Export Live Animals to Saudi Arabia
Summary of Requirements
NOTE: U.S. horses must be accompanied by an original, printed APHIS-endorsed health certificate when shipped to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) will then verify the authenticity of the health certificate in the APHIS Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) prior to issuing an import permit.
- Horses - Permanent - Protocol (108.31 KB) - July 2023
- Horses - Permanent - Health Certificate (231.9 KB) - July 2023
- Horses - Temporary - Protocol (132.9 KB) - January 2020
- Horses - Temporary - Health Certificate (234.31 KB) - January 2020
- Equine - Semen - Health Certificate (10.68 KB) - September 2009
Note: Effective November 7, 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has confirmed that in addition to virus isolation, either real-time PCR or conventional PCR test method is acceptable for the testing of equine semen for Equine Viral Arteritis. The test method used must be noted on the health certificate.
- Cattle - Breeding, Fattening, Slaughter - Health Certificate (274.23 KB) - July 2026
- Bovine - Embryos - Health Certificate (163.78 KB) - March 2025
- Bovine - Semen - Health Certificate (171.53 KB) - March 2025
- Sheep and Goats - Health Certificate (288.88 KB) - August 2026
- Small Ruminant - Embryos - Health Certificate May 2025
- Small Ruminant - Semen - Health Certificate May 2025
Note: Effective April 22, 2022, Saudi Arabia will only allow U.S. origin day-old poultry and hatching eggs that meet the requirements of the health certificates below. The import of any other live poultry is restricted.
- Day-old Poultry - Health Certificate (155.62 KB) - September 2022
- Hatching Eggs - Health Certificate (142.93 KB) - September 2022
- Falcons - Health Certificate (173.33 KB) - July 2021
Note: U.S. origin falcons for export are required to have an import permit issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. That import permit must accompany the consignment.
Taking a Pet to Another Country?
If your species is not listed, the requirements for that species are not known. Exporters who want to ship livestock or germplasm whose requirements are not listed above should have the importer or buyer in the destination country apply for an import permit at the appropriate ministry. This import permit will most likely outline the specific requirements.
Need Help?
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians
Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian for questions about your destination country's entry requirements for animals (including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments); issuance of health certificates; and status updates on certificate endorsement.
APHIS Endorsement Offices
APHIS Veterinary Export Trade Services (VETS) offers commodity-specific expertise for exporting animals. Use the dropdown to contact us with questions about endorsing health certificates. For quickest help, see tips for exporters and accredited veterinarians.