Hong Kong Pet Import Guide: AFCD Permits, Quarantine Options, and Import Requirements
Hong Kong operates an independent pet import system from mainland China. Imports are managed by AFCD (Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department), and quarantine is mandatory for all dogs and cats arriving from most countries.
AFCD import licence
Before your pet travels to Hong Kong, you must obtain an AFCD import licence. This is a formal permit authorising your specific pet to enter Hong Kong. You cannot import a pet without one.
Apply to AFCD at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date. The application requires:
- Passport-style details of your pet (species, breed, age, microchip number, colour)
- Vaccination records
- Proposed route and arrival date
- Contact details in Hong Kong
There is a fee for the import licence (currently around HKD 150 per animal).
Quarantine
All dogs and cats entering Hong Kong from most countries face mandatory quarantine at the Government Quarantine Facility in Lok Ma Chau. The duration depends on your origin country:
Category 1 countries (pets face up to 4 months’ quarantine): This category includes many countries – check the AFCD website for the current list, as it is updated periodically.
Reduced-duration quarantine may be available for pets from approved countries with clean rabies records and full documentation including a valid titre test result. Titre tests from AFCD-recognised labs showing 0.5 IU/mL or above can reduce or modify the quarantine period in some cases.
The quarantine facility has limited capacity. You must book a space well in advance and confirm availability before your pet’s travel is arranged.
Documentation required
- ISO 15-digit microchip
- Rabies vaccination (valid and current)
- Rabies titre test from an AFCD-recognised laboratory (for reduced quarantine)
- Vaccinations against relevant diseases (distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis for dogs; panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus for cats)
- Official health certificate issued and endorsed within 10 days of travel
- AFCD import licence
Moving from Hong Kong to other countries
If you have a pet already in Hong Kong and are leaving to the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, be aware that Hong Kong is not classified the same as mainland China for most destination countries. The UK and Australia have specific import rules for pets from Hong Kong – check APHA and DAFF respectively for the current requirements.
Source
AFCD, Hong Kong: afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_dog/qua_ie_dog_import.html (verified May 2026).