The journey from Portugal to Lithuania for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. This is one of the more straightforward routes, and roughly 2-4 weeks …
Rabies titre testNot required. Portugal and Lithuania are …
QuarantineNo quarantine. Lithuania accepts …
Import permitNot required for non-commercial …
Health certificateEU pet passport, current and issued by a …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Portugal to Lithuania
typically takes around 2-4 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
Before booking
Verify ISO 15-digit microchip pre-dates the rabies vaccination in the EU pet passport
Responsible: DGAV-authorised vet
2
Primary: 21-day wait. Booster within valid period: no wait
Confirm rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: DGAV-authorised vet
3
Any time before travel
Obtain or update EU pet passport
Responsible: DGAV-authorised vet
4
4-6 weeks before travel
Book Lisbon to Vilnius via Riga or Warsaw and confirm pet reservation
Responsible: Owner
5
Travel day. VMVT spot checks at Vilnius Airport are occasional
Travel to Vilnius with EU pet passport
Responsible: Owner
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. Primary vaccination: 21-day wait. Booster within valid period: no wait.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Portugal and Lithuania are both EU member states.
Quarantine
No quarantine. Lithuania accepts compliant EU pet passport arrivals.
Import permit
Not required for non-commercial companion animal movements within the EU.
Health certificate
EU pet passport, current and issued by a DGAV-authorised vet.
Export permit
No export permit required for intra-EU movement.
Health certificate
EU pet passport issued or updated by a DGAV-authorised vet. Portugal and Lithuania are both EU member states, so no additional export certificate is needed.
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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.
airBaltic via Riga
Lisbon (LIS) to Riga (RIX), airBaltic's home hub, then a short onward hop to Vilnius (VNO). Keeps the pet on one carrier's network for most of the journey.
Cargo and Cabin
LOT Polish Airlines via Warsaw
LIS to Warsaw (WAW), then LOT's direct service to Vilnius. A reliable alternative when airBaltic's schedule doesn't fit.
Cargo and Cabin
Costs
What this route typically costs
EU pet passport issue or update: EUR 40-100
Rabies vaccination update if needed: EUR 30-80
Cabin pet fees Lisbon to Vilnius via hub: EUR 65-140
Cargo fee for larger dogs: EUR 450-1,000 depending on carrier and routing
IATA travel crate: EUR 60-250
Total typical range: EUR 220-1,100 depending on pet size and airline choice
Critical points
There is no direct flight from Lisbon to Vilnius, so both legs of whichever connection you choose need pet space reserved individually.
Lithuania has breed-specific legislation covering Pitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and similar types. If your dog falls into a covered category, check VMVT requirements before travel.
The microchip must be recorded in the EU pet passport before the rabies vaccination entry.
The rules for bringing a pet into Lithuania
Lithuania keeps its import requirements relatively light, which makes preparing easier. Even so, the basics still need to be right and in the correct order.
How to keep this move on track
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.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
FAQ
Common questions
No. Both countries are EU member states, and intra-EU pet travel does not require a rabies titre test. A current rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport are sufficient.
No. airBaltic via Riga and LOT Polish Airlines via Warsaw are the two practical connecting routes.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers fall within Lithuania’s breed-specific legislation. Entry isn’t necessarily prohibited, but registration and domestic compliance requirements apply. Contact VMVT before making travel arrangements.
No. VMVT spot checks are occasional for intra-EU arrivals with compliant documentation.
Ready when you are
Move your pet
to Lithuania.
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