Indians Allowed One-Time Relaxation For Import Of Pets From War-Hit Middle East

Last Updated:March 20, 2026, 12:22 IST

CBIC allows Indians returning from the Middle East to import pet dogs and cats with incomplete documents. Pets need clinical exams and rabies shots.

As Indians are rushing back amid Middle East conflict, several raised concerns related to their pets. In a bid to provide respite from the same, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has announced a one-time relaxation that allows stranded Indian nationals returning from war-hit Middle East countries to import their pet dogs and cats into India.

The relaxation comes after the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) issued a memorandum as in the extraordinary circumstances like these the pre-export formalities may not be possible.

According to the official norm, pet owners must declare that the pet has lived with them for at least one month and produce available vaccination records such as a pet passport, pet book, or vaccination certificate.

As per the reports, even if vaccinations are delayed or documentation is incomplete, clearance may still be given after clinical examination and necessary rabies vaccination at the port of entry.

This is also to be noted that the final clearance will be issued by Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS).

DGCA Gives Flight Duty Time Relaxations To Air India

Aviation safety watchdog DGCA has granted temporary relaxations in flight duty norms for Air India’s long-haul flights. The decision has been taken as the airline is taking longer routes due to the airspace curbs amid the Middle East conflict, sources told PTI.

With Iranian and Iraqi airspace restrictions, Air India is taking the Egypt route for European and North American flights, which means longer flying hours.

According to the PTI sources, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given certain relaxations in pilot Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms till April 30.

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