Taking your dog or cat from Latvia to Rwanda comes down to good timing and the right paperwork. There is a fair amount of paperwork here, so plan on around 8-12 weeks. There is no routine quarantine, provided the paperwork is in order. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Latvia 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 Latvia 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 multi-leg cargo from RIX via European hub to KGL
Responsible: Pet transport agent
6-8 weeks before travel. A pet transport agent experienced in Baltic routing is recommended.
5
PVD-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel
Responsible: Official vet, then PVD
Within 10 days of departure. Contact PVD for the official vet and endorsement procedure.
6
Travel day: RAB inspection at KGL on arrival
Responsible: Airline cargo, then RAB at KGL
RIX to KGL via European hub and BRU or ADD: approximately 14-20 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 Latvia 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
PVD-endorsed health certificate from Latvia, presented at Kigali (KGL) on arrival.
Export permit (Latvia)
No separate export permit required for companion animals leaving Latvia. The PVD-endorsed health certificate is the required export document.
Costs
What this route typically costs
PVD-endorsed health certificate and official vet fee: EUR 100-250
RAB import permit fee: confirm with rab.gov.rw
Multi-leg cargo RIX to KGL via European hub: EUR 1,100-3,000 depending on pet size and routing
IATA-approved travel crate: EUR 80-280 if needed
Pet transport agent (recommended): EUR 400-1,000
Total typical range: EUR 1,900-5,000
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.
Riga International Airport has better connections than Tallinn but still requires a European hub transfer for East Africa cargo. A pet transport agent is recommended for this route.
The Latvian EU pet passport is for intra-EU travel only. The PVD export health certificate is required for Rwanda.
Total transit time is longer than from major Western European airports. Discuss your pet's fitness for extended transit with your vet.
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 Amsterdam or Frankfurt and Brussels
RIX to Amsterdam (AMS) or Frankfurt (FRA) via airBaltic or Lufthansa, then to Brussels Zaventem (BRU) for Brussels Airlines direct BRU-KGL. This routing gives access to Brussels Airlines' established Kigali service from the Baltic region.
Cargo Only
ETHIOPIAN
Ethiopian Airlines via Frankfurt or Amsterdam and Addis Ababa
RIX to FRA or AMS via airBaltic or Lufthansa, then Ethiopian or Lufthansa Cargo to ADD, then Ethiopian Cargo ADD-KGL. Ethiopian has the widest African live animal programme.
Cargo Only
AIRBALTIC VIA
airBaltic via Riga to European hub
airBaltic operates RIX as its main hub with connections to AMS, FRA, and other European cargo points. Riga International Airport is larger than Tallinn and has more direct connections. Confirm cargo options for long-haul live animal routing with a pet transport agent.
Cargo Only
Rwanda entry requirements at a glance
The requirements for Rwanda are thorough rather than difficult. Work through them methodically and confirm anything you are unsure about with the official source.
Getting the details right
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.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
FAQ
Common questions about Latvia to Rwanda pet transport
Riga International Airport is airBaltic’s main hub and has more direct European connections than Tallinn. This gives slightly more routing options to European cargo hubs for onward travel to Kigali. However, both are regional Baltic airports that require European hub transfers for East Africa cargo. A transport agent is recommended for either.
Contact PVD at pvd.gov.lv to identify an authorised official vet. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by PVD. 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 before travel. Apply at rab.gov.rw at least 8-10 weeks in advance and present it with the PVD health certificate at Kigali International Airport.
Allow 14-20 hours total depending on routing via European hubs and the final leg to Kigali. This is a significant transit. Discuss your pet’s fitness with your vet before booking, and use an IATA-compliant crate sized correctly for the journey.
Airline guides
Brussels Airlines via Amsterdam or Frankfurt and Brussels
Ethiopian Airlines via Frankfurt or Amsterdam and Addis Ababa
airBaltic via Riga to European hub
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.