Getting a pet from Denmark to Rwanda is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. Give yourself close to 8-12 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on arrival. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Denmark to Rwanda
typically takes around 8-12 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Denmark to Rwanda pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Apply for RAB import permit from Rwanda
Responsible: Owner or agent
8-10 weeks before travel. Contact rab.gov.rw with pet microchip number, vaccination history, breed, and travel date.
2
Confirm ISO microchip is implanted
Responsible: Authorised veterinarian
6+ weeks before travel.
3
Verify current rabies vaccination
Responsible: Veterinarian
6+ weeks before travel.
4
Book cargo from CPH to KGL via BRU or ADD
Responsible: Owner or cargo agent
6-8 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal acceptance on all legs.
5
Fødevarestyrelsen-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel
Responsible: Official vet, then Fødevarestyrelsen regional office
Within 10 days of departure. Book official vet appointment and allow time for Fødevarestyrelsen endorsement.
6
Travel day: RAB inspection at KGL on arrival
Responsible: Airline cargo, then RAB at KGL
CPH to KGL via BRU or ADD: approximately 11-17 hours total.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Rwanda
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant arrivals from Denmark at Kigali International Airport.
Import permit
Import permit required from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). Apply at rab.gov.rw with pet details and intended travel date.
Health certificate
Fødevarestyrelsen-endorsed health certificate from Denmark, presented at Kigali (KGL) on arrival.
Export permit (Denmark)
No separate export permit required for companion animals leaving Denmark. The Fødevarestyrelsen-endorsed health certificate is the required export document.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Fødevarestyrelsen-endorsed health certificate and official vet fee: DKK 1,200-3,500 (approximately EUR 160-470)
RAB import permit fee: confirm with rab.gov.rw
Cargo CPH to KGL via BRU or ADD: EUR 1,000-2,800 depending on pet size and routing
IATA-approved travel crate: EUR 80-280 if needed
Pet transport agent: EUR 300-900
Total typical range: EUR 1,700-5,000
Critical points to read before you book
Apply for the RAB import permit 8-10 weeks before travel at rab.gov.rw. Do not book cargo until the permit is confirmed.
The Danish EU pet passport is for intra-EU travel only. The Fødevarestyrelsen export health certificate is the required document for Rwanda.
Copenhagen has no direct service to Kigali. A hub connection via Brussels or Addis Ababa is required.
Both the RAB permit and the Fødevarestyrelsen health certificate must be present and correctly formatted at Kigali inspection.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
BRUSSELS
Brussels Airlines via Brussels
CPH to Brussels Zaventem (BRU) via SAS or other carriers, then Brussels Airlines direct BRU-KGL. Brussels Airlines' established Kigali service makes BRU a practical East Africa transit hub from Copenhagen. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance before booking.
Cargo Only
ETHIOPIAN
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
CPH to Addis Ababa (ADD) via Ethiopian Airlines connections or via a European hub, then Ethiopian Cargo ADD-KGL. Ethiopian has the most extensive African live animal programme.
Cargo Only
SAS AND
SAS and Lufthansa Cargo via Frankfurt
CPH to Frankfurt (FRA) via SAS or Lufthansa, then Lufthansa Cargo connections to ADD and onward to KGL. FRA is a major European cargo hub for African routes.
Cargo Only
Rwanda import rules, explained
Rwanda keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.
Practical tips for this move
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
FAQ
Common questions about Denmark to Rwanda pet transport
There is no direct service from Copenhagen to Kigali. Brussels Airlines via BRU (direct BRU-KGL) and Ethiopian Airlines via ADD (ADD-KGL) are the main options. A cargo agent or pet transport specialist can advise on the best routing for your travel dates.
Contact Fødevarestyrelsen at foedevarestyrelsen.dk to identify an authorised official vet. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by Fødevarestyrelsen. The EU pet passport is not valid for Rwanda.
Yes. An RAB import permit from Rwanda’s Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board is required. Apply at rab.gov.rw at least 8-10 weeks before travel and present it alongside the Fødevarestyrelsen health certificate at Kigali International Airport.
No quarantine for compliant arrivals at Kigali International Airport. RAB officers inspect the permit and health certificate on arrival. Pets with valid documentation clear without quarantine.
Airline guides
Brussels Airlines via Brussels
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
SAS and Lufthansa Cargo via Frankfurt
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.