Bringing your dog or cat from Spain to Rwanda takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Expect about 8-12 weeks. Nothing here is unusually complex, but the deadlines matter. There is no routine quarantine, provided the …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Spain 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 Spain 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 your pet's microchip number, vaccination history, breed, and travel date.
2
Confirm ISO microchip predates the rabies vaccination
Responsible: Official vet (Servicio Oficial de Veterinaria)
6+ weeks before travel.
3
Verify rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: Official vet
6+ weeks before travel.
4
Book cargo from MAD to KGL via Ethiopian via ADD or Brussels Airlines via BRU
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal acceptance on chosen routing.
5
MAPA-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel
Responsible: Servicio Oficial de Veterinaria, then DGSVA endorsement
Within 10 days of departure. Issued by official vet, endorsed by DGSVA.
6
Travel day: RAB inspection at KGL on arrival
Responsible: Airline cargo, then RAB at KGL
MAD to KGL via ADD: approximately 13-16 hours. Via BRU: 12-15 hours.
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 Spain at Kigali.
Import permit
Import permit required from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). Apply at rab.gov.rw with pet details and travel date.
Health certificate
MAPA-endorsed health certificate from Spain, presented at Kigali (KGL) on arrival.
Export permit (Spain)
No separate export permit required. The MAPA-endorsed health certificate is the required export document.
Costs
What this route typically costs
MAPA-endorsed health certificate and official vet fee: EUR 80-220
RAB import permit fee: confirm with rab.gov.rw
Cargo MAD to KGL: EUR 900-2,800 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 1,400-4,500
Critical points to read before you book
Apply for the RAB import permit 8-10 weeks before travel at rab.gov.rw. Rwanda has a more organised administrative system than some African destinations, but early application is still essential.
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is the most direct Madrid-to-Kigali cargo option in most cases. Ethiopian Cargo operates a high volume of live animal freight to East Africa.
The Spanish EU pet passport covers intra-EU travel only. For Rwanda, the MAPA-endorsed health certificate from an official veterinarian is the required document.
The DGSVA endorsement of the health certificate must be obtained after the official vet issues it and within 10 days of travel. Plan this step carefully.
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.
IBERIA VIA
Iberia via Brussels or other hub
Iberia from Madrid Barajas (MAD) to Brussels (BRU) or another European hub, then Brussels Airlines or RwandAir cargo connections to Kigali (KGL). Iberia Cargo handles live animals from MAD. Confirm specific routing and live animal acceptance.
Cargo Only
ETHIOPIAN
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
MAD to Addis Ababa (ADD) on Ethiopian Airlines, then ADD to Kigali (KGL). Ethiopian Cargo handles live animals. ADD is the dominant East Africa cargo hub and ADD-KGL is a short connection.
Cargo Only
BRUSSELS
Brussels Airlines via Brussels
MAD to Brussels (BRU) on Iberia or another carrier, then Brussels Airlines BRU to KGL. Brussels Airlines is an established East Africa cargo carrier and BRU-KGL is a regular route.
Cargo Only
What Rwanda requires
The path into Rwanda is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Avoiding the common mistakes
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 about Spain to Rwanda pet transport
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is the most direct option in most cases, with a two-leg routing from MAD to ADD then ADD to KGL. Brussels Airlines via Brussels (BRU-KGL) is the alternative, connecting via Iberia or another carrier from Madrid to Brussels. Confirm live animal acceptance with each carrier before booking.
Apply at rab.gov.rw at least 8-10 weeks before travel. Provide your pet’s ISO microchip number, full vaccination history, breed, and travel date. The RAB issues the permit, which you present at Kigali alongside the MAPA health certificate.
No. The EU pet passport covers intra-EU travel only. For Rwanda, the MAPA-endorsed health certificate from an official veterinarian is the required document.
Via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian: approximately 13-16 hours. Via Brussels on Brussels Airlines: 12-15 hours. Both are within the manageable range for healthy adult pets in IATA-compliant crates, though some pet owners prefer to use a professional agent for longer multi-leg journeys.
Airline guides
Iberia via Brussels or other hub
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
Brussels Airlines via Brussels
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.