A move from Lithuania to Rwanda with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Around 8-12 weeks is sensible here, with a few steps that must happen in a strict order. No routine quarantine applies as long as …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Lithuania 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 Lithuania 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 VNO 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
VMVT-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel
Responsible: Official vet, then VMVT
Within 10 days of departure. Contact VMVT for the official vet and endorsement procedure.
6
Travel day: RAB inspection at KGL on arrival
Responsible: Airline cargo, then RAB at KGL
VNO to KGL via European hub and BRU or ADD: approximately 15-21 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 Lithuania 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
VMVT-endorsed health certificate from Lithuania, presented at Kigali (KGL) on arrival.
Export permit (Lithuania)
No separate export permit required for companion animals leaving Lithuania. The VMVT-endorsed health certificate is the required export document.
Costs
What this route typically costs
VMVT-endorsed health certificate and official vet fee: EUR 100-250
RAB import permit fee: confirm with rab.gov.rw
Multi-leg cargo VNO 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.
Vilnius Airport (VNO) is a regional airport that requires multiple cargo legs to reach Kigali. A pet transport agent experienced in Baltic or Central Eastern European routing is strongly recommended.
The Lithuanian EU pet passport is for intra-EU travel only. The VMVT 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 Warsaw or Frankfurt and Brussels
VNO to Warsaw (WAW) via LOT Polish Airlines or airBaltic, then connection to Brussels Zaventem (BRU) for Brussels Airlines direct BRU-KGL. Alternatively VNO to FRA via Lufthansa connections. Brussels Airlines' established Kigali service provides the final leg.
Cargo Only
ETHIOPIAN
Ethiopian Airlines via Frankfurt or Warsaw and Addis Ababa
VNO to Frankfurt (FRA) or Warsaw (WAW) via connecting carriers, then Ethiopian or Lufthansa Cargo to ADD, then Ethiopian Cargo ADD-KGL. Ethiopian has the most extensive African live animal programme.
Cargo Only
AIRBALTIC VIA
airBaltic via Riga to European hub
VNO via RIX on airBaltic to AMS or FRA, then onward connections to BRU for Brussels Airlines or to ADD for Ethiopian Cargo. AirBaltic connects Lithuania and Latvia to major European cargo hubs.
Cargo Only
Meeting Rwanda's entry requirements
Bringing a pet into Rwanda involves a fair amount of documentation. Keep everything organised and check each item against the current requirements before you book.
Advice worth following
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Lithuania to Rwanda pet transport
Vilnius Airport is a regional airport requiring multiple cargo legs via European hubs to reach Kigali. Coordinating live animal acceptance across multiple carriers requires specialist knowledge. A transport agent experienced in Baltic routing handles this and reduces the risk of documentation or handling gaps.
Contact VMVT at vmvt.lt to identify an authorised official vet. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by VMVT. 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 VMVT health certificate at Kigali International Airport.
Allow 15-21 hours total depending on European hub routing 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 Warsaw or Frankfurt and Brussels
Ethiopian Airlines via Frankfurt or Warsaw and Addis Ababa
airBaltic via Riga to European hub
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.