Dog or cat from the Netherlands to Egypt: the rules

1. Get ready

   1. IdentificationEntering Egypt

      ISO microchip, before the rabies vaccination

      Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip, put in before its rabies vaccination, and the microchip number must be written on all its documents.

      Details and the official words

      Egypt's requirement reached us through Australia's export database (Micor), which records the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture's correspondence of 18 December 2025 for pets entering Egypt. It is newer than the US and UK documents that don't require a chip; we follow it because it is Egypt's own, more recent statement.

      “The following basic health requirements are mandatory for pets entering Egypt:”

      “The pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip.”

      “The pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip.”

      “Based on correspondence received from the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture on 18 December 2025.”

      “Animal microchips are not required for entry into Egypt”

      “Dogs and cats should be identified either by tattoo or microchip number or by a full description including coat colour and type, markings, weight, breed, sex and declared age.”

   2. VaccinationEntering Egypt

      Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel

      Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies after its microchip, at least 21 days before it travels, and the vaccination must still be valid when it enters Egypt. Bring a valid rabies vaccination certificate.

      Details and the official words

      Egypt doesn't say whether a booster restarts the 21 days. We count them from the first vaccination of your pet's current, unbroken series; if a booster falls within 3 weeks of the trip, ask the Egyptian embassy.

      “A valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate is required.”

      “The rabies vaccine must be administered after microchipping and at least 21 days prior to travel and remain valid at the time of entry.”

      “The rabies vaccine must be administered after microchipping and at least 21 days prior to travel and remain valid at the time of entry.”

      “Egypt require separate evidence that the dog or cat has been vaccinated against rabies.”

      “This can either be in an up to date Pet Passport or a document provided by the veterinary practice.”

      “Passport & Proof of Vaccinations for rabies”

      “Ont été vaccinés contre la rage par un vaccin inactivé”

2. In the days before you travel

   1. PaperworkThe Netherlands and Egypt

      Official veterinary health certificate

      Your pet needs an official veterinary health certificate issued by a government-authorised vet in your country, within its period of validity before you travel. Egypt doesn't publish how long that is for your country: ask your veterinary authority, which knows the certificate it issues for Egypt.

      Details and the official words

      Legalisation of the passport or health certificate at NVWA: Bring all the documents NVWA asks for to your appointment. If you need a health certificate for the trip, your own vet must complete and sign the form fully beforehand. NVWA checks the EU pet passport and any other documents and legalises them if everything is approved. If a document is missing or incomplete, the legalisation cannot take place and you need a new appointment.

      “An official Veterinary Health Certificate issued by a government-authorized veterinarian in the country of origin is required.”

      “The certificate must be issued within the valid period prior to travel.”

      “3900EHC may be used to accompany dogs and cats, not intended for sale, exported to Egypt accompanied by their owners”

      “The clinical examination should be carried out no more than 96 hours prior to export.”

      “This certificate is valid for 14 days after issuance.”

      “I certify that the animals described in box 21 have been inspected by me on this date and appear to be free of any infectious or contagious diseases”

      “Ont été examinés au cours des 24 dernières heures, ont été trouvés en bon état de santé et n’ont présenté aucun signe clinique de maladies contagieuses propres à l’espèce.”

      “Ont été identifies à l’aide d’une micropuce électronique.”

      “If you need a health certificate for your animal's trip, make sure your veterinarian completes and signs the form completely.”

      “If there any documents missing or incomplete, the legalisation cannot take place.”

   2. Official stampLeaving the Netherlands

      Book your NVWA legalisation appointment by e-mail

      E-mail dpp@nvwa.nl at least 14 working days before the date you want the legalisation to take place, with the type of animal, the destination, any stops on the way, your expected departure date or period, the purpose of the trip and your phone number. NVWA tries to reply within 2 working days and then sends an appointment confirmation. The appointment is at its office in Utrecht, on working days between 10:00 and 16:00.

      Details and the official words

      The time allowed between legalisation and departure can vary from country to country.

      Cancelling or rescheduling is free up to 24 hours before the appointment. NVWA may be unable to move the appointment to your preferred date, especially if it is busy or the request came less than 14 working days ahead.

      “Make sure to do this at least 14 working days before the date on which you want the legalisation to take place.”

      “The appointment is at our office in Utrecht.”

      “The amount of time allowed between legalisation and departure can vary from country to country.”

The trip back asks for 6 steps: microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody blood test (titer) and EU animal health certificate and more.