Moving to Hong Kong with a Cat: AFCD Import Requirements Explained

Why Hong Kong Has a Cat Import Process

Hong Kong is a densely populated urban environment with strict biosecurity concerns. AFCD manages cat imports carefully to protect the territory’s cat population from imported diseases.

AFCD Import Licence: Apply First

You must apply to AFCD for a pet import licence before travel. Do not book flights or transport without an approved licence. Apply at:

AFCD website: afcd.gov.hk (Animal & Plant Health section)

The licence application requires:

• Cat’s details (breed, sex, age, microchip number)
• Vaccination history
• Country of origin
• Intended arrival details

Allow 4 to 6 weeks for the licence application.

The Quarantine Requirement

Most cats arriving in Hong Kong must complete a quarantine period at an AFCD-approved facility. The standard duration for cats from most approved countries is 4 days, but this can be longer depending on origin country.

The quarantine facility at Tsuen Wan is the main AFCD-operated option. Private AFCD-approved facilities also exist. Your cat is cared for, fed, and checked by vets during quarantine.

Health Documentation

1. AFCD import licence (must be obtained before travel)
2. Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
3. Current rabies vaccination
4. Current FVRCP vaccination
5. Official health certificate – from a government-accredited vet in your country, endorsed by your national authority, issued within 10 days of arrival in Hong Kong
6. Treatment and parasite prevention records

Practical Life with a Cat in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a comfortable place for cats in urban apartment settings. Several excellent veterinary practices operate across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. The warm, humid climate means indoor cats need good ventilation. Balcony safety (mesh or screens) is important given Hong Kong’s high-rise nature.

Verify current AFCD requirements at afcd.gov.hk before travel. Information accurate as of May 2026.