Pet Transport from China to Taiwan
Planning to move your pet from China to Taiwan? Get Your Quote
The China to Taiwan route is one many expats and returning families use each year with their pets.
This route is one of the most demanding international pet transport routes. Start preparations at least 26 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. Taiwan requires mandatory quarantine for all arriving pets. This is the part of the process most owners find hardest to plan around. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up.
Getting the timing right is critical. Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer.
Step-by-Step Process
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Rabies vaccination
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Apply for import permit from Taiwan
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Quarantine on arrival (varies days)
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Responsible: Taiwan quarantine authority
Taiwan Import Requirements
What Taiwan requires for pets entering the country.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies Vaccination
Required. Current rabies vaccination mandatory.
Rabies Titre Test
Required for: Pets from non-approved countries (Group 3 and 4 countries per BAPHIQ classification). Not required for: Pets from approved Group 1 or 2 countries (includes US, UK, Australia, most EU, Japan, etc.). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 180-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. Facility: BAPHIQ-designated Animal Quarantine Station, Taoyuan Airport. Quarantine duration depends on country of origin classification. Group 1 countries (US, UK, most EU, Japan, Australia, NZ, Singapore, etc.) = 7-day quarantine. Check current BAPHIQ country list.
Import Permit
Required. Permit required before booking flights. Must specify flight details.
Health Certificate
Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government vet in origin country. Must include microchip, vaccinations, titre test (if applicable), and declare freedom from infectious disease.
Exporting from China
What you need from China before your pet can leave.
Export Permit
Export permit from GACC. Required particularly for purebred/registered breeds.
Cost Factors
Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.
- Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
- IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
- Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
- Rabies titre test laboratory fee
- Import permit application fee (Taiwan)
- Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
- Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Important Warnings
Key requirements for moving your pet to Taiwan
This is one of the more demanding international pet transport corridors. Taiwan runs a strict biosecurity programme and there are no shortcuts through it.
All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in Taiwan (at BAPHIQ-designated Animal Quarantine Station, Taoyuan Airport). This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.
Taiwan is rabies-free for dogs/cats and has strict biosecurity requirements. Dogs and cats from approved low-risk countries face shorter quarantine. Allow 3-6 months.
From experience: China to Taiwan pet transport
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
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