South Korea Pet Import Guide: APQA Requirements, Quarantine, and the 10-Day Hold

South Korea’s pet import system is managed by APQA (Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency), and the rules vary significantly depending on which country your pet is coming from.

Approved vs Non-Approved Countries

South Korea divides origin countries into approved (rabies-free) and non-approved (rabies-present).

Approved countries (no quarantine required, basic inspection only): Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Fiji, Hawaii (USA), Guam, and a handful of others.

Non-approved countries (full import inspection, possible quarantine): The UK, USA (mainland), Canada, most EU countries, and most of the world.

Pets from non-approved countries face a 10-day quarantine inspection at an APQA-designated facility unless specific vaccination criteria are met.

Avoiding Quarantine

Pets from non-approved countries can avoid quarantine if:

1. The pet has a valid rabies vaccination
2. A titre test confirms ≥0.5 IU/mL result
3. The titre test is from an approved lab
4. All documentation is correct

With a satisfactory titre test, the 10-day quarantine is reduced or eliminated. Without it, 10 days at the government facility is standard.

Documentation Required

• ISO 15-digit microchip
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Titre test result (if seeking to avoid quarantine)
• Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
• Import quarantine permit (apply through APQA’s online system)

Flights Into South Korea

Pets typically arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN) outside Seoul. APQA’s inspection facility is based there. Gimhae International Airport in Busan also handles pet arrivals with APQA presence.

Pre-notify APQA at least 7 days before arrival with your pet’s documentation.

Cost Estimate (UK to South Korea)

Sources: APQA South Korea official import requirements. Data current as of {TODAY}.