Poland to Rwanda requires a GIW export health certificate from the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate, an RAB import permit from Rwanda's Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, and a hub connection from Warsaw since there is no …
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 WAW to KGL via BRU or via FRA-ADD
Responsible: Owner or cargo agent
6-8 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal acceptance on all legs.
5
GIW-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel
Responsible: Official vet, then GIW regional inspectorate
Within 10 days of departure. Book official vet appointment and allow time for GIW endorsement.
6
Travel day: RAB inspection at KGL on arrival
Responsible: Airline cargo, then RAB at KGL
WAW to KGL via BRU or ADD: approximately 12-18 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 Poland 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
GIW-endorsed health certificate from Poland, presented at Kigali (KGL) on arrival.
Export permit (Poland)
No separate export permit required for companion animals leaving Poland. The GIW-endorsed health certificate is the required export document.
Costs
What this route typically costs
GIW-endorsed health certificate and official vet fee: PLN 600-2,000 (approximately EUR 140-470)
RAB import permit fee: confirm with rab.gov.rw
Cargo WAW 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 Polish EU pet passport is for intra-EU travel only. The GIW export health certificate is required for Rwanda.
Warsaw has no direct service to Kigali. A hub connection via Brussels or Frankfurt/Addis Ababa is required.
Both the RAB permit and the GIW 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
WAW to Brussels Zaventem (BRU) via LOT Polish Airlines or other carriers, then Brussels Airlines direct BRU-KGL. Brussels Airlines' established Kigali service makes BRU a practical transit hub from Warsaw. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance before booking.
Cargo Only
ETHIOPIAN
Ethiopian Airlines via Frankfurt and Addis Ababa
WAW to Frankfurt (FRA) via LOT or Lufthansa, then Ethiopian or Lufthansa Cargo to ADD, then Ethiopian Cargo ADD-KGL. LOT Polish Airlines operates WAW as its home base with strong European hub connections.
Cargo Only
LOT POLISH
LOT Polish Airlines and Lufthansa Cargo via Frankfurt
WAW to FRA via LOT or Lufthansa, then Lufthansa Cargo connections to ADD and onward KGL. Frankfurt is the most commonly used European hub for Polish-to-Africa cargo routes.
Cargo Only
Routing from Warsaw to Kigali
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) has no direct service to Kigali. Two main routings are practical for Poland-to-Rwanda pet cargo.
Via Brussels: LOT Polish Airlines or another carrier connects WAW to Brussels Zaventem (BRU), where Brussels Airlines operates its direct BRU-KGL East Africa service. This gives a two-leg journey with a single European hub transfer. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance with Brussels Airlines Cargo for the BRU-KGL leg.
Via Frankfurt and Addis Ababa: LOT or Lufthansa connects WAW to Frankfurt (FRA), then Ethiopian Airlines or Lufthansa Cargo connects to ADD, and Ethiopian Cargo completes the ADD-KGL hop. LOT Polish Airlines operates from WAW as its home hub and connects to most major European cargo hubs. Frankfurt is the most commonly used European hub for Polish-to-Africa cargo.
GIW export health certificate
The Polish EU pet passport applies to intra-EU travel only. For Rwanda, the required document is an official health certificate issued by an authorised official veterinarian and endorsed by the Główny Inspektorat Weterynarii (GIW - Chief Veterinary Inspectorate) at wetgiw.gov.pl.
Contact GIW or your regional veterinary inspectorate to identify an authorised official vet and understand the endorsement process for non-EU exports. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Book the appointment and allow time for GIW endorsement within that window.
Confirm the certificate format meets Rwanda’s specific requirements. A pet transport agent experienced in Polish exports to Africa can verify the correct format for the RAB inspection at Kigali.
RAB import permit for Rwanda
Rwanda’s Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) at rab.gov.rw processes companion animal import permits. Apply at least 8-10 weeks before travel with your pet’s ISO microchip number, species, breed, vaccination history, and travel date.
Apply early and follow up to confirm progress. On arrival at Kigali International Airport, RAB officers inspect the permit alongside the GIW health certificate. No quarantine applies for compliant arrivals.
FAQ
Common questions about Poland to Rwanda pet transport
There is no direct service from Warsaw to Kigali. Brussels Airlines via BRU (direct BRU-KGL) and Ethiopian Airlines via FRA-ADD (ADD-KGL) are the main options. A cargo agent can advise on routing for your travel dates and pet size.
Contact the Główny Inspektorat Weterynarii (GIW) at wetgiw.gov.pl or your regional inspectorate to identify an authorised official vet. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by GIW. 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 GIW health certificate at Kigali International Airport.
No quarantine for compliant arrivals at Kigali International Airport. RAB officers inspect the permit and GIW health certificate on arrival. Pets with valid documentation clear without quarantine.