JP
Japan
✈️
DE
Germany

Pet Transport Japan to Germany: 2026 Guide

4-6 weeks
Typical preparation
See key facts
Quarantine on arrival
Medium
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
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Lead time needed
4-6 weeks
Quarantine
See key facts
Route complexity
Medium
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
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Step by step

The Japan to Germany process

1
3-5 weeks before travel
Book AQS examination appointment at Animal Quarantine Station and cargo from NRT or HND to FRA.

Responsible: Owner or agent

2
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

3
Travel day
Depart NRT or HND. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt on arrival.

Responsible: Airline cargo and German customs

Which Germany rules depend on a pet coming from Japan?

The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and Japan falls in “Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636”.

No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Official source

The rules that apply to every pet entering Germany, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Germany guide.

What does Japan require before your pet leaves?

  1. Export permit: No separate export permit: apply for export inspection through NACCS (or by email) at least 14 days before the desired inspection date, then book a slot. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan.
    Export dogs and cats from Japan, checked 1 October 2026
  2. Export health certificate: Dogs and cats leaving Japan must undergo AQS export quarantine: the exporter applies to AQS in advance and the animal is inspected at the date and hour the AQS officer directs. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan.
    Import and export quarantine of dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026
  3. Export health certificate: Export inspection within 10 days before departure unless the destination sets otherwise; certificate usually issued in 30 to 60 minutes. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan.
    Export dogs and cats from Japan, checked 1 October 2026
  4. Other conditions: Export inspection is free; the exporter pays for vaccinations, tests and vet checks the destination requires. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan.
    FAQ: Taking dogs and cats abroad from Japan, checked 1 October 2026
  5. Other conditions: Japan itself does not require rabies vaccination for export (the destination may). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan.
    FAQ: Taking dogs and cats abroad from Japan, checked 1 October 2026
  6. Other conditions: Pets that may return to Japan should complete microchip, two vaccinations and the antibody test before leaving so re-entry quarantine stays within 12 hours. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan and returning.
    FAQ: Taking dogs and cats abroad from Japan, checked 1 October 2026
  7. Other conditions: Counterfeit supporting certificates mean no export certificate and the animal cannot be exported. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan.
    Export dogs and cats from Japan, checked 1 October 2026
Costs

What this route typically costs

1Cargo NRT/HND to FRA (Lufthansa or ANA direct): EUR 1,200-2,800 depending on crate size
2Total 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 this appointment 2-3 weeks ahead.
⚠ Germany Bundesland breed restrictions vary; check your destination state before starting the process.
⚠ AQS endorsement must fall within the 10-day health certificate window; coordinate AQS appointment accordingly.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

Lufthansa Cargo
Lufthansa operates direct from Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) to Frankfurt (FRA). Lufthansa Cargo accepts live animals on this route.
Cargo Only
ANA Cargo
ANA (All Nippon Airways) operates NRT to FRA direct. ANA Cargo handles live animal shipments on long-haul routes.
Cargo Only
JAL Cargo via hub
JAL (Japan Airlines) connects NRT and HND to European hubs with onward connections to Frankfurt.
Cargo Only
FAQ

Common questions

No. Japan is on the EU’s listed countries schedule under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131. The FAVN titre test and 3-month wait are not required. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
The AQS (Animal Quarantine Service) health certificate is Japan’s official export document for pets. Japanese law requires an examination at an Animal Quarantine Station before export. The AQS-registered vet issues the certificate; AQS endorses it. Book the appointment 2-3 weeks ahead.
Lufthansa Cargo and ANA Cargo both operate direct from NRT/HND to FRA and accept live animals. Direct routing avoids a hub transfer. Book 3-4 weeks ahead and confirm live animal acceptance on your specific flights.
Airline guides
  • Lufthansa Cargo
  • ANA Cargo
  • JAL Cargo via hub
Breed guides

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Sources

Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.