Pet Transport from Rwanda to Turkey
Planning a pet relocation from Rwanda to Turkey is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Allow around 16-20 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely. A rabies titre test is …
The Rwanda to Turkey import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Vet in Rwanda.
Responsible: Accredited vet in Rwanda.
Responsible: Vet and laboratory.
Responsible: Owner.
Responsible: Accredited vet and RAB.
Responsible: Turkish Airlines cargo handling.
What your pet needs to enter Turkey
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Kigali is one of relatively few African capitals in this build with a genuine non-stop Turkish Airlines route to Istanbul, which removes a connection risk most other African origins face.
The 90-day titre wait is counted from the blood draw, not the lab result date. Book the test as early as your pet's vaccination schedule allows.
Turkey bans the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler and their crosses under Law No. 5199, amended in 2021.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
How Turkey handles incoming pets
What experienced owners do
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
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.
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.