Countries That Require Pet Quarantine | International Pet Transport Guide
Countries that require mandatory pet quarantine on arrival present the biggest planning challenge in international pet transport. Unlike paperwork delays, quarantine cannot be fast-tracked — your pet will spend days or weeks in a government facility regardless of how perfect your documents are.
This page covers every country in our database that imposes quarantine, including duration, facility, and cost estimates. All data is sourced from official government veterinary authorities.
Why Some Countries Require Quarantine
Quarantine protects national biosecurity. Countries that are rabies-free (or have eradicated specific diseases) use mandatory isolation to catch any incubating illness before it can spread. Australia is the clearest example: it is one of the world’s most disease-free nations and uses quarantine as a non-negotiable last line of defence.
Countries with endemic rabies or other livestock diseases tend to use documentation requirements (vaccinations, titre tests) rather than physical quarantine — though there are exceptions.
Countries Requiring Pet Quarantine
| Country | Duration | Quarantine Facility | Cost Responsibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 10-30 depending on country group and documentation | Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility | 2000-4000+ | - |
| Brazil | 30 days | MAPA quarantine station | Owner pays | - |
| China | 30 days (dogs); 7 days (cats, if from approved countries) — check current rules | GACC-approved quarantine facility | Owner pays all quarantine costs | Quarantine is mandatory. Facility and duration depends on origin country and species. Cats from some listed countries ma |
| India | 30 days | AQCS quarantine facility | Owner pays | 30-day quarantine at designated facility. |
| Indonesia | 30 days | Directorate of Animal Health facility | Owner pays | - |
| Israel | 1-3 days (inspection hold) | Ben Gurion Airport Quarantine Station | Owner pays | All dogs and cats undergo a mandatory veterinary inspection on arrival. This is an inspection hold of 1-3 days, not exte |
| Japan | 14 days | MAFF quarantine station | Owner pays | 14-day quarantine is mandatory at MAFF-designated facility. |
| Malaysia | 30 days | DVS quarantine station | Owner pays | - |
| Philippines | 30 days | BAI quarantine station | Owner pays | - |
| South Korea | 10 days | APQA facility | Owner pays | - |
| Sri Lanka | 21 days | DAPH Quarantine Station | Owner | 21-day mandatory quarantine for all dogs and cats. No exceptions. |
| Taiwan | 7 (approved low-risk countries) | BAPHIQ-designated Animal Quarantine Station, Taoyuan Airport | Owner | Quarantine duration depends on country of origin classification. Group 1 countries (US, UK, most EU, Japan, Australia, N |
| Thailand | 30 days | Department of Livestock quarantine facility | Owner pays | 30-day quarantine mandatory for all dogs and cats. |
Data compiled from official government veterinary portals. Always verify current rules directly with the destination country’s authority before travel.
Planning Around Quarantine
Book early. Australia’s Mickleham facility has limited spaces and must be booked months in advance. Japan’s MAFF stations also require advance reservation.
Timing matters. Australia issues heat stress warnings for December-February arrivals. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs and cats) face heightened risk in warm-weather quarantine. Consider scheduling arrivals in cooler months.
Pre-travel prep reduces risk. While quarantine duration is fixed, having all documentation correct on arrival prevents your pet being held for additional inspection or refused entry.
Budget realistically. Australia’s quarantine costs AUD 2,000-4,000+. Add flights, transport to the facility, and ongoing veterinary costs if your pet needs treatment during the stay.
Country-Specific Notes
Australia
All dogs and cats entering Australia must complete quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility near Melbourne, regardless of origin country. The minimum stay is 10 days; some arrivals spend up to 30 days. The facility is closed on weekends and public holidays — arrival dates must be planned around this. Summer arrivals (December-February) carry significant heatstroke risk for brachycephalic, elderly, or overweight animals.
Japan
Japan requires a 14-day quarantine at a MAFF-designated station. Dogs and cats arriving with fully compliant rabies titre test results and documentation from approved countries face a standard 14-day hold. Non-compliant paperwork triggers a 180-day hold — Japan’s regulatory framework is strict and unforgiving of documentation errors.
Taiwan
Taiwan’s quarantine duration depends on the origin country group as classified by BAPHIQ. Group 1 countries (US, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore) typically face 7-day quarantine. Group 2 countries face 21 days. Pets from non-approved countries or those without a valid titre test face up to 180 days.
China
Dogs typically face 30 days at a GACC-approved facility. Cats from approved countries may be eligible for 7-day quarantine. Rules change periodically — always check with the General Administration of Customs China (GACC) before planning travel.
South Korea
South Korea imposes a 10-day quarantine managed by APQA. Costs are owner-paid and relatively modest compared to Australia or Japan.
Israel
Israel’s “quarantine” is more accurately described as a 1-3 day inspection hold at Ben Gurion Airport Quarantine Station. Pets with compliant documentation are released after inspection. Non-compliant pets may be held longer or refused entry.
Sources: Australian DAFF, Japan MAFF, Taiwan BAPHIQ, China GACC, South Korea APQA, Philippines BAI, Malaysia DVS, India AQCS, Brazil MAPA, Indonesia Directorate of Animal Health, Israel Veterinary Services. Data current as of 2026-04-30.