BE
JP
Pet Transport from Belgium to Japan
33-39
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
See key facts
Quarantine on arrival
Very High
Route complexity
9
Airlines on this route
Official rules on this page checked
Which Japan rules depend on a pet coming from Belgium?
Japan sorts countries into 2 groups, and Belgium falls in “Non-designated regions”.
Microchip, two or more rabies vaccinations (first at 91 days or older), antibody test of 0.5 IU/ml or more at a designated laboratory, 180-day wait from blood sampling, 40-day notice, clinical inspection within 10 days and government certificate (Form AC). Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Rabies titre test: Rabies antibody test at a Japan-designated laboratory. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: Blood is drawn after the second vaccination (may be the same day). Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: Pass mark is 0.5 IU/ml or more. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: The result is valid for 2 years from blood sampling. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: Arrival only after 180 days from the blood sampling date (sampling date is day 0); any shortfall is served in AQS detention. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: If the 2-year result expires, a new test is needed but the 180-day wait does not restart, provided vaccinations stayed continuous, the new sample is at least 180 days after the first and the titre is 0.5 IU/ml or more. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: Biobest Laboratories Ltd (UK) has been removed from Japan's designated laboratory list; holders of its certificates issued 27 November 2024 to 25 June 2025 must contact AQS at the port of entry. Do not use Biobest for Japan. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import and export quarantine of dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026 - Health certificate: A private vet may complete Form AC, then an official government veterinarian must endorse it. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies vaccination: At least two rabies vaccinations after microchipping. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies vaccination: First vaccination at 91 days old or more (date of birth is day 0); vaccinations given under 91 days are invalid even if the exporting country allows 12 weeks. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies vaccination: Second vaccination 30 or more days after the first (first is day 0) and within the first vaccination's effective period of immunity. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies vaccination: Only inactivated (killed) or recombinant/modified vaccines are accepted. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies vaccination: Live virus and RNA rabies vaccines are not accepted. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies vaccination: Immunity must be continuous until arrival: a booster given after the previous vaccination's effective period has lapsed is not accepted and the whole process restarts from the first vaccination. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - How your pet may travel: Non-designated regions: airside transit needs no extra certificate; entering the transit country requires that country's government health certificate. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
FAQ: Bringing dogs and cats into Japan from abroad, checked 1 October 2026 - Parasite treatment: Not required: AQS's official import guide for non-designated regions (updated September 2026) states that it sets out the conditions and procedures for import; its conditions (steps 1 to 8) contain no parasite treatment. Parasite control appears only as a recommended measure (Reference 3, and in step 8-2 for animals that will undergo detention), not as an import condition. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import guide for dogs and cats from non-designated regions (Japanese, updated September 2026), checked 2 October 2026 - Parasite treatment: In the same guide, flea, tick, roundworm and tapeworm treatment is listed under 'Reference 3: recommended measures', not as an import condition; AQS asks for it in particular for animals that will undergo detention. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import guide for dogs and cats from non-designated regions (Japanese, updated September 2026), checked 2 October 2026 - Microchip: Microchip required, implanted before the first rabies vaccination (same day allowed). Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026 - Minimum age: No stated entry age, but the first valid rabies vaccination is at 91 days old or more, followed by a second at least 30 days later and a 180-day wait from the blood sample, so the youngest possible arrival from a non-designated region is about 10 months (around 301 days) old. Applies to dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions), checked 1 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering Japan, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Japan guide.
What does Belgium require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: For travel to a non-EU country the destination country's conditions apply; FASFC publishes some, otherwise the owner contacts the embassy or regional export promotion bodies. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Belgium for non-EU countries.
Op reis met uw huisdier: Vertrekken vanuit België, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Destination-specific or extra conditions not on the FASFC site must be proved with an official document from the destination's authority (with sworn translation if needed) and submitted in advance to the FASFC local control unit (LCE), not at the moment of certification. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Belgium for non-EU countries.
Op reis met uw huisdier: Vertrekken vanuit België, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: The export certificate for dogs and cats (general model EX.VTL.AA.17.04 with instruction IB.AA.17.04, or a country-specific model) is completed and then validated by an FASFC official veterinarian; contact the LCE in advance to learn the application deadlines. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Belgium for non-EU countries.
Levende dieren, broedeieren, sperma, embryo's en eicellen: Export, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: If the destination requires a health certificate but has no model of its own, the general FASFC model export certificate for dogs and cats can be used; the owner is responsible for checking that the destination accepts it. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Belgium for non-EU countries.
Reizen met gezelschapsdieren (voor professionals), checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: A pet that stays in a non-EU country, even briefly, must meet the conditions for entering Belgium from a non-EU country on its return, so the return journey needs planning before departure (for countries needing a titre test, conditions are eased if the blood test is done before leaving). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Belgium for non-EU countries and returning.
Op reis met uw huisdier: Vertrekken vanuit België, checked 6 October 2026
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa | Cabin and Cargo | |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | Cargo Only | |
| Emirates | Cargo Only | |
| British Airways | Cargo Only | |
| Singapore Airlines | Cargo Only | |
| Cathay Pacific | Cargo Only | |
| Air France | Cabin and Cargo | |
| KLM | Cabin and Cargo | |
| Korean Air | Cabin and Cargo |
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.