Pet Transport from Japan to Hong Kong
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
Japan to Hong Kong is a short move, the flight is about 4 hours, and if Japan’s AFCD Group 1 status holds, there’s no titre test and no extended waiting period. The main requirements are the vaccination window (30-365 days before HK arrival), the AFCD Import Licence (30+ days processing), and the AQS export health certificate.
Verify Japan’s current AFCD Group status at afcd.gov.hk first. That confirmation shapes everything else.
The Japan to Hong Kong process
Responsible: You or agent
Responsible: Japanese vet
Responsible: You or agent via AFCD
Responsible: You or agent
Responsible: AQS Japan
Responsible: You + cargo + AFCD
Hong Kong: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Before rabies vaccination. |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. Not less than 30 days AND not more than 12 months before HK arrival. Dual window is critical. |
| Rabies titre test | Japan is likely Group 1 for AFCD Hong Kong. Verify current AFCD Group for Japan at afcd.gov.hk. If Group 1: no titre test required. |
| Quarantine | No routine quarantine for Group 1 country pets with compliant documentation. AFCD inspection at HKG on arrival. |
| Import permit | Required. AFCD Import Licence. Apply at least 30 days before arrival. |
| Health certificate | AQS-endorsed health certificate in AFCD format. Within 14 days of travel. |
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | No formal export permit for personal pets. AQS issues the export health certificate. |
| Health certificate | AQS-issued health certificate in AFCD format. Issued within 14 days of travel. |
What this route typically costs
| 1 | Cathay Pacific or ANA Cargo fees NRT-HKG |
| 2 | IATA-compliant crate |
| 3 | AFCD Import Licence fee |
| 4 | AQS health certificate fees |
| 5 | Agent fee (optional) |
Read before you book
Airlines on this route
Regulatory compliance sequence
| Step | Requirement | Timing | Key rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verify Japan’s AFCD Group | Immediate | Determines if titre test needed |
| 2 | ISO microchip before vaccination | Standard in Japan | Verify records |
| 3 | Rabies vaccination in 30-365 day window | Calculate from HK arrival date | Outside window = inspection failure |
| 4 | Apply AFCD Import Licence | 30+ days before arrival | Mandatory |
| 5 | Book Cathay/ANA Cargo NRT-HKG | 2-4 weeks before travel | N/A |
| 6 | AQS health certificate in AFCD format | Within 14 days of travel | AQS appointment |
| 7 | AFCD inspection at HKG | Travel day | N/A |
Source: AFCD afcd.gov.hk; Japan AQS aqs.maff.go.jp.
Cathay Pacific vs ANA on NRT-HKG
Both operate direct daily services between Narita and Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific is Hong Kong’s own carrier, their HKG cargo and AFCD import teams work together daily. ANA is Japan’s carrier, their Narita cargo team processes AQS export documentation for international moves continuously.
JAL Cargo also operates the same NRT-HKG route with similar AQS departure experience. On a 4-hour route with multiple daily departures, schedule fit is typically the deciding factor.
The vaccination window: calculating it correctly
AFCD requires the rabies vaccination to be both at least 30 days old AND not more than 12 months old on the date your pet arrives in Hong Kong. Both ends of this window are firm.
If your pet’s current Japanese vaccination was given 13 months ago, it fails. If you’re vaccinating specifically for this trip, give it at least 31 days before your planned HK arrival date. Japan’s domestic vaccination records are well-maintained, verify the exact date with your vet and calculate from your planned arrival.
Common questions
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