Bringing a pet to Rwanda

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Rwanda permits dog imports with complete documentation and does not impose routine quarantine on arrival. Requirements are broadly uniform across origin countries, though dogs from high-risk rabies areas must also provide a rabies antibody titer test. Owners need a microchip, current rabies vaccination, a government-endorsed health certificate, and an import permit from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Rwanda.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or USDA/APHA-endorsed accredited veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Rwanda does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs. However, airlines serving Kigali (KGL) — including RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and others — often restrict or refuse brachycephalic breeds (e.g. pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers) in cargo due to respiratory risk. Check with your specific carrier before booking.

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 12 months old)
International health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian
Import permit issued by Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, health certificate ~$100–200, RAB import permit fee ~$50–150, airline pet fee ~$100–500 depending on route. Confirm current prices with a Rwandan vet or RAB before travel.

Even from a rabies-free country, Rwanda requires a valid rabies vaccination and an import permit. The 21-day wait after vaccination is enforced. No quarantine on arrival if documents are complete.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or USDA/APHA-endorsed accredited veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 12 months old)
International health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian
Import permit issued by Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Same core requirements as the free tier. Rwanda does not routinely require a rabies titer test for dogs from low-risk countries, but the health certificate must clearly show the microchip number and vaccination date.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or USDA/APHA-endorsed accredited veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 12 months old)
Rabies titer test result (FAVN or equivalent, ≥0.5 IU/ml, sampled at least 30 days after vaccination)
International health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian
Import permit issued by Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, health certificate ~$100–200, RAB import permit fee ~$50–150, airline pet fee ~$100–500 depending on route. Confirm current prices with a Rwandan vet or RAB before travel.

Dogs from high-risk countries must have a valid titer test in addition to the standard vaccination and permit. Rwanda does not impose quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order, but the titer test adds at least 90 days to the preparation timeline. Plan for at least 4–5 months from first vaccination to travel.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Rwanda does not publish a fixed numeric cap for non-commercial pet movement, but in practice the import permit is issued per animal and the process is designed for a small number of personal pets — typically 1 to 3 dogs per travelling household. If you are bringing more than 3 dogs, expect the authorities to treat it as a commercial import, which triggers additional veterinary inspection, possible business registration, and higher fees. Confirm with RAB before you book.

It depends on where you are travelling from. Dogs from low-risk or rabies-free countries (most of Europe, US, UK, Japan, Australia) do not need a titer test — a valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days old is enough. Dogs from high-risk countries (most of Africa, Asia, Middle East, parts of Eastern Europe) must have a FAVN or equivalent titer test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, sampled at least 30 days after vaccination. The titer result is valid for 12 months, and travel must occur at least 90 days after the blood sample was taken.

No. Rwanda does not operate a routine quarantine station for dogs arriving with complete and valid paperwork. If your dog arrives with a valid rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and (if required) titer test, it will be cleared at Kigali International Airport without confinement. If documents are missing or expired, the dog may be held at the airport or a veterinary facility at your expense until the issue is resolved.

Apply through the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) — usually by email or through their online portal. You will need to submit the dog's microchip number, rabies vaccination certificate, titer test result (if applicable), and your travel dates. Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel to allow for back-and-forth. The permit is usually valid for 30–60 days from issue, so time it close to your departure.

Rwanda requires the rabies vaccination to be current — not more than 12 months old for a standard one-year vaccine, or not more than 36 months for a three-year vaccine. If it has expired, your dog will be treated as unvaccinated and you will need to revaccinate and wait 21 days before travel. For high-risk origins, you would also need a new titer test 30 days after that vaccination, adding at least 51 days to your timeline.

No. Rwanda does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from the standard import requirements. Your service dog still needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, an import permit, and a health certificate. Airlines may allow a service dog in the cabin, but that is a carrier policy, not a Rwandan government exemption. Do not travel assuming your dog will be waved through because it is a service animal.

You need an international veterinary health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian (or a USDA/APHA-endorsed accredited veterinarian in the US) within 10 days of arrival in Rwanda. The certificate must state the dog's microchip number, rabies vaccination date, and that the dog is free of infectious diseases. A certificate older than 10 days at the time of arrival will not be accepted, so schedule the vet visit in the week before you fly.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Rwanda.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before rabies vaccination

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).

No rabies titer test or quarantine for cats from free-tier origins. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before rabies vaccination

Rough budget

No rabies titer test or quarantine for cats from low-risk origins. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
FAVN rabies titer test result showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, completed at least 90 days before travel
Import permit issued by Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before rabies vaccination

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100. No quarantine fee applies if documents are complete. Confirm current prices with a local vet and RAB.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries require a rabies titer test and an import permit. Quarantine is not required if all documents are in order. The import permit must be obtained before travel. Allow at least 3-4 months to complete the titer test and permit process.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Rwanda does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet cats, but up to 5 cats per traveller are generally considered personal pets. Bringing more than 5 may trigger commercial import regulations and additional requirements. Contact RAB for confirmation.

Yes. Rwanda does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and if from a high-risk country, a rabies titer test and import permit.

No. The United States is considered a low-risk country for rabies, so a rabies titer test is not required for cats entering Rwanda from the US. Only cats from high-risk countries need a titer test.

The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian.

No. Rwanda does not require quarantine for cats entering with proper documentation. If documents are incomplete or the cat shows signs of illness, quarantine may be imposed at the owner's expense.

No. A microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785 is mandatory for all cats entering Rwanda. The microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination.

The cat must be at least 3 months old to have a valid rabies vaccination. Since the rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel, the cat will be at least 3 months and 21 days old at entry.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Rwanda.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or official statement)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–100, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. No titer test or quarantine is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and RAB.

Ferrets are classified as 'other carnivores' under Rwandan animal health regulations. The import permit must be obtained before travel; apply at least 2 weeks in advance. Ferrets may be subject to inspection on arrival.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or official statement)

Rough budget

Same requirements as the free tier. Ensure the rabies vaccine remains valid for the entire duration of stay; if it expires before return, a booster may be needed before travel.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result from an OIE-approved laboratory
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or official statement)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–100, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, FAVN titer test ~$100–250. No quarantine is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and RAB.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test result. No quarantine is required if all documents are in order, but the animal may be subject to inspection on arrival.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, ferrets are allowed into Rwanda for non-commercial purposes. You must obtain an import permit from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) before travel. Ferrets are classified as 'other carnivores' and require a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate, and an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. No quarantine is required for ferrets from free or low-risk countries, but those from high-risk rabies countries need a FAVN titer test.

Rwanda does not specify a maximum number of ferrets for non-commercial import. However, bringing more than 5 ferrets may be considered a commercial import and require additional permits and veterinary inspections. Contact RAB in advance if you plan to bring more than 5 ferrets.

No. Rwanda does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same entry conditions: import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip. There is no special exemption for service animals.

Your ferret must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be valid for at least 12 months. If the vaccination expires before your return, a booster may be required. For ferrets from high-risk countries, a FAVN titer test is also required, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel.

Yes, your ferret must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip number must be recorded on the health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate. If your ferret does not have a microchip, it must be implanted before vaccination or at the time of vaccination.

The import permit application should be submitted to RAB at least 2 weeks before travel. Processing time can vary, so apply early. The permit is valid for a specific period, usually 30 days, so coordinate with your travel dates.

If your ferret arrives without the necessary import permit, health certificate, or rabies vaccination proof, it may be denied entry, placed in quarantine at your expense, or returned to the origin country. Ensure all documents are complete and valid before travel to avoid complications.

Good to know

Rwanda's dog import rules are administered by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources. An import permit is required for all commercial and non-commercial dog imports; the application asks for the dog's microchip number, rabies vaccination history, and travel dates. Airlines flying into Kigali (KGL) may impose their own crating and brachycephalic breed restrictions regardless of Rwandan law.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Rwanda, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).