HK
Hong Kong
✈️
FR
France

Pet Transport Hong Kong to France: 2026 Guide

4-6 weeks
Typical preparation
None
Quarantine on arrival
Medium
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
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Lead time needed
4-6 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Medium
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
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In short: Preparing to move a pet from Hong Kong to France typically takes around 4-6 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is not required.

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Overview

Planning a pet relocation from Hong Kong to France is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Allow around 4-6 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely.

A rabies titre test is not needed for this route. The guide below walks through each stage so nothing gets missed.

Step by step

The Hong Kong to France process

1
4-6 weeks before travel
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.

Responsible: Vet in Hong Kong

2
4-6 weeks before travel
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.

Responsible: Vet in Hong Kong

3
3-5 weeks before travel
Book cargo from HKG to CDG on Cathay Pacific or Air France direct.

Responsible: Owner or agent

4
Within 10 days of travel
Obtain AFCD-endorsed EU-format health certificate within 10 days of travel.

Responsible: AFCD-registered vet plus AFCD endorsement

5
Travel day
Depart HKG. French customs inspects at Paris CDG on arrival.

Responsible: Airline cargo and French customs

Checklist

France: entry requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccinationValid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre testNot required. Hong Kong is on the EU's listed third countries schedule under EU Regulation 576/2013. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
QuarantineNo quarantine for compliant pets. French customs inspects at Paris CDG.
Import permitNo import permit required. AFCD-endorsed EU-format health certificate is the required document.
Health certificateEU-format certificate endorsed by AFCD, issued within 10 days of travel.
Leaving Hong Kong

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitNo formal export permit required for companion animals from Hong Kong beyond the AFCD health certificate. Primary departure airport: Hong Kong International (HKG).
Health certificateOfficial veterinary health certificate issued by an AFCD-registered vet and endorsed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). EU-format required. Issued within 10 days of travel.
Costs

What this route typically costs

1AFCD health certificate and endorsement: HKD 500-1,500 (approximately EUR 60-190)
2IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
3Cargo HKG to CDG (Cathay Pacific or Air France direct): EUR 700-1,800 depending on crate size
4Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 150-400
5Total typical range: EUR 1,040-2,640
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ Hong Kong is EU-listed: no FAVN titre test required. Allow 4-6 weeks, not 5 months.
⚠ France Category 1 breed ban covers Pit Bull type dogs without LOF or FCI pedigree. Confirm breed status before starting.
⚠ Cathay Pacific and Air France both offer direct HKG-CDG service.
⚠ AFCD endorsement takes a few working days; allow enough lead time within the 10-day certificate window.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

Cathay Pacific Cargo
Cathay Pacific operates direct from Hong Kong (HKG) to Paris CDG. Cathay Pacific Cargo accepts live animals on this route.
Cargo Only
Air France Cargo
Air France operates HKG to Paris CDG direct. Air France Cargo has established live animal handling at CDG.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Lufthansa connects HKG to Frankfurt (FRA) with onward connections to Paris CDG.
Cargo Only

How France handles incoming pets

France has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.

What experienced owners do

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.

Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.

Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.

Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.

FAQ

Common questions

No. Hong Kong is on the EU’s listed schedule under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month wait are not required. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Yes. Cathay Pacific Cargo operates direct from HKG to CDG and accepts live animals. Air France Cargo also flies this route direct. Both avoid a hub transfer.
France’s Category 1 covers Pit Bull type dogs without official LOF or FCI breed registration. These cannot be imported. Category 2 (Rottweiler, American Staffordshire with pedigree) can enter with restrictions.
Cathay Pacific or Air France direct cargo HKG to CDG typically costs EUR 700-1,800. Add EUR 60-190 for the AFCD certificate. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,040-2,640.
Airline guides
  • Cathay Pacific Cargo
  • Air France Cargo
  • Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →
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