Bringing a pet to Rwanda

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Rwanda has a moderately strict pet import regime with no mandatory quarantine for compliant pets. Requirements depend on where your pet is travelling from, with stricter rules for pets from higher-risk countries. You will need microchip, rabies vaccination, and a government-issued health certificate, plus a rabies titer test if arriving from a high-risk area.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of vaccination)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian)
  • Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliance, implantation date before rabies vaccination)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).

No additional requirements for dogs from rabies-free origins.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of vaccination)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian)
  • Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliance, implantation date before rabies vaccination)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).

No additional requirements for dogs from low-risk origins.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of vaccination)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian)
  • Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliance, implantation date before rabies vaccination)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).

No additional requirements for dogs from high-risk origins.

Frequently asked questions

No. Rwanda does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for dogs from any origin country. A valid rabies vaccination with a 21-day wait after the primary shot is sufficient.
No. Rwanda does not impose any quarantine for dogs, regardless of the origin country. Your dog can be released upon arrival if all documents are in order.
Rwanda does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet imports, but bringing more than 2-3 dogs may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) for the current threshold.
No. Rwanda does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service dogs. They must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements as any other pet dog.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your dog's arrival in Rwanda. It must be signed by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian.
Yes. Most airlines accept dogs as checked baggage or cargo into Kigali. Confirm with your airline for specific crate requirements and any breed restrictions (e.g., brachycephalic breeds may be restricted by some carriers).
Yes. A microchip is mandatory and must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant. The microchip should be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If your dog's chip is not ISO-compliant, you may need to bring your own scanner.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of administration)
  • International health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by origin veterinary authority)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

Rough budget

ROUGH estimate only – verify locally: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200. No titer test or import permit required for this tier.

No quarantine for cats from rabies-free origins. Rwanda does not require an import permit for non-commercial pet cats.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of administration)
  • International health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by origin veterinary authority)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

Rough budget

ROUGH estimate only – verify locally: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200. No titer test or import permit required for this tier.

No quarantine for cats from low-risk origins. Rwanda does not require an import permit for non-commercial pet cats.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of administration)
  • International health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by origin veterinary authority)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
  • FAVN titer test certificate (showing result ≥0.5 IU/ml, dated at least 30 days after vaccination and within 30 days of travel)
  • Import permit from Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)

Rough budget

ROUGH estimate only – verify locally: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and RAB.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries require a FAVN titer test and an import permit from RAB. No quarantine upon arrival if all documentation is in order. Apply for the import permit at least 30 days before travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

No. The United States is classified as low-risk for rabies. Cats from the US do not need a FAVN test. A valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel) and an international health certificate issued within 10 days of departure are sufficient.
Rwanda generally allows up to 5 cats per person under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, the shipment is treated as commercial and subject to additional requirements, including a full import permit and possible quarantine. Confirm the exact limit with RAB before travel.
No. Rwanda does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) FAVN test and import permit requirements.
Apply at least 30 days before your planned arrival. The Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) processes import permits for cats from high-risk countries. You must submit the FAVN test results, rabies certificate, and health certificate with the application. Processing can take 2–4 weeks.
Yes, but it depends on the airline. Most international carriers allow cats in-cabin (if under 8 kg including carrier) or as checked baggage in the hold. Check with your airline for specific weight and carrier size limits. RwandAir permits cats in-cabin on some routes but requires advance booking.
The cat will be denied entry or placed in quarantine until a microchip is implanted and a rabies vaccination is administered, followed by a 21-day wait. Ensure the microchip is ISO 11784/11785 compliant and implanted before the rabies shot.
The health certificate should be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. Rwanda's official languages are Kinyarwanda, French, and English. Customs and veterinary officials at Kigali International Airport will accept an English certificate. If the original is in another language, have it translated and notarized.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and dates)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by an official government veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB).

No import permit required for ferrets from rabies-free origins. No quarantine upon arrival.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and dates)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by an official government veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and RAB.

No import permit required for ferrets from low-risk origins. No quarantine upon arrival.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory quarantine at an approved facility in Rwanda. Owner bears all costs. Contact RAB for facility list and booking.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and dates)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by an official government veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip implantation
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit from RAB

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100, quarantine fees ~$200-500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and RAB.

Titer test and quarantine mandatory for ferrets from high-risk rabies countries. No exceptions for service animals.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

No. For ferrets arriving from low-risk origins like the US or UK, a FAVN test is not required. Only high-risk origins (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East) need a titer test and a 30-day quarantine.
Rwanda does not publish a specific numeric cap for ferrets under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5 ferrets, customs may treat the shipment as commercial, requiring a full import permit and possible additional fees. For 1-2 ferrets, standard pet rules apply.
No. Rwanda does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import rules. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk origin) titer test and quarantine requirements.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the ferret's arrival in Rwanda. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
No. Rabies vaccination is required, and the minimum age for vaccination is 12 weeks. After vaccination, you must wait 21 days before travel. So the ferret must be at least 15 weeks old on arrival.
No. An import permit is only required for ferrets arriving from high-risk rabies origins. For low-risk and rabies-free origins, no permit is needed.
You must bring your own ISO-compatible scanner to the border. Rwanda does not provide scanners for non-ISO chips. If the chip cannot be read, the ferret may be refused entry or quarantined at your expense.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before travel and be valid at time of entry. Import permits are required and should be applied for at least 30 days in advance.

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).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Rwanda's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.