JP
Japan
✈️
HK
Hong Kong
Pet Transport from Japan to Hong Kong
4-8 weeks
Typical preparation
See key facts
Quarantine on arrival
Moderate
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
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Step by step
The Japan to Hong Kong process
1
Do this first. If Group 1: no titre test.
STEP 1: Verify Japan's current AFCD Group at afcd.gov.hk
Responsible: You or agent
2
Before travel. AFCD states a minimum of three working days to process, so treat that as a floor rather than a plan and apply early.
STEP 3: Apply to AFCD for the Special Permit
Responsible: You or agent via AFCD
3
2-4 weeks before travel.
STEP 4: Book Cathay Pacific or ANA Cargo NRT-HKG
Responsible: You or agent
4
Within 14 days of travel.
STEP 5: AQS-endorsed health certificate in AFCD format
Responsible: AQS Japan
5
3-4 hours before departure.
STEP 6: Cargo check-in Tokyo. AFCD inspection at HKG on arrival.
Responsible: You + cargo + AFCD
Which Hong Kong rules depend on a pet coming from Japan?
Hong Kong sorts countries into 4 groups, and Japan falls in “Group I”.
Normally exempt from quarantine if permit conditions met; 180 days' residence; no rabies vaccination or titre test in the permit terms Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Quarantine: Group I: pets imported direct are normally exempt from quarantine if all permit conditions are met. Applies to dogs and cats from Group I.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group I countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: Not required for Group I: the full Group I permit terms (DC-01v05, terms to be complied with fully) contain no rabies antibody (RNATT) test. Applies to dogs and cats from Group I.
DC-01 Permit terms, Group I, checked 1 October 2026 - Import permit: The permit is valid for 6 months and for one consignment only. Applies to dogs and cats from Group I and Group II.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group II countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - Health certificate: Group I, II and IIIB: animal health certificate dated not more than 14 days before export. Applies to dogs and cats from Groups I, II and IIIB.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group IIIB countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - Health certificate: Certificates must be signed by a government veterinary officer, or by a registered vet and endorsed by a government veterinary officer. Applies to dogs and cats from Groups I and II.
DC-02 Permit terms, Group II, checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies vaccination: Not required for Group I: the Group I permit terms list the required vaccinations as canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and canine parvovirus for dogs (panleucopaenia and respiratory disease complex for cats); rabies is not among them. Dogs are vaccinated against rabies on arrival when licensed. Applies to dogs and cats from Group I.
DC-01 Permit terms, Group I, checked 1 October 2026 - How your pet may travel: Pets must arrive as manifested cargo; excess baggage or hand-carried baggage is not permitted. Route must be the fastest and most direct. Applies to dogs and cats from Group I (same in Group II, IIIA, IIIB terms).
DC-01 Permit terms, Group I, checked 1 October 2026 - Arrival points and notice: The permittee must notify the AFCD Import and Export Section duty officer at least 24 hours before arrival.
DC-03 Permit terms, Group IIIB, checked 1 October 2026 - Microchip: An ISO or AVID compliant microchip readable by an AVID or ISO compatible reader is required. Applies to dogs and cats from Group II (same wording in Group I terms).
DC-02 Permit terms, Group II, checked 1 October 2026 - Minimum age: Group I and IIIB: dogs and cats under 60 days old, or more than 4 weeks pregnant, must not be imported. Applies to dogs and cats from Groups I and IIIB.
DC-01 Permit terms, Group I, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Group I and II pets need a residence certificate: continuously resident at least 180 days (or since birth) before export, with no rabies within 10 km for 180 days (Group II wording). Applies to dogs and cats from Groups I and II.
DC-02 Permit terms, Group II, checked 1 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering Hong Kong, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Hong Kong guide.
What does Japan require before your pet leaves?
- 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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
| 1 | Cathay Pacific or ANA Cargo fees NRT-HKG |
| 2 | AFCD Import Licence fee |
| 3 | AQS health certificate fees |
| 4 | Agent fee (optional) |
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Verify Japan's AFCD Group status before planning. If Group 1: no titre test. If not: add titre test sequence.
⚠ AFCD Special Permit: must be in hand before the animal travels. HK$432 for the first animal, HK$102 for each additional animal, minimum three working days to process.
⚠ AQS health certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Cathay Pacific
Direct NRT/HND-HKG. Cathay Pacific Cargo. Hong Kong's national carrier with deep AFCD arrival familiarity. Short 4-hour flight.
ANA
Direct NRT/HND-HKG. ANA Cargo. Japanese carrier with strong AQS export familiarity at Tokyo departure.
JAL
Direct NRT-HKG. JAL Cargo. AQS-experienced at Narita departure.
Hong Kong Express
HK Express does not accept pets. Not suitable.
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