The journey from France to Japan for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. This route sits at the strict end, and about 36-42 weeks of preparation is realistic. A 7 day …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from France to Japan
typically takes around 36-42 weeks.
Expect 7 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The France to Japan import process
01
Starting point.
Microchip before any vaccination
Responsible: French vet
02
After microchip.
First rabies vaccination
Responsible: French vet
03
Day 30+.
Second rabies vaccination (30+ days after first)
Responsible: French vet
04
Blood drawn 30+ days after second vaccination. 180-day clock starts here.
FAVN titre test at AQS-approved laboratory (SCELAB France recommended)
Responsible: French vet + SCELAB or other AQS-approved lab
05
From blood draw date. Cannot be shortened.
180-day mandatory wait
Responsible: N/A
06
Submit during the waiting period.
AQS advance notification (40+ days before arrival)
Responsible: You or agent
07
Once waiting period complete.
Book Air France Cargo CDG-NRT
Responsible: You or agent
08
Within 10 days of travel.
DDPP-endorsed MAFF health certificate
Responsible: DDPP-authorised vet + DDPP
09
Present all original documents.
Travel. AQS inspection and quarantine at NRT/HND.
Responsible: AQS Japan
Requirements
Japan entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Before any rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Two vaccinations required. Both after microchip. At least 30 days apart. At least 30 days after second before titre test.
Rabies titre test
Required. FAVN at AQS-approved laboratory. Minimum 0.5 IU/ml. 180-day mandatory wait from blood draw date. France is non-designated for AQS.
Quarantine
Minimum 12 hours at AQS Japan on arrival. 2-7 days in practice for non-designated countries.
Import permit
Advance notification to AQS quarantine station at arrival airport at least 40 days before arrival.
Health certificate
MAFF-format certificate endorsed by DDPP. Within 10 days of travel.
Leaving France
Export requirements
Export permit
No formal export permit for personal pets.
Health certificate
DDPP-endorsed official health certificate in MAFF format, within 10 days of travel.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Air France Cargo fees CDG-NRT
IATA-compliant crate
FAVN titre test (SCELAB or other AQS-approved EU lab)
DDPP health certificate endorsement
AQS quarantine fees on arrival
Agent fee (strongly recommended for Japan)
Critical points
France is non-designated for AQS. Full 180-day protocol applies. No shortcuts.
Microchip before first vaccination is non-negotiable. Wrong order = restart.
SCELAB in France is AQS-approved, a practical advantage for French-origin pets. Confirm current AQS approval at aqs.maff.go.jp.
40-day AQS advance notification deadline is firm.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Air France
Air France Cargo operates CDG-NRT direct. National carrier of origin with strong CDG cargo operation. Primary recommendation for this route.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Via Frankfurt FRA to NRT/HND. Brachycephalic breeds restricted year-round.
Cargo Only
ANA
ANA Cargo from Paris via connections to NRT/HND. Strong AQS familiarity at Tokyo arrival.
Cargo Only
JAL
JAL Cargo connections from Paris to NRT/HND. Experienced with AQS inspection.
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Via Singapore SIN to NRT/HND. Longer routing.
Cargo Only
How Japan handles incoming pets
Japan runs a strict import regime, so every document is checked closely on arrival. Build your plan around the fixed waiting periods, because they set the pace for everything else.
What experienced owners do
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Allow 36-42 weeks. Two vaccinations, a titre test (blood drawn 30 days after the second vaccination), the 180-day wait from blood draw, plus 40 days advance AQS notification and the DDPP health certificate, it’s a long sequence but each step is predictable.
Yes. SCELAB in Nancy is an AQS-approved laboratory. This is a genuine practical advantage for French pet owners, the blood draw and testing can happen domestically. Verify SCELAB remains AQS-approved at aqs.maff.go.jp before booking.
Yes. AQS inspects and quarantines all pets from non-designated countries on arrival. The minimum is 12 hours, but expect 2-7 days in practice. Quarantine fees are charged per day at the AQS facility.
You need to revaccinate and repeat the titre test. The 180-day waiting period restarts from the new blood draw date. Getting the vaccination sequence right from the start is important.
You must submit an import notification to the AQS quarantine station at your arrival airport (Narita, Haneda, or Kansai) at least 40 days before your pet arrives. Include microchip, vaccination records, titre test details, and flight information. Submit this during the 180-day waiting period.
Airline guides
Air France
Lufthansa
ANA
JAL
Singapore Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.