A move from Portugal to Uganda with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Around 8-12 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. No routine quarantine applies as long as every …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Portugal to Uganda
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 Uganda pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Apply for MAAIF import permit from Uganda
Responsible: Owner or agent
8-10 weeks before travel. Contact maaif.go.ug for current requirements.
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 EBB 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. Allow 2-3 working days for DGAV endorsement.
6
Travel day: MAAIF inspection at EBB on arrival
Responsible: Airline cargo, then MAAIF at EBB
LIS to EBB via BRU or ADD: approximately 11-16 hours total.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Uganda
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 Entebbe International Airport.
Import permit
Import permit required from Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Apply at maaif.go.ug with pet details and travel date.
Health certificate
DGAV-endorsed health certificate from Portugal, presented at Entebbe (EBB) on arrival.
Export permit (Portugal)
No separate export permit required. The DGAV-endorsed health certificate is the required export document for companion animals leaving Portugal.
Costs
What this route typically costs
DGAV-endorsed health certificate and official vet fee: EUR 100-250
MAAIF import permit fee: confirm with maaif.go.ug
Cargo LIS to EBB 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 MAAIF import permit 8-10 weeks before travel at maaif.go.ug. It is the prerequisite for Uganda entry. 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 required for Uganda.
Lisbon has no direct service to Entebbe. A hub connection via Brussels or Addis Ababa is required.
MAAIF officers at Entebbe inspect both the permit and the DGAV health certificate on arrival. Both must be present.
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 or other carriers, then Brussels Airlines BRU-EBB. Brussels Airlines serves Entebbe from Brussels as part of its East Africa network. 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-EBB. Ethiopian has the widest African live animal programme and ADD-EBB is a regular short East African connection.
Cargo Only
KENYA AIRWAYS
Kenya Airways via Nairobi
Routing from LIS via European or Gulf hub to Nairobi (NBO), then Kenya Airways NBO-EBB. A short regional hop to Entebbe. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance on all legs.
Cargo Only
Meeting Uganda's entry requirements
Getting a pet into Uganda is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.
Advice worth following
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.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Portugal to Uganda pet transport
There is no direct service from Lisbon to Entebbe. Brussels Airlines via Brussels (BRU-EBB) and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa (ADD-EBB) are the main options. Both require one connection from Lisbon. A cargo agent can help identify the best routing for your travel dates.
Contact DGAV at dgav.gov.pt to identify an authorised official vet and understand the endorsement process. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Allow 2-3 working days for DGAV endorsement after the vet appointment. The EU pet passport is not valid for Uganda.
Yes. A MAAIF import permit is required before travel. Apply at maaif.go.ug at least 8-10 weeks in advance. Present it alongside the DGAV health certificate at Entebbe International Airport on arrival.
Budget EUR 1,600-4,600 all-in. Cargo from LIS to EBB runs EUR 1,000-2,800 depending on routing and pet size. Add DGAV certificate costs, MAAIF permit fee, crate, and agent fees. A transport agent experienced in East Africa routes is recommended.
Airline guides
Brussels Airlines via Brussels
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
Kenya Airways via Nairobi
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.