Pet Transport from South Korea to Australia: Step by Step
South Korea is one of the cleanest starting points for a move to Australia – it is on DAFF’s approved list, the veterinary system is excellent, and there are direct flights from Incheon to Melbourne. But Australia’s biosecurity requirements apply regardless of origin, which means the process still takes the best part of a year.
The Full Preparation Timeline
7+ months before travel:
- Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) – if not already done
- First rabies vaccination – at least 90 days before titre test blood draw
- Second rabies vaccination – at least 30 days after first vaccine
- Rabies titre test (FAVN) – blood drawn at least 90 days after first vaccine, sent to an OIE-approved lab
- Confirm positive titre result (0.5 IU/mL or higher)
- 180-day wait begins from blood draw date
3+ months before travel:
- Apply for Australian import permit via DAFF’s BICON system (bicon.agriculture.gov.au)
- Book quarantine slot at Mickleham, Victoria (DAFF arranges after permit approval)
- Keep rabies vaccination current throughout the wait period
Within 10 days of travel:
- Official health certificate – issued by a Korean APQA-accredited vet and endorsed by APQA
- Book Melbourne flight – only Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) accepts pets for Australian quarantine
The Korean Veterinary System
Korea has an excellent small animal veterinary sector, particularly in Seoul and major cities. Finding an APQA-accredited export vet is straightforward. APQA (the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency) is the relevant authority – apqa.go.kr.
The APQA endorsement of your health certificate is the equivalent of the USDA or APHA endorsement in other countries. Allow 3 to 5 working days.
Direct Flights: Seoul to Melbourne
Korean Air and Qantas both operate the Incheon (ICN) to Melbourne (MEL) route. Both accept pets, though cargo procedures differ. Korean Air has an established PET program. Confirm with the airline’s cargo department – not every operated flight on a route accepts live animals.
Melbourne Quarantine
All pets entering Australia spend 10 days at the Mickleham facility near Melbourne. DAFF-trained staff care for animals during the quarantine. Costs are government-set and charged per animal per day. Your pet is examined daily and released after the quarantine period if all health checks pass.
After quarantine, you can arrange a domestic flight or road transfer to your final destination anywhere in Australia.
This guide reflects DAFF requirements as of May 2026. Always verify at bicon.agriculture.gov.au before starting the process.