Pet Transport Hong Kong to France: 2026 Guide
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
The Hong Kong to France process
Responsible: Vet in Hong Kong
Responsible: Vet in Hong Kong
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: AFCD-registered vet plus AFCD endorsement
Responsible: Airline cargo and French customs
France: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination. |
| Rabies vaccination | Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination. |
| Rabies titre test | Not required. Hong Kong is on the EU's listed third countries schedule under EU Regulation 576/2013. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026. |
| Quarantine | No quarantine for compliant pets. French customs inspects at Paris CDG. |
| Import permit | No import permit required. AFCD-endorsed EU-format health certificate is the required document. |
| Health certificate | EU-format certificate endorsed by AFCD, issued within 10 days of travel. |
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | No formal export permit required for companion animals from Hong Kong beyond the AFCD health certificate. Primary departure airport: Hong Kong International (HKG). |
| Health certificate | Official 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. |
What this route typically costs
| 1 | AFCD health certificate and endorsement: HKD 500-1,500 (approximately EUR 60-190) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed |
| 3 | Cargo HKG to CDG (Cathay Pacific or Air France direct): EUR 700-1,800 depending on crate size |
| 4 | Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 150-400 |
| 5 | Total typical range: EUR 1,040-2,640 |
Read before you book
Airlines on this route
Hong Kong EU-listed: no titre test and the AFCD certificate for France
EU Regulation 576/2013 lists Hong Kong as a recognised territory for pet movement. Hong Kong pets entering France need only a valid ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccination (21-day wait after a primary course), and the AFCD-endorsed EU-format health certificate. No titre test, no 3-month wait. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
The AFCD (Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department) is Hong Kong’s official authority for animal export health certification. An AFCD-registered vet issues the EU-format certificate within 10 days of travel; AFCD endorses it before departure. The four-to-six-week process contrasts sharply with the five-month preparation required from non-listed countries such as mainland China.
Cathay Pacific and Air France direct to CDG and France's breed check
Cathay Pacific Cargo operates direct from Hong Kong (HKG) to Paris CDG and accepts live animal cargo on this route. Air France Cargo also flies HKG-CDG direct. Both airlines have live animal handling facilities at CDG, where French customs carries out the arrival inspection for pets from third countries.
France’s breed legislation divides restricted breeds into two categories. Category 1 covers Pit Bull type dogs without official LOF or FCI breed registration; these cannot be imported. Category 2 covers Rottweiler and American Staffordshire Terrier with recognised pedigree; these can enter with ongoing restrictions. Most breeds common in Hong Kong are unaffected, but confirm breed status before starting the process if there is any uncertainty.
Common questions
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