Importing Your Pet to South Korea

South Korea’s pet import process is managed by APQA (Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency). The system is well-organised and the documentation requirements are clear. Most pets from approved countries can enter without mandatory quarantine if paperwork is correct.

Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the main entry point for international pets. The APQA inspection takes place at the airport and is typically efficient for compliant documentation.

South Korea does not require a rabies titre test for pets from most approved countries, which significantly reduces the preparation timeline. A standard preparation of 6-8 weeks is generally sufficient for pets from the US, UK, and most European countries.

Approved country list and requirements

South Korea categorises origin countries by rabies status. Pets from countries classified as rabies-free or low-risk face simplified requirements. For other origins, additional documentation or testing may apply.

The standard requirements: microchip (ISO 15444 or 11784/11785), valid rabies vaccination (vaccinated after microchipping), and a government-endorsed health certificate from the origin country. The certificate must be in English or Korean: other languages require a certified translation.

Health certificate: Korean format matters

APQA has a specific preferred format for the health certificate. While it will accept origin-country official formats in most cases, having the certificate match the APQA template avoids delays on arrival. Korean-speaking owners or agents can download the template from the APQA website.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country’s official veterinary authority. Present the original at the APQA desk on arrival at Incheon.