JP
Japan
✈️
FR
France

Pet Transport Japan to France: 2026 Guide

4-6 weeks
Typical preparation
None
Quarantine on arrival
Medium
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
Get a free quote →
Lead time needed
4-6 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Medium
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
Start my quote
In short: Preparing to move a pet from Japan 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.

Start your journey

Get Your Free Quote

Enter your pet's details and route

Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.

No obligation. Your details are kept private and never shared.

Regulations checked

Reviewed guides prioritise government and carrier sources; older pages are clearly flagged. How we source our data →

Overview

Planning a pet relocation from Japan to France is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Give yourself close to 4-6 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. 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 Japan to France process

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

Responsible: Vet in Japan

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

Responsible: Vet in Japan

3
3-5 weeks before travel
Book AQS examination appointment at Animal Quarantine Station and cargo from NRT or HND to CDG.

Responsible: Owner or agent

4
Within 10 days of travel
Attend AQS examination. Obtain AQS-endorsed EU-format health certificate within 10 days of travel.

Responsible: AQS-registered vet plus AQS endorsement

5
Travel day
Depart NRT or HND. 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. Japan 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. AQS-endorsed EU-format health certificate is the required document.
Health certificateEU-format certificate endorsed by AQS, issued within 10 days of travel.
Leaving Japan

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitNo formal export permit required for companion animals from Japan. Primary departure airports: Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Tokyo Haneda (HND).
Health certificateOfficial veterinary health certificate issued by an AQS-registered vet and endorsed by Japan's Animal Quarantine Service (AQS). EU-format required. Pet must be examined at an Animal Quarantine Station before export. Issued within 10 days of travel.
Costs

What this route typically costs

1AQS health certificate and endorsement: JPY 10,000-30,000 (approximately EUR 60-185)
2IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
3Cargo NRT/HND to CDG (ANA or Air France direct): EUR 1,200-2,800 depending on crate size
4Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 150-400
5Total typical range: EUR 1,550-3,600
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ Japan is EU-listed: no FAVN titre test required. Allow 4-6 weeks, not 5 months.
⚠ AQS examination at an Animal Quarantine Station is required by Japanese law before export. Book 2-3 weeks ahead.
⚠ France Category 1 breed ban covers Pit Bull type dogs without LOF or FCI pedigree. Confirm breed status before starting.
⚠ AQS endorsement must fall within the 10-day health certificate window; coordinate AQS appointment accordingly.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

ANA Cargo
ANA (All Nippon Airways) operates direct from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Paris CDG. ANA Cargo accepts live animals on this long-haul route.
Cargo Only
Air France Cargo
Air France operates direct from NRT and HND to Paris CDG. Air France Cargo has established live animal handling at CDG.
Cargo Only
JAL Cargo via hub
JAL (Japan Airlines) connects NRT and HND to Paris CDG via European hub connections.
Cargo Only

France import rules, explained

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.

Practical tips for this move

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.

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.

FAQ

Common questions

No. Japan is on the EU’s listed countries schedule under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month wait are not required. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Yes. ANA Cargo operates direct from NRT to CDG and accepts live animals. Air France Cargo also flies this route direct. Book 3-4 weeks ahead and confirm live animal acceptance on your specific flights.
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. Import is refused at CDG for Category 1 dogs without pedigree.
ANA or Air France direct cargo NRT to CDG typically costs EUR 1,200-2,800. Add EUR 60-185 for the AQS certificate. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,550-3,600.
Airline guides
  • ANA Cargo
  • Air France Cargo
  • JAL Cargo via hub
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →
Ready to book
Japan to France?
Get a free quote →
No commitment. We reply within one business day.
Chat with us