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PET TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Travel together.
We’ll help with the paperwork.

Moving between countries with a pet can feel complicated. NVVH helps pet owners prepare veterinary travel documents for entering, leaving or transiting Rwanda, and supports the permit process with Rwanda’s animal-health authorities.

Start a travel request → View requirements
Air travel illustration for pet travel
ENTER · EXIT · TRANSIT Pet travel support for Rwanda
Pet passport and identification document
A smoother journey

Pet travel requirements change. Our team helps you prepare.

Different countries, airlines and routes may require different documents, tests and timelines. NVVH helps you understand the Rwanda-side requirements, prepare the veterinary documentation and organise the permit paperwork needed for your journey.

Plan early. Destination-country and airline requirements can change, so confirm your route well before travel.
Travel requirements

Entering, leaving or transiting Rwanda

Use this as a practical starting point. Final requirements depend on your route, destination and current regulations.

01
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Enter Rwanda

Common Rwanda entry requirements for dogs and cats.

  • Rabies vaccination completed at least 30 days before entry and generally within the previous 12 months.
  • Veterinary health certificate issued by a certified veterinarian and not older than 14 days.
  • Deworming approximately 5 days before departure from the country of origin.
  • Rwanda import permit.

NVVH currently advises allowing around 4–5 working days after all required documents have been received. Contact us earlier if possible.

Request import assistance →
02
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Leave Rwanda

Export requirements depend heavily on the destination country.

  • Destination-country veterinary import requirements must be checked first.
  • Vaccination records, pet passport or identification details may be required.
  • Some destinations require rabies titre testing, microchip details or additional laboratory documentation.
  • NVVH can assist with the Rwanda export documentation and health certification process.

Start as early as possible. Some destinations have long preparation periods and the complete process can take several months depending on required tests and waiting periods.

Request export assistance →
03
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Transit Rwanda

Transit documentation usually follows similar health checks to entry.

  • Valid rabies vaccination documentation.
  • Recent veterinary health certificate.
  • Deworming documentation where applicable.
  • Transit permit and supporting travel documents.

NVVH recommends sending the relevant information at least 10 days before the planned transit date so there is time to review documents and process the permit.

Request transit assistance →
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Important travel note

Pet-travel rules can change without notice. Before travelling, confirm current requirements with NVVH, the destination-country veterinary authority and your airline. NVVH can assist with Rwanda permit paperwork and supporting veterinary documents.

How it works

A clearer path from planning to departure.

01

Tell us your route

Share where your pet is coming from, where you are going and your intended travel dates.

02

We review requirements

Our team checks the Rwanda-side documents and helps identify destination-specific items you may need.

03

Prepare health documents

Vaccination records, health certificates, identification and supporting documents are prepared and reviewed.

04

Permit support

NVVH assists with the relevant import, export or transit permit paperwork for Rwanda.

05

Travel prepared

Keep original documents accessible and reconfirm airline requirements before departure.

Pet passport documentation
Prepare before you travel

Keep your pet’s records organised.

Travel documents are easier to manage when all health and identification records are complete and easy to access. Depending on your destination, you may be asked for additional items beyond Rwanda’s requirements.

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Vaccination card or pet passport

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Health certificate

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Owner identification and travel itinerary

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Microchip / identification details where required

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Import, export or transit permit

Ask us to review your documents →
Pet travel support

Let us help make the journey less stressful.

Send us your travel details and our team will guide you on the next steps. The earlier you contact us, the easier it is to plan around permit and testing timelines.

WhatsApp pet travel team → WhatsApp us
pettravel@nvvh.rw · +250 780 836 952
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