In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Japan to United Kingdom
typically takes around 6-10 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
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Overview
Getting a pet from Japan to United Kingdom is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is a middle of the road route, and about 6-10 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely.
A rabies titre test is not needed for this route. Start with the step by step process below and build your plan from there.
Step by step
The Japan to United Kingdom process
1
Verify now.
Confirm microchip pre-dates rabies vaccination and 21-day wait is complete
Responsible: Vet
2
4-6 weeks ahead.
Book cargo space on Japan to UK route
Responsible: Owner or agent
3
Close to travel, within the UK-required window.
AQS export inspection and health certificate
Responsible: Japan AQS
4
24 to 120 hours before scheduled arrival in Great Britain.
For dogs: tapeworm treatment within the required window
Responsible: Vet in Japan
5
On travel date. Direct Tokyo-Heathrow is around 12-14 hours.
Travel to UK as cargo
Responsible: Airline cargo
6
On arrival. Pet released after clearance.
APHA Border Inspection Post at Heathrow. Documents and microchip verified.
Responsible: APHA
Checklist
United Kingdom: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days must have passed since the primary vaccination course before entering Great Britain.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Japan is on the UK's list of approved countries.
Quarantine
Not required with correct documentation. Penalty quarantine up to 120 days for non-compliant arrivals.
Import permit
No import permit. The endorsed health certificate (or AHC equivalent) serves as the entry document.
Health certificate
Endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel. For dogs, tapeworm treatment recorded 24-120 hours before arrival in Great Britain.
Export inspection certificate from AQS. No separate export permit fee.
Health certificate
Export health certificate from a Japan Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) inspection, in the format required for UK entry.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Cargo airline fee: JPY 200,000 to JPY 500,000 from Tokyo to Heathrow depending on crate size
2
AQS export inspection and health certificate: JPY 5,000 to JPY 20,000
3
Tapeworm treatment (dogs): JPY 3,000 to JPY 10,000
4
Pet transport agent fee: JPY 80,000 to JPY 250,000
5
IATA-compliant travel crate: JPY 10,000 to JPY 50,000
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Tapeworm treatment for dogs has a strict 24 to 120 hour window before arrival in Great Britain. Calculate from your scheduled UK arrival time. Cats and ferrets do not need it.
⚠ Japan's AQS export inspection is required before departure. Coordinate the timing with AQS and your airline.
⚠ Microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination, and at least 21 days must have passed since the primary course.
⚠ Great Britain bans Pit Bull Terrier types, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. The Japanese Tosa is notable here as a Japanese breed that cannot be imported to GB.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Japan Airlines
Direct Tokyo to Heathrow cargo pet service. Primary carrier.
Cargo Only
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Tokyo to Heathrow. Cargo pet service, well-regarded for handling.
Cargo Only
British Airways
Tokyo to Heathrow direct. Pets via IAG Cargo.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into United Kingdom
United Kingdom 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
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.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
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.
FAQ
Common questions
No. Japan is on the UK’s list of approved countries, so pets from Japan do not require a titre test for Great Britain entry. The standard requirements apply: microchip (implanted before vaccination), a current rabies vaccination (21-day wait complete), an endorsed health certificate, and tapeworm treatment for dogs. This makes Japan to UK much simpler than the reverse direction.
No, not with correct documentation. Provided your microchip, rabies vaccination, endorsed health certificate, and tapeworm treatment (for dogs) are all in order, your pet is released at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre after the APHA inspection. Penalty quarantine only applies to non-compliant arrivals, such as incorrect documentation or mistimed tapeworm treatment.
Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) carries out an export inspection and issues the export health certificate for your pet. This is a standard part of exporting a pet from Japan. Coordinate the timing with AQS and your airline so the certificate falls within the UK-required window before travel. Your pet transport agent can help arrange the AQS inspection.
No. Tapeworm (echinococcus) treatment is required for dogs only. Cats and ferrets are exempt. Your cat needs a microchip (implanted before vaccination), a current rabies vaccination, and an endorsed health certificate, but no tapeworm treatment and a minimal process at the UK border.
Airline guides
Japan Airlines
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
British Airways
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.