Pet Quarantine Documents by Country

A complete guide on what and when to prepare when travelling abroad with pets and returning to Korea. Because border control applies to animals strictly, even a one-day discrepancy can lead to mandatory quarantine or entry refusal.

5 Steps to Depart from Korea

The universal baseline process required by Korean quarantine authorities before departure.

1
D-180 ~ D-301. ISO Microchip Implantation

Implant an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. It must be implanted before any rabies vaccination to be legally recognized.

Tip: If the chip is non-ISO, you must bring your own compatible scanner.
2
D-180 ~ D-302. Rabies Vaccination

Must be at least 90 days old. Inactivated vaccines are required, and most destination countries require at least 30 days post-vaccination for valid immunity.

Tip: Ensure the vaccination certificate clearly lists manufacturer, lot number, and expiration date.
3
D-180 ~ D-303. Rabies Antibody Titer Test (FAVN)

Blood drawn by a vet and tested by an authorized laboratory (e.g., APQA). A titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml is required.

Tip: Valid for 24 months from blood collection. Japan and Australia require a 180-day waiting period from blood draw.
4
D-60 ~ D-74. Destination Country Prior Notification / Import Permit

Notify destination quarantine and obtain an Import Permit if required (Japan: 40 days prior; Thailand: 7 days prior; US: online CDC form prior to flight).

Tip: Airlines will deny boarding if required destination permits are missing.
5
D-10 ~ Day of Flight5. Official Animal Health Certificate

Obtain an English health certificate from your vet, then visit the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) office at the airport for physical inspection and official certification.

Tip: Airport quarantine can be busy; arrive 3-4 hours prior to departure or visit 1-3 days in advance.

Specific Requirements by Destination

Vaccine counts, waiting periods, and permit rules vary significantly by destination.

🇺🇸
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

United States (CDC)

Updated August 1, 2024 Rule
Mandatory CDC Dog Import Form · Min 6 months of age · ISO Microchip
  • Under CDC regulations updated August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the US require a completed online [CDC Dog Import Form] receipt printed prior to travel.
  • Korea is classified as a dog rabies-free / low-risk country. Dogs residing in Korea for the past 6 months do not require a rabies titer test or CDC endorsement, provided they have the CDC receipt, ISO microchip, and appear healthy.
  • Dogs must be at least 6 months old at time of entry. Puppies under 6 months are strictly prohibited.
  • Cats do not have federal CDC rabies requirements, but states may require proof of vaccination and general health certificate.
🇯🇵
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)

Japan (MAFF)

Highest Difficulty · 180-Day Wait
2 Rabies shots · Titer >= 0.5 IU/ml · 180-day wait · 40 days prior notification
  • One of the strictest quarantine processes globally. Preparation takes at least 7 months.
  • 1) Microchip first, then two rabies vaccinations administered at least 30 days apart.
  • 2) FAVN antibody titer test (>= 0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory on or after second vaccine.
  • 3) [Crucial] 180-day waiting period from the blood draw date. Entering before 180 days results in mandatory airport quarantine custody for the remaining days at owner expense.
  • 4) Submit prior import notification to destination airport Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival.
🇪🇺
European Commission / UK DEFRA

European Union & UK

EU Health Cert · UK Tapeworm Rule
ISO Microchip · 21 days post rabies · EU Health Cert · Tapeworm treatment for UK
  • ISO microchip required. Rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before entry.
  • Non-commercial EU Health Certificate completed by an authorized veterinarian and endorsed by Korean quarantine (APQA).
  • Korea is listed on EU Annex II, meaning a rabies titer test is exempt for short tourist entry into the EU (though strongly recommended for return to Korea).
  • [UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta mandatory]: Dogs must be treated for Echinococcus multilocularis (tapeworm) with Praziquantel 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before arrival, certified by a vet.
🇨🇦
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Canada (CFIA)

Relatively Simple · Min 3 months
English rabies certificate · Microchip recommended · Quarantine certificate
  • Pets must be at least 3 months old at entry.
  • An official English rabies certificate specifying animal identity, vaccine trade name, lot number, date, and validity duration.
  • Personal pet dogs do not require a rabies titer test or long waiting period.
  • Clearance is fast upon presenting Korean APQA health certificate and rabies certificate at Canadian customs.
🇻🇳 🇹🇭
Department of Livestock Development / BAI

Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines)

Thailand Import Permit Mandatory
Rabies + DHPP combo vaccine · Thailand Import Permit · Philippines SPSIC
  • [Thailand]: Contact Suvarnabhumi Airport Animal Quarantine (qsap_bkk@dld.go.kr) 7-10 days prior with Form R-1/1, vaccine records, and passport copy to receive an Import Permit.
  • [Vietnam]: Requires ISO microchip, rabies vaccine, 5-way combo vaccine (DHPP), and official APQA health certificate.
  • [Philippines]: Must apply for SPS Import Clearance online with BAI prior to flight.
  • Southeast Asian nations inspect both rabies and core combination vaccines (DHPP/parvo/distemper) strictly.
🇦🇺 🇳🇿
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)

Australia & New Zealand

Ultra Extreme · 10-30 days custody
6-12 months prep · RNATT titer · Complex blood panels · Mickleham quarantine facility
  • Korea is considered non-rabies-free by Australia, requiring mandatory government quarantine facility stay in Melbourne (minimum 10 to 30 days).
  • RNATT rabies titer test with 180-day waiting period, plus multiple blood tests for Brucella, Leptospira, Babesia, and Leishmania.
  • Short tourist travel is virtually impossible; suitable only for relocation or immigration with professional pet transport agencies.

Returning to Korea (Re-entry Quarantine)

Crucial steps to clear Korean airport quarantine on the same day without detention.

1. Retain Original Korean Export Certificate

Keep the original Animal Health Certificate issued at departure from Korea throughout your trip and present it upon return.

2. Health Certificate from Destination Country

Within 1-3 days of departure, obtain a veterinary health check and an official government export health certificate from the destination country (e.g. USDA, MAFF).

3. Valid Rabies Antibody Titer (24 Months)

The rabies antibody certificate (>= 0.5 IU/ml) obtained before departing Korea is valid for 24 months. Returning within this window avoids extra blood tests abroad.

4. Airport Quarantine Clearance

Report to the Animal Quarantine desk at Incheon/Gimpo airport before customs. Microchip scan and document review take about 10 minutes for immediate release.

Airport Quarantine Offices & Contact

Incheon Airport Terminal 1

3F Departure Check-in counter F area

+82-32-740-2660

⏰ Daily 09:00 - 18:00

Incheon Airport Terminal 2

2F Government Complex Animal Quarantine

+82-32-740-2677

⏰ Daily 09:00 - 18:00

Gimpo International Airport

2F International Terminal East Departure

+82-2-2664-0601

⏰ Daily 09:00 - 18:00

Gimhae International Airport

1F International Terminal Concourse

+82-51-971-1925

⏰ Weekdays 09:00 - 18:00