Shipping a dog or cat from United Arab Emirates to Lithuania rewards owners who start planning early. Around 16-20 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. There is no routine quarantine, provided the paperwork is …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Arab Emirates to Lithuania
typically takes around 16-20 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The United Arab Emirates to Lithuania pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm or administer the rabies vaccination.
Responsible: MOCCAE-approved vet.
At least 21 days before the titre test blood draw, if primary vaccination.
2
Draw blood for the titre test at an EU-approved laboratory.
Responsible: Vet and laboratory.
At least 30 days after vaccination.
3
Wait 90 days from the blood draw date.
Responsible: N/A.
Fixed EU requirement.
4
Apply for the MOCCAE export certificate.
Responsible: Owner or agent.
3-4 weeks before travel.
5
Obtain the EU-format health certificate, endorsed by MOCCAE.
Responsible: MOCCAE-approved vet.
Within 10 days of travel.
6
Fly via Istanbul or Riga to Vilnius.
Responsible: Airline cargo handling.
Once documents and the wait period are complete.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Lithuania
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit transponder). Must be implanted before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current vaccination, administered after microchipping. If a primary vaccination, at least 21 days must have passed before entry.
Rabies titre test
Required. Lithuania applies EU pet travel rules, and the UAE sits in Annex II rather than the lower-risk Annex I. A FAVN or equivalent rabies antibody titre test at an EU-approved laboratory is required, blood drawn at least 30 days after the primary vaccination, minimum result 0.5 IU/ml, followed by a mandatory 90-day wait from the blood draw date. Source: Valstybine maisto ir veterinarijos tarnyba (VMVT, State Food and Veterinary Service of Lithuania), vmvt.lt.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for fully compliant arrivals.
Import permit
Not required for companion pets.
Health certificate
EU-format non-commercial health certificate for unlisted third countries, issued by a vet in the UAE and endorsed by MOCCAE. Valid for 10 days for entry into Lithuania.
Export permit (United Arab Emirates)
No separate export permit, but a MOCCAE export health certificate is mandatory for every pet leaving the UAE. Valid 30 days from issue.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Rabies antibody titre test at an EU-approved laboratory: USD 150-250.
MOCCAE export certificate and clinic exam: AED 400-800.
Cargo fee, Dubai to Vilnius via Istanbul or Riga: USD 700-1,300 depending on routing and crate size.
IATA-approved travel crate: USD 150-400.
Critical points to read before you book
Lithuania enforces the 90-day wait from the blood draw date exactly as the EU rule states; there is no fast track for a UAE-origin pet.
There is no direct Dubai-Vilnius flight. Both realistic routings involve one connection.
The EU-format health certificate is valid for only 10 days, so issue it close to the actual departure date.
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.
TURKISH
Turkish Airlines Cargo
Via Istanbul (IST), the most consistently available option for larger dogs travelling this corridor into Vilnius (VNO).
Cargo Only
AIRBALTIC
airBaltic
Connects via Riga (RIX), with a short onward hop to Vilnius on airBaltic's own regional network.
Cabin and Cargo
Meeting Lithuania's entry requirements
The path into Lithuania is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Advice worth following
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.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about United Arab Emirates to Lithuania pet transport
Yes. The UAE’s Annex II classification under EU rules means a rabies antibody titre test and a 90-day wait from the blood draw are both required.
No. The two realistic routings connect through Istanbul on Turkish Airlines Cargo or through Riga on airBaltic.
Realistically 16-20 weeks, once the vaccination timing, 30-day pre-titre wait, 90-day post-draw wait, and paperwork are all accounted for.
No. Lithuania applies the EU rule exactly as written, with no discretion to shorten it regardless of how complete the paperwork is.
Airline guides
Turkish Airlines Cargo
airBaltic
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your United Arab Emirates to Lithuania pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.