Planning a pet relocation from Sweden to Rwanda is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. This is a middle of the road route, and about 8-12 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Sweden 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 Sweden 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 ARN to KGL via BRU or ADD
Responsible: Owner or cargo agent
6-8 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal acceptance on all legs.
5
Jordbruksverket-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel
Responsible: Official vet, then Jordbruksverket regional office
Within 10 days of departure. Book official vet appointment and allow time for Jordbruksverket endorsement.
6
Travel day: RAB inspection at KGL on arrival
Responsible: Airline cargo, then RAB at KGL
ARN to KGL via BRU or ADD: approximately 12-18 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 Sweden 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 travel date.
Health certificate
Jordbruksverket-endorsed health certificate from Sweden, presented at Kigali (KGL) on arrival.
Export permit (Sweden)
No separate export permit required for companion animals leaving Sweden. The Jordbruksverket-endorsed health certificate is the required export document.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Jordbruksverket-endorsed health certificate and official vet fee: SEK 1,500-4,000 (approximately EUR 130-360)
RAB import permit fee: confirm with rab.gov.rw
Cargo ARN 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 1,700-4,700
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 Swedish EU pet passport is for intra-EU travel only. The Jordbruksverket export health certificate is the required document for Rwanda.
Stockholm Arlanda has no direct service to Kigali. Allow for a hub connection when planning total journey time.
Both the RAB permit and the Jordbruksverket 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
ARN to Brussels Zaventem (BRU) via SAS or other carriers, then Brussels Airlines direct BRU-KGL. Brussels Airlines' established Kigali service makes BRU a practical transit hub for Swedish pet cargo to Rwanda. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance before booking.
Cargo Only
ETHIOPIAN
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
ARN to Addis Ababa (ADD) via Ethiopian Airlines connections or via a European hub, then Ethiopian Cargo ADD-KGL. Ethiopian has the most extensive African live animal programme and ADD is the main East Africa cargo hub.
Cargo Only
SAS AND
SAS and Lufthansa Cargo via Frankfurt
ARN to Frankfurt (FRA) via SAS or Lufthansa, then Lufthansa Cargo connections to ADD and onward to KGL. FRA is a major European cargo hub with regular African connections.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Rwanda
Rwanda keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.
How to keep this move on track
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.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
FAQ
Common questions about Sweden to Rwanda pet transport
There is no direct service from Stockholm to Kigali. Brussels Airlines via BRU (direct BRU-KGL) and Ethiopian Airlines via ADD (ADD-KGL) are the main options from Arlanda. Both require one connection. A cargo agent or pet transport specialist can advise on routing for your travel dates.
Contact Jordbruksverket at jordbruksverket.se or your regional veterinary authority to identify an authorised official vet. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by Jordbruksverket. The EU pet passport is not valid for Rwanda.
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 with the Jordbruksverket health certificate at Kigali International Airport.
No quarantine for compliant arrivals at Kigali International Airport. RAB officers inspect the permit and Jordbruksverket health certificate on arrival. Pets with valid documentation clear without quarantine.
Airline guides
Brussels Airlines via Brussels
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
SAS and Lufthansa Cargo via Frankfurt
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.