The journey from Portugal to Rwanda for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Give yourself close to 8-12 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. Pets with correct documentation skip …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Portugal 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 Portugal 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 cargo from LIS to KGL via BRU or ADD
Responsible: Owner or cargo agent
6-8 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal acceptance on all legs.
5
DGAV-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel
Responsible: Official vet, then DGAV regional office
Within 10 days of departure. Book official vet appointment, then allow time for DGAV endorsement.
6
Travel day: RAB inspection at KGL on arrival
Responsible: Airline cargo, then RAB at KGL
LIS to KGL via BRU or ADD: approximately 11-16 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 Portugal 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
DGAV-endorsed health certificate from Portugal, presented at Kigali (KGL) on arrival.
Export permit (Portugal)
No separate export permit required for companion animals leaving Portugal. The DGAV-endorsed health certificate is the required export document.
Costs
What this route typically costs
DGAV-endorsed health certificate and official vet fee: EUR 100-250
RAB import permit fee: confirm with rab.gov.rw
Cargo LIS 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 1,600-4,600
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 Portuguese EU pet passport is for intra-EU travel only. The DGAV export health certificate is the required document for Rwanda.
Lisbon has no direct service to Kigali. Allow for a connecting hub (Brussels or Addis Ababa) when planning travel.
Both the RAB permit and the DGAV 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
LIS to Brussels Zaventem (BRU) via TAP Air Portugal or other carriers, then Brussels Airlines direct BRU-KGL. Brussels Airlines' Kigali service makes BRU a practical East Africa transit hub from Lisbon. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance before booking.
Cargo Only
ETHIOPIAN
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
LIS to Addis Ababa (ADD) via Ethiopian Airlines connections, then Ethiopian Cargo ADD-KGL. Ethiopian has the most extensive African live animal freight programme and ADD is the main East Africa cargo hub.
Cargo Only
TAP AIR
TAP Air Portugal via connecting hub
TAP Air Portugal connects LIS to major European hubs and to some African destinations. TAP operates from Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport and provides connections for onward routing to East Africa via BRU or ADD.
Cargo Only
Rwanda import rules, explained
Rwanda has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
Practical tips for this move
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.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Portugal to Rwanda pet transport
There is no direct service from Lisbon to Kigali. Brussels Airlines via BRU (direct BRU-KGL) and Ethiopian Airlines via ADD (ADD-KGL) are the main options. Both require one connection from Lisbon. A cargo agent or pet transport specialist can advise on which suits your travel dates.
Contact DGAV at dgav.gov.pt or your regional veterinary authority to identify an authorised official vet. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by DGAV. The EU pet passport is not valid for Rwanda. Allow 2-3 working days for DGAV endorsement.
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 alongside the DGAV health certificate at Kigali International Airport.
No quarantine for compliant arrivals at Kigali International Airport. RAB officers inspect the permit and DGAV health certificate on arrival. Pets with valid documentation clear without quarantine.
Airline guides
Brussels Airlines via Brussels
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
TAP Air Portugal via connecting hub
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.