of the date and time of arrival to prevent any delay in completing the necessary procedures.”
“In the event that the traveler or the importer does not coordinate, the customs will contact the regulatory authority, and the traveler or importer must wait until the representative of the control authority arrives and finish the necessary procedures.”
Good to know
- Bahrain Customs lists dog breeds that may not be imported, 'such as' Pit Bull, Mastiff, Tosa and Presa (Presa Canario). The list is given as examples, so check your dog's breed with the Veterinary Quarantine Section.
- The Veterinary Quarantine Section only issues a cat or dog import permit for pets from countries that Bahrain allows them to be imported from. The list of countries isn't published: ask the section before you plan the trip.
- Pets arriving with a traveller are controlled by the ministry's Veterinary Quarantine. Once its checks are done, Customs prepares a simplified customs declaration to finish clearance.
- MAST publishes its own procedure only for trips to EU/EEA countries and Great Britain. For other countries, follow the destination's import rules; some destinations need the documents officially endorsed by MAST, so contact petimport@mast.is in good time.
Cats
Get ready
VaccinationEntering Bahrain
Vaccinations, including rabies, complete before the permit
Before it issues the permit, the Veterinary Quarantine Section checks your pet's vaccination booklet and that all required vaccinations are complete. The guide doesn't list the vaccinations or say how long before travel they must be given. Bahrain also asks for a rabies blood test, which is only meaningful for a pet vaccinated against rabies, so have your pet vaccinated against rabies and ask the section which other vaccinations it wants.
The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.
Details and the official words
Neither the ministry's guide nor Customs names rabies vaccination as such. We list it because the rabies blood test is asked for, and we mark it for confirmation.
“والتأكد من دفتر التطعيمات”
“وإكمال كافة التطعيمات المطلوبة”
Blood testEntering Bahrain
Rabies blood test (RANAT) certificate
Your pet needs a rabies blood test (a rabies antibody neutralisation test, RANAT), and its certificate is shown on arrival with the health certificate. Neither the ministry nor Customs says what result is needed, which laboratory to use or how long before travel the blood sample must be taken: ask the Veterinary Quarantine Section before you book the test.
Details and the official words
“عند الوصول شهادة صحية حكومية وشهادة منشأ وشهادة فحص دم عن مرض السعار”
“A blood test for rabies (RANAT)”
PermitEntering Bahrain
Cat or dog import permit from the Veterinary Quarantine Section
Apply in person at the Veterinary Quarantine Section of the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture (you, or someone holding your power of attorney if you aren't in Bahrain). Bring a copy of your pet's vaccination booklet and a copy of your ID card. The section checks the booklet and that all required vaccinations are complete, then issues the permit. The fee is 5 Bahraini dinars for a personal import. The guide gives no processing time or validity period, so apply well before you travel.
Details and the official words
Cats and dogs are separate permits (services 112 and 113 in the ministry's guide). The guide doesn't say whether one permit covers several animals.
Bahrain Customs says to contact the Veterinary Quarantine Section before importing a dog or cat. Email vetquarantine@mun.gov.bh or call +973 17987039 or 17987364.
“تصريح إستيراد قطط”
“تصريح إستيراد كلب”
“يجب على صاحب الطلب الحضور إلى قسم المحاجر البيطرية لطلب إصدار تصريح إستيراد كلب”
“نسخة من دفتر التطعيمات”
“صورة من بطاقة الهوية وصورة من السجل التجاري أو توكيل عن الشخص المستورد في حال عدم تواجده”
“5 دينار للشخصي”
“To contact the Veterinary Quarries Department before importing”
“vetquarantine@MUN.GOV.BH”
In the days before you travel
PaperworkEntering Bahrain
Original government health certificate and certificate of origin
Your pet arrives with an original government health certificate from the country it comes from and an original certificate of origin, together with the rabies blood test certificate. The pages don't say how recent the health certificate must be or what it must state.
Details and the official words
“عند الوصول شهادة صحية حكومية وشهادة منشأ وشهادة فحص دم عن مرض السعار”
“Importing live animals (dogs and cats)”
“An original government health certificate”
“An original certificate of origin”
NoticeEntering Bahrain
Tell the Veterinary Quarantine Section when your pet arrives
Pets arriving with a traveller are controlled by the ministry's Veterinary Quarantine. Contact the section in advance and tell it the date and time of arrival, so the checks aren't delayed. No deadline is given.
Details and the official words
The Customs page still uses the ministry's older name (Ministry of Municipalities Affairs, Works and Urban Planning). Today it is the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture.
If this is missed: If you haven't arranged it, Customs contacts the Veterinary Quarantine and you must wait until its representative arrives and completes the procedures.
“Domestic animals accompanying the traveler are restricted and subject to the control of the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs, Works and Urban Planning - Veterinary Quarantine.”
“The matter requires that the traveler or the importer coordinate in advance with the concerned parties in the regulatory authority and inform them of the date and time of arrival to prevent any delay in completing the necessary procedures.”
“In the event that the traveler or the importer does not coordinate, the customs will contact the regulatory authority, and the traveler or importer must wait until the representative of the control authority arrives and finish the necessary procedures.”
Good to know
- The Veterinary Quarantine Section only issues a cat or dog import permit for pets from countries that Bahrain allows them to be imported from. The list of countries isn't published: ask the section before you plan the trip.
- Pets arriving with a traveller are controlled by the ministry's Veterinary Quarantine. Once its checks are done, Customs prepares a simplified customs declaration to finish clearance.
- MAST publishes its own procedure only for trips to EU/EEA countries and Great Britain. For other countries, follow the destination's import rules; some destinations need the documents officially endorsed by MAST, so contact petimport@mast.is in good time.
Money
What it costs
Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in Iceland publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.
Government fees on this route
Cat or dog import permit, personal importEntering Bahrain5 BHD
Government fees in total: 5 BHD (each currency separately)
May also apply, depending on your case
MAST endorsement of the pet health certificateLeaving Iceland6,606 ISK
“The endorsement fee is ISK 6.606.”
Export of animals: cats and dogs to EU/EEA countries, the UK and other countries (MAST) · as of 2026-10-05
MAST clinical examination and export certificate (unaccompanied pet to the EU)Leaving Iceland13,211 ISK
“The endorsement fee is ISK 13.211”
Export of animals: cats and dogs to EU/EEA countries, the UK and other countries (MAST) · as of 2026-10-05
What vets and labs charge Not official figures
Rabies blood test: the lab’s own pricean approved laboratory; your vet adds the blood draw and the courier · for: rabies blood test (RANAT) certificatePrices from 8 countries
Austria: 1 published price
- AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety), Institute for Veterinary Investigations Mödling: Lab price for the rabies antibody titre test for pets (EU-recognised lab), samples sent from EU countries, 20% VAT included; transport to the lab paid by the sender97.26 EUR · per sample · read 2026-10-13
France: 2 published prices
- Laboratoire départemental de la Haute-Garonne (LD31 EVA): Lab price for the FAVN (WOAH/OMSA method) rabies antibody test, VAT included, price guaranteed until 31/12/2026 (from the lab's order form)99 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Inovalys (laboratory): Lab price only: rabies antibody titration (COFRAC accredited), ordered online by the owner; the page says the blood sample is taken by your vet and sending it to the lab is the owner's responsibility (no amounts given for those)99.18 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United Kingdom: 2 published prices
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats for pet travel (test code TC0712), single sample, excluding VAT72.30 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats, extended method (test code TC0570), single sample, excluding VAT106 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
Japan: 1 published price
- Research Institute for Animal Science in Biochemistry and Toxicology (RIAS, 一般財団法人生物科学安全研究所): Lab fee only: rabies antibody test at RIAS (a MAFF-designated lab), tax included, paid in advance by bank transfer; vet's blood draw and shipping not included15,000 JPY · per sample · read 2026-10-13
Poland: 1 published price
- National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet-PIB), Puławy: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test, standard service (max 21 calendar days), electronic report only, gross (VAT included)280 PLN · per test · read 2026-10-13
Sweden: 1 published price
- Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA): Lab price for the FAVN rabies vaccination-check antibody test (article D142410), excluding VAT (exkl. moms)1,365 SEK · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United States: 1 published price
- University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for pet travel/export (University of Missouri VMDL One Health-Rabies Laboratory); shipping not stated79 USD · per test · read 2026-10-13
South Africa: 1 published price
- Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR): Lab price for the rabies neutralization (antibody) test per clear serum sample, VAT included; the price list does not name FAVN or RFFIT (ARC-Onderstepoort diagnostic price list, PDF created May 2026)2,030 ZAR · per clear serum sample · read 2026-10-13
No published prices yet for Iceland: rabies vaccination, health certificate (vet’s fee).
Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices
Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.
Round trip
Coming back to Iceland
Do before your pet leaves Iceland (dogs)
- Rabies vaccination
Their timing rules put them before the outbound trip, for a three-month stay.
The trip back asks for 16 steps: coming from a country that isn't approved: MAST's authorisation, import permit from MAST, book 14 days at a quarantine station and ISO microchip and more.
Do before your pet leaves Iceland (cats)
- Rabies vaccination
Their timing rules put them before the outbound trip, for a three-month stay.
The trip back asks for 14 steps: coming from a country that isn't approved: MAST's authorisation, import permit from MAST, book 14 days at a quarantine station and ISO microchip and more.
Nearby routes
Other routes
Where this comes from
Official sources
- دليل خدمات وزارة شؤون البلديات والزراعة (Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture services guide, 2024): cat and dog import permits (services 112 and 113) and export health certificate (service 117)
- IM-2312-LIC: Animal Control Department, Quarries and Veterinary Control Department (Bahrain Customs Affairs)
- Personal Pets: importing live pets (Bahrain Customs Affairs)
- Export of animals: cats and dogs to EU/EEA countries, the UK and other countries (MAST)
Last checked against the official pages: 2026-10-12.
Questions owners ask
Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from Iceland to Bahrain?
Yes: Your pet needs a rabies blood test (a rabies antibody neutralisation test, RANAT), and its certificate is shown on arrival with the health certificate.
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Bahrain?
Yes: Apply in person at the Veterinary Quarantine Section of the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture (you, or someone holding your power of attorney if you aren't in Bahrain).
Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Bahrain?
Not on the routes we have verified: the official rules list no quarantine for a pet that meets the requirements.
How early should I start preparing my pet for Iceland to Bahrain?
There is no official waiting period for a dog, but you still need: vaccinations, including rabies, complete before the permit, rabies blood test (RANAT) certificate and cat or dog import permit from the Veterinary Quarantine Section and 2 more.
Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake
Read next
Turn this into dates for your pet
Where from, where to, when. You get every step with its deadline and the official page it comes from.