Moving a Pet from Lithuania to Finland

Relocating a pet from Lithuania to Finland follows a clear path once you understand what Finland asks for. This is one of the more straightforward routes, and roughly 1-3 weeks is …

1-3 wks

Preparation needed

None

Quarantine on arrival

Low

Route complexity

Managed

Full door to door

Get my free quote

Lead time needed

1-3 weeks

Quarantine

None

Route complexity

Low

Airlines

3 carriers on this route

Start my quote

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Lithuania to Finland typically takes around 1-3 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is not required.

Regulations checked June 2026

Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team

Step by step

The import process, in full

Before the rabies vaccination, at any point before travel

Microchip implantation (ISO 11784/11785, 15-digit)

Responsible: Accredited veterinarian in Lithuania

At least 21 days before travel

Rabies vaccination and EU pet passport issued by VMVT-authorised vet

Responsible: Official veterinarian authorised by VMVT

Same appointment as vaccination

EU pet passport completed with microchip number, vaccination, and vet details

Responsible: Official veterinarian in Lithuania

4 to 8 weeks before travel

Book flights and register live animal with airline on all segments

Responsible: Owner or transport agent

On travel day

Travel to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)

Responsible: Owner or transport agent

Checklist

What your pet needs

Every item below must be completed and verified before your pet can travel. Expand each category for the detail.

Microchip

Required. ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit). Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.

Rabies vaccination

Required. Current and at least 21 days old after primary vaccination. Source: Ruokavirasto (Finnish Food Authority): ruokavirasto.fi.

Rabies titre test

Not required. Lithuania is an EU member state. No titre test needed from EU countries.

Quarantine

No quarantine for compliant pets.

Import permit

Not required. EU pet passport serves as the entry document.

Health certificate

EU pet passport or Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Issued by official vet.

Export permit

Not required. Lithuania is an EU member state. No export permit is needed for non-commercial pet movements.

Health certificate

EU pet passport issued by an official veterinarian in Lithuania, authorised by the VMVT (State Food and Veterinary Service). Sweden and Finland both accept the EU pet passport as the entry document.

We handle the regulations for every animal, every country, every airline, so nothing on your Lithuania to Finland move gets missed.

Pet Transport Global

Airlines

Carriers on this route

Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. Confirm the operating carrier's current policy for every flight segment.

Finnair

Connects Helsinki (HEL) to Vilnius (VNO), direct and via Riga (RIX). Cargo available. Finnair has an established live animal cargo programme for pets that exceed cabin limits.

Cargo and Cabin

airBaltic

Vilnius (VNO) to Riga (RIX) then connections toward Helsinki. Cabin and cargo available on respective segments. Contact live animal desk for multi-segment bookings.

Cargo and Cabin

Ryanair

Budget service on some VNO to HEL routes. Cabin only for small pets in approved carriers. Does not accept live animal cargo.

Cabin Only

Costs

What this route typically costs

EU pet passport: EUR 50 to 100 (official vet fee)

Rabies vaccination update if due: EUR 40 to 80

Airline cabin fee (small pets): EUR 40 to 100 per flight segment

Cargo fee for larger dogs: EUR 200 to 600 depending on route, crate size, and weight

IATA-approved travel crate: EUR 60 to 250

Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200 to 500

Critical points

The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. Finland applies this strictly. A vaccination given before microchipping is not linked to the chip and may be rejected.

Finland does not require tapeworm treatment for dogs arriving from EU member states. This is specific to Norway. Do not confuse the two destinations' rules.

There is no direct Finnair service from Vilnius to Helsinki on all schedules. Some routings go via Riga. Confirm your exact itinerary and ensure live animal booking covers every segment.

The EU pet passport must be issued by a VMVT-authorised official veterinarian in Lithuania. Check vmvt.lt to confirm your vet holds this status before your appointment.

The rules for bringing a pet into Finland

Finland has a modest set of rules compared with stricter destinations. Get the essentials in place and confirm the finer points below.

How to keep this move on track

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.

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.

FAQ

Common questions

No. Finland does not require tapeworm treatment for dogs arriving from EU member states. Tapeworm treatment on entry is a Norwegian requirement. For Finland, your dog needs a microchip, current rabies vaccination, and EU pet passport.

No. Lithuania is an EU member state and Finland does not require a titre test for pets arriving from other EU countries. A current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old) and an EU pet passport are sufficient.

Finnair operates some direct connections between Vilnius (VNO) and Helsinki (HEL), though some schedules route via Riga. Check current timetables when booking. Confirm that your live animal booking covers all segments of your itinerary, including any connection.

Only official veterinarians authorised by the Valstybine maisto ir veterinarijos tarnyba (VMVT, State Food and Veterinary Service) can issue EU pet passports in Lithuania. Not all private vets hold this status. Check vmvt.lt or ask your vet to confirm their authorisation before booking your appointment.

Ready when you are

Move your pet

to Finland.

Get a free, fully itemised quote for this route. Preparation timeline, full cost breakdown, and breed specific advice. No commitment.