A move from Sweden to Uganda with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Plan on roughly 8-12 weeks; the checklist is clear and the timing is manageable. There is no routine quarantine, provided the …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Sweden 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 Sweden 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 ARN to EBB 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. Allow time for Jordbruksverket endorsement.
6
Travel day: MAAIF inspection at EBB on arrival
Responsible: Airline cargo, then MAAIF at EBB
ARN to EBB via BRU or ADD: approximately 12-18 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 Sweden 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
Jordbruksverket-endorsed health certificate from Sweden, presented at Entebbe (EBB) 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)
MAAIF import permit fee: confirm with maaif.go.ug
Cargo ARN 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 1,700-4,700
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 it is confirmed.
The Swedish EU pet passport is for intra-EU travel only. The Jordbruksverket export health certificate is required for Uganda.
Stockholm Arlanda 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 health certificate on arrival. Both must be present and correctly formatted.
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 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
ARN 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 ARN 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
Uganda entry requirements at a glance
The path into Uganda is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Getting the details right
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.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Sweden to Uganda pet transport
There is no direct service from Stockholm to Entebbe. Brussels Airlines via BRU-EBB and Ethiopian Airlines via ADD-EBB are the main options from Arlanda. Both require one connection. A cargo agent can advise on which suits your travel dates and pet size.
Contact Jordbruksverket at jordbruksverket.se 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 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 Jordbruksverket health certificate at Entebbe International Airport.
Budget EUR 1,700-4,700 all-in. Cargo from ARN to EBB runs EUR 1,000-2,800 depending on routing and pet size. Add Jordbruksverket 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.