In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Switzerland to Lithuania
typically takes around 1-3 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Start your journey
Get Your Free Quote
Enter your pet's details and route
Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.
Sorry, your enquiry could not be sent. Please try again or email us directly.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Reviewed guides prioritise government and carrier sources; older pages are clearly flagged.
How we source our data →
Overview
A move from Switzerland to Lithuania with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Around 1-3 weeks should do it, as this is an easier route to plan. No routine quarantine applies as long as every requirement is met.
You will not need a rabies titre test here. Read on for the requirements, timing and carrier options for this route.
Step by step
The Switzerland to Lithuania process
1
Check Swiss pet passport records now.
Confirm microchip pre-dates rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your Swiss vet
2
Review vaccination dates in passport.
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and at least 21 days old
Responsible: Swiss vet
3
Any time before travel.
Update Swiss pet passport if needed
Responsible: Swiss vet
4
Standard lead time. Confirm pet policy.
Book Zurich to Vilnius. LOT via Warsaw recommended for cargo.
Responsible: Owner
5
Travel day.
Travel to Vilnius with Swiss pet passport.
Responsible: Owner, airline
Checklist
Lithuania: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit). Implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days since primary vaccination. Current. Source: EU Regulation 576/2013.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Switzerland has EU-equivalent status for pet travel.
Swiss pet passport. Under bilateral Switzerland-EU agreements, the Swiss pet passport is equivalent to the EU pet passport for travel to EU member states. No separate AHC needed when a valid Swiss pet passport is held. Source: BLV blv.admin.ch, 2026.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Swiss pet passport: approximately CHF 40-120
2
Vaccination update if needed: CHF 50-100
3
Cabin pet fee: CHF 40-90
4
Cargo via Warsaw: CHF 300-700
5
Total typical range: CHF 100-900
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Lithuania has breed-specific legislation. Certain dog types face muzzle and registration requirements once resident in Lithuania. Check with vmvt.lt.
⚠ For large dogs, LOT via Warsaw is typically the most reliable cargo routing from Zurich to Lithuania.
⚠ The microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination. This is the most common documentation error for pets travelling internationally.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
LOT Polish Airlines
Zurich (ZRH) to Warsaw (WAW) to Vilnius (VNO). LOT carries pets in cabin and cargo. Warsaw is a well-equipped hub for live animal cargo to Lithuanian destinations.
Cargo and Cabin
Swiss International Air Lines
Zurich (ZRH) hub. Swiss WorldCargo connections via hub airports to Lithuania.
Cargo and Cabin
Ryanair
Budget connections to Vilnius and Kaunas. Cabin only for small pets within Ryanair limits.
Cabin Only
Wizz Air
Zurich to Lithuanian airports. Cabin only for small pets. No cargo.
Cabin Only
Meeting Lithuania's entry requirements
Bringing a pet into Lithuania is one of the simpler processes. Cover the core requirements and you should have few surprises.
Advice worth following
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.
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.
FAQ
Common questions
LOT via Warsaw is the most direct live animal cargo routing available. Swiss International Air Lines via Lufthansa Group connections can also coordinate cargo to Lithuania, potentially routing via Frankfurt. Discuss options with a pet transport agent if LOT’s schedules do not work for your travel dates.
No. Lithuania accepts the Swiss pet passport as EU-equivalent. A valid Swiss pet passport with a current rabies vaccination and a correctly sequenced microchip is all that is needed for border entry. No import permit and no advance application are required for personal companion animals.
Lithuania’s breed-specific legislation affects daily life in Lithuania, not entry into the country at the airport. Certain breeds including dogs of Pit Bull type may face lead, muzzle, and registration requirements once resident. These are managed through Lithuanian local regulations, not through entry rules. Contact the State Food and Veterinary Service (vmvt.lt) for the current list.
Airline guides
LOT Polish Airlines
Swiss International Air Lines
Ryanair
Wizz Air
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.