Lead time needed
4-8 weeks
Quarantine
3 days
Route complexity
Medium
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
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Home/Routes/Italy to South Korea
IT
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Pet Transport Italy to South Korea: 2026 Guide

Getting a pet from Italy to South Korea is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is a middle of the road route, and about 4-8 weeks of preparation usually covers it. A 3 day quarantine stay applies once your pet arrives. A rabies …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Italy to South Korea typically takes around 4-8 weeks. Expect 3 days of quarantine on arrival. A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step

The Italy to South Korea import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
Must be in place before travel
Microchip confirmed (ISO 11784/11785)

Responsible: Italian vet

2
Must be current and valid for travel duration
Current rabies vaccination confirmed

Responsible: Italian vet

3
Within 10 days of travel, issued by official vet
Official Italian Ministry of Health health certificate in Korean QIAS format

Responsible: Official Italian vet (veterinario ufficiale) with Ministry endorsement

4
Before finalising travel date
Advance QIAS notification submitted

Responsible: Pet transport agent

5
4-6 weeks before travel
Cargo booking on Korean Air or Asiana

Responsible: Pet transport agent or owner

6
On arrival
QIAS inspection on arrival at Incheon (1-3 days for EU-origin)

Responsible: QIAS Incheon facility

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter South Korea

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required
Rabies vaccination
Valid, current rabies vaccination required
Rabies titre test
Not required for EU-origin pets under QIAS equivalency (EU listed country …
Quarantine
QIAS inspection on arrival at Incheon: typically 1-3 days for EU-origin pets …
Import permit
Advance QIAS notification required before arrival
Health certificate
Korean QIAS-format health certificate signed by official Italian vet, …
Export permit
Issued as part of the official health certificate process
Costs

What this route typically costs

Italian Ministry health certificate issued by official vet: EUR 80-200
Cargo FCO to ICN: USD 900-2,200 depending on pet size
QIAS inspection fee at Incheon (1-3 days): approximately KRW …
IATA crate: USD 100-400
Vet fees for pre-travel check and certificate: EUR 100-300

Critical points

The health certificate must be in Korean QIAS format, not the EU pet passport format. Use an official Italian vet who knows the Korean template.

EU origin gives a shorter QIAS inspection period than non-EU origins, but inspection on arrival is not fully waived.

Advance QIAS notification is still required regardless of EU origin.

Korean breed restrictions apply; check your dog's breed against the current QIAS list.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Korean Air Cargo
FCO to ICN direct and via connections; Korean Air Cargo is experienced with QIAS from …
Cargo Only
ITA Airways
Rome FCO connections to Korean Air hubs; ITA can coordinate cargo arrangements for …
Cargo Only
Asiana Cargo
FCO to ICN via Asiana connections; Incheon-based airline familiar with QIAS processes
Cargo Only

The rules for bringing a pet into South Korea

South Korea 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.

How to keep this move on track

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.

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

FAQ

Common questions

No. South Korea requires a specific Korean QIAS health certificate issued by an official Italian vet and endorsed by the Italian Ministry of Health. The EU pet passport is not accepted as a substitute. Presenting only the EU pet passport at Incheon will cause delays. The Korean-format certificate must be prepared and endorsed before departure.
The 1-3 day period applies when all documentation is complete and correct, and the health check is clear. If there are documentation questions or health concerns, QIAS may extend the inspection. The shorter period for EU-origin pets compared to non-EU origins is based on QIAS recognition of EU health standards, but it is not unconditional.
No. EU-origin pets are not required to provide an FAVN titre test for South Korea under the current QIAS equivalency for EU countries. This is a significant advantage over routes from non-EU origins. The microchip and current rabies vaccination are sufficient pre-travel health requirements.
No. The certificate must be issued by a veterinario ufficiale (official vet) authorised by the ASL. Your private vet cannot issue this document. Contact your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) to find the official vet in your area, or ask your private vet to refer you to the appropriate official vet service.
Your dog is held at the QIAS inspection facility during the inspection period. You can visit (with advance arrangement) but cannot take the dog out until cleared. The facility is a government inspection centre with kennels, food, water, and monitoring. Many families arrange to visit once during the inspection period to check on the dog and provide comfort.
Airline guides
  • Korean Air Cargo
  • ITA Airways
  • Asiana Cargo
Breed guides

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IT KRItaly to South Korea
International pet transport route
Lead time4-8 weeks
Quarantine3 days
ComplexityMedium
Airlines3
ServiceDoor to door
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