Getting a pet from India to South Korea is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. Allow about 12-20 weeks; the requirements are detailed but predictable once mapped out. A 10 day …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from India to South Korea
typically takes around 12-20 weeks.
Expect 10 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The India to South Korea import process
01
Before any vaccination
ISO microchip implanted and pre-dating vaccination
Responsible: Vet
02
At least 30 days before titre test
Rabies vaccination administered
Responsible: Vet
03
30+ days after vaccination
FAVN titre test at QIAS-approved laboratory
Responsible: Vet and QIAS-approved lab
04
2-4 weeks for results
Receive passing titre result (0.5 IU/ml or above)
Responsible: Lab
05
Within 10 days of departure
DAHD vet issues health certificate
Responsible: DAHD vet
06
4-6 weeks before travel; QIAS pre-notification recommended
Book airline and notify QIAS of arrival in advance
Responsible: Owner or agent
07
5-10 days from arrival date
Quarantine at Incheon Animal Quarantine Facility on arrival
Responsible: QIAS
Requirements
South Korea entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required
Rabies titre test
Required. India is rabies-endemic. QIAS (Quarantine Inspection and Accommodation Service) requires FAVN titre test at 0.5 IU/ml from a QIAS-approved laboratory.
Quarantine
Yes. Mandatory quarantine at Incheon Animal Quarantine Facility. Typically 5-10 days for compliant pets from medium/high-risk countries.
Import permit
No advance import permit; QIAS manages inspection on arrival
Health certificate
DAHD-endorsed certificate; must list microchip, vaccination dates, titre test details
Leaving India
Export requirements
Export permit
No export permit; DAHD cert required
Health certificate
Health certificate from DAHD-authorised veterinarian
Costs
What this route typically costs
FAVN titre test India (QIAS-approved lab): USD 200-400
DAHD health certificate: INR 2,000-5,000
Korean Air or Air India cargo DEL to ICN: USD 700-1,500
Incheon quarantine facility fees: KRW 50,000-200,000 per day
Professional relocation agent: USD 500-1,000
Critical points
Quarantine at Incheon is mandatory for pets from India. There is no pathway to avoid it for medium/high-risk country pets.
The lab must be specifically QIAS-approved, not just any EU-approved FAVN lab. The QIAS list is separate from the EU list.
Quarantine facility space at Incheon can be limited during peak periods. Pre-notification and advance booking through your agent is strongly recommended.
If documentation is incomplete on arrival, the quarantine period may be extended.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Korean Air
Direct DEL to ICN. Small pets in cabin on eligible routes; larger dogs as cargo. Korean Air has dedicated live animal handling at Incheon.
Mixed
Air India
DEL to ICN direct. Live animals accepted as cargo. Coordinate with Air India Cargo desk.
Cargo Only
Asiana Airlines
DEL to ICN via connections. Accepts pets in cabin (small) and as cargo.
Mixed
How South Korea handles incoming pets
South Korea has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.
What experienced owners do
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.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. Quarantine at the Incheon Animal Quarantine Facility is mandatory for pets from medium/high-risk countries including India. There is no pathway to skip it, even with a passing FAVN titre test.
The QIAS-approved lab list is maintained by South Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (IPPC). Check the current list at the official IPPC website before submitting blood, as approval statuses change. Your agent should have up-to-date information.
No. South Korea does not require a 90-day waiting period after a passing titre result, unlike EU destinations. You can travel once you have the passing result, a valid health certificate, and a confirmed airline booking.
Typically 5 to 10 days for compliant pets from India with complete documentation. Incomplete paperwork can extend this period.
Generally, visits during quarantine are not permitted. QIAS manages the facility and access is restricted. Confirm the current policy with QIAS or your agent at the time of travel.
Airline guides
Korean Air
Air India
Asiana Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.