Moving a dog or cat from United Arab Emirates to Rwanda is very doable with the right preparation. Expect about 4-6 weeks, with a short and predictable checklist. No routine quarantine applies as long as every requirement is met.
The full …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Arab Emirates to Rwanda
typically takes around 4-6 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 United Arab Emirates 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 the MOCCAE export certificate online through the UAE Pass portal.
Responsible: Owner or agent.
3-4 weeks before travel.
2
Apply for the RAB import permit in parallel.
Responsible: Owner or agent in Rwanda.
At least 2-3 weeks before travel.
3
Attend the MOCCAE-approved clinic examination in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Responsible: MOCCAE-approved vet.
Within 10 days of the online application.
4
Confirm cargo space with RwandAir, Emirates, or Qatar Airways Cargo.
Responsible: Owner or agent.
As early as possible; live animal allocations are limited.
5
Final airport vet inspection and travel.
Responsible: Airport veterinary desk, airline cargo handling.
Day of departure.
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 quarantine for compliant arrivals from the UAE at Kigali.
Import permit
Import permit required from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). Apply at rab.gov.rw. RAB runs one of the more organised permit processes in the region.
Health certificate
MOCCAE-endorsed health certificate from the UAE, presented on arrival.
Export permit (United Arab Emirates)
No separate export permit, but every pet leaving the UAE needs a MOCCAE export health certificate regardless of destination. Valid 30 days from issue.
Costs
What this route typically costs
MOCCAE export certificate and clinic exam: AED 400-800.
RAB import permit: USD 50-150.
Cargo fee, Dubai to Kigali (direct or via Doha): USD 600-1,100 depending on crate size and routing.
IATA-approved travel crate: USD 150-400.
Critical points to read before you book
The MOCCAE certificate expires 30 days after issue. Confirm your flight before applying.
RAB's import permit should be requested well ahead of travel; it is one of the smoother processes in the region but still requires lead time.
Gulf summer heat embargoes (roughly June to September) can affect DXB and AUH cargo schedules. Book outside that window if your dates allow.
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.
RWANDAIR
RwandAir
Operates DXB-KGL direct, Rwanda's own carrier flying straight into its home hub with an established live animal handling process.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo
DXB to Kigali via a regional connection. Reliable capacity, useful if RwandAir's live animal allocation is full.
Cargo Only
QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways Cargo
Routes via Doha (DOH) with an onward connection to Kigali. A solid alternative during Gulf summer heat embargo periods.
Cargo Only
What Rwanda requires
Bringing a pet into Rwanda is one of the simpler processes. Cover the core requirements and you should have few surprises.
Avoiding the common mistakes
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 United Arab Emirates to Rwanda pet transport
Yes. RwandAir operates a non-stop Dubai to Kigali service and handles live animal cargo into its home hub, Kigali International Airport.
No. Rwanda’s import process for UAE-origin pets requires current rabies vaccination, a RAB import permit, and a MOCCAE-endorsed health certificate, but no titre test and no quarantine.
Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel. RAB’s process is one of the more organised in the region, but it still needs lead time built into your schedule.
30 days. Book cargo space before starting the MOCCAE application so the certificate doesn’t lapse before your pet actually travels.
Airline guides
RwandAir
Emirates SkyCargo
Qatar Airways Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your United Arab Emirates to Rwanda pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.