Pet Transport from New Zealand to South Korea

APQA categorises origin countries based on rabies risk. New Zealand, being effectively rabies-free and maintaining high veterinary standards, is treated as a recognised low-risk origin. This removes the titre test and waiting period requirements that plague pet moves from many other countries.

The requirements are simple: ISO-compliant microchip, current rabies vaccination (post-microchip), advance APQA notification at least 5 days before arrival, and an MPI-issued health certificate in APQA’s required format within 10 days of travel. When the paperwork is right, APQA inspection at Incheon is typically completed the same day.

There’s no direct Auckland-Seoul cargo service, so all routings involve at least one transit. The two most practical options are Air New Zealand (your national carrier, with strong cargo infrastructure) connecting via a Pacific hub, and Korean Air Cargo connecting from Auckland via their Pacific network to Incheon.

Singapore Airlines via Singapore and Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong are also used on this corridor. Whichever airline you choose, confirm live animal cargo acceptance and temperature-controlled hold availability before booking. Pacific routes can be affected by seasonal temperature embargoes for some animal cargo.