India to Oman pet relocation rules update (dogs & cats)

Moving a Pet from India to Oman seems like an easy task until you come in contact with the paperwork. But once you figure out that order (microchip → rabies vaccine → titre test for rabies → permits → health certificate), the process becomes predictable (and way less stressful).

This practical update is written for Indian pet parents moving to Muscat, Sohar, Salalah, Nizwa, or anywhere in Oman with a dog or cat. I’ll keep it clear, current, and action-based, with a few real-world notes (because yes, flights get rescheduled and labs take time).

What’s new in the “rules update” (what people miss in 2026)

Two requirements keep catching travellers off-guard:

1. Oman requires a prior veterinary import permit (you apply before your pet arrives) and you do it through the Customs Bayan system.
2. Oman requires a rabies antibody titre test (RNATT/FAVN) from an authorized laboratory, and Oman also has a waiting period: results must be at least 3 months old but not older than 12 months when you travel.

On the India end, AQCS still wants you to show up with your pet and papers to obtain an export NOC/certificate near date of travel (expiring in only 10 days).

So basically: Oman needs planning early, India needs finishing late.

Quick rule summary (India → Oman)

To enter Oman, your dog/cat must:

• Have an electronic microchip recorded in the vaccination/immunisation record
• Be vaccinated for rabies after 12 weeks of age and within 12 months of travel
• Be more than four months old
• Have a rabies titre test (RNATT/FAVN) done 21–30 days after last rabies vaccination, and then wait 3 months after results
• Hold a PRIOR veterinary import permit (before arrival), plus a government veterinary health certificate from India

India export requires AQCS examination + export paperwork, plus your passport and travel docs.

Step-by-step process (the order matters)

1) Microchip first (mandatory)

Start with an ISO microchip and make sure the chip number appears on:

• your pet’s immunisation record
• your vet certificate
• lab paperwork

Oman checks the microchip details against the immunisation record when you apply for the permit.

Tip: Don’t “fix” typos later with overwriting—airline staff hate that. If there’s a mistake, re-issue the page properly.

2) Rabies vaccine timing (don’t cut it close)

Oman there is a requirement for rabies vaccination to be done after 12 weeks of age and not more than one year prior to entry.

So, if your rabies shot is more than 12 months old when you land, you require a booster and then one must restarting the timing process for things such as titre steps.

3) Rabies titre test (RNATT/FAVN): the big gatekeeper

Here’s the exact sequence Oman lists:

• Draw blood 21–30 days after the last rabies vaccination
• Use RNATT or FAVN testing
• Travel only when the result date becomes ≥ 3 months old and ≤ 12 months old

This is why most “last-minute” plans fail. Therefore, if you’re relocating for a job in Oman, start this part first.

4) Apply for Oman import permit (before arrival) via Bayan

Oman Customs says you must obtain a prior veterinary permit through the Customs Bayan System.

You upload/attach items like:

• immunisation record from birth + pet photo on the record
• microchip identification in the record
• rabies titre test from an accredited lab

Fees & speed (good news): Oman lists the permit fee as OMR 20, and mentions approval within two hours during official working hours.

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5) India export (AQCS) NOC/export certificate (final 7–10 days)

AQCS lists the requirements for exporting pets from India, including:

• pet for examination
• fit-to-fly health certificate from a local registered vet
• microchip certificate
• vaccination details
• owner passport copy + air ticket copy
• airway bill (if cargo)
• importing country requirements (import permit, titre test etc.)
• pet photographs

AQCS also states:

• bring originals + photocopies
• export certificate validity is 10 days
• submit documents and pet 7 days prior (with prior appointment)

So, you plan Oman early, but you finish India near departure—otherwise the 10-day window expires.

Banned dog breeds: check before you spend money

Oman Customs lists dog breeds prohibited under Resolution 222/2019, including (and any mixed breed of them):
Pitbull, Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Mastiff, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Presa Canario, Boxer, Boerboel, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Anatolian Karabash, Great Dane.

If your dog resembles these types, airlines and authorities may reject travel even if you believe it’s “not exactly that breed”. So, don’t gamble.

Table: India → Oman pet relocation timeline (realistic)

Phase	What you do	Minimum time you should allow
Start	Microchip + baseline vaccines	1–3 days
Rabies	Rabies vaccine (if not current)	Day 0
Titre prep	Blood draw 21–30 days after rabies	3–4 weeks
Waiting rule	Wait until titre result is ≥ 3 months old	3 months
Oman permit	Apply for prior veterinary import permit (Bayan)	3–10 days buffer
India AQCS	AQCS exam + export certificate (valid 10 days)	Final 7–10 days
Fly	Travel + arrival checks	Flight day

Table: Document checklist (dogs & cats)

Document	Who issues it	Where you’ll need it
Microchip certificate	Vet/microchip provider	AQCS + Oman permit
Vaccination / immunisation record (from birth) + pet photo	Vet/clinic	Oman permit + arrival
Rabies titre test (RNATT/FAVN)	Accredited lab	Oman permit + arrival
Oman prior import permit	Oman Veterinary Quarantine (via Bayan)	Boarding + arrival
Government veterinary health certificate	Govt/authorised channel in India	Arrival in Oman
AQCS export certificate/NOC	AQCS India	Airline + exit from India
Passport + ticket + photos	Owner	AQCS

Flight booking notes (to avoid last-minute rejection)

• Match names exactly: owner name on ticket, passport, and AQCS documents should align.
• Keep one clean folder: printed copies + PDFs (airlines love paper).
• Choose your route carefully: fewer transits = fewer checks, therefore fewer problems.
• If you ship as cargo, you’ll need the airway bill for AQCS.

Arrival in Oman: what happens at the airport

Oman Customs lists what you present “upon arrival at the port (land/sea/air cargo or passengers)”:

1. veterinary import permit
2. government veterinary health certificate
3. passport/immunisation record
4. accredited lab rabies titre certificate

If all documents match and your pet looks healthy, clearance usually goes smooth. Still, keep calm—pets read your stress fast.

FAQs; India to Oman pet relocation