HK
Hong Kong
✈️
DE
Germany

Pet Transport Hong Kong to Germany: 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 Germany 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

The journey from Hong Kong to Germany for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. This is a middle of the road route, and about 4-6 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on arrival.

No rabies titre test is required. Work through the steps below in order and you will arrive in good shape.

Step by step

The Hong Kong to Germany 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 FRA on Cathay Pacific or Lufthansa 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. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt on arrival.

Responsible: Airline cargo and German customs

Checklist

Germany: 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. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt (FRA).
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 FRA (Cathay Pacific or Lufthansa 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.
⚠ Germany Bundesland breed restrictions vary; check your destination state before starting the process.
⚠ Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa both offer direct HKG-FRA 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 Frankfurt (FRA). Cathay Pacific Cargo accepts live animals on this long-haul route.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo
Lufthansa operates HKG to Frankfurt (FRA) direct. Lufthansa Cargo has established live animal handling at Frankfurt.
Cargo Only
KLM Cargo via AMS
KLM connects HKG to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) with onward connections to Frankfurt.
Cargo Only

The rules for bringing a pet into Germany

Germany keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.

How to keep this move on track

Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.

Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.

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.

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.
The AFCD (Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department) health certificate is Hong Kong’s official export document for pets. An AFCD-registered vet issues the EU-format certificate within 10 days of travel; AFCD endorses it before departure.
Yes. Cathay Pacific Cargo operates direct from HKG to FRA and accepts live animals. Lufthansa Cargo also flies this route direct. Both avoid a hub transfer.
Germany bans Pit Bull Terrier and Tosa Inu federally. Each Bundesland adds its own list; Bavaria is the most restrictive. Check your specific destination state before starting the process.
Airline guides
  • Cathay Pacific Cargo
  • Lufthansa Cargo
  • KLM Cargo via AMS
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →
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