A move from Singapore to South Korea with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Around 4-22 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to …
Rabies vaccinationRequired and current. Post-microchip.
Rabies titre testSingapore is not an EU country. APQA may …
QuarantineMay apply depending on APQA …
Import permitNot required for companion animals. APQA …
Health certificateAVS-endorsed health certificate in APQA …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Singapore to South Korea
typically takes around 4-22 weeks.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
Do this first. Determines if titre test is required.
Verify current APQA classification for Singapore
Responsible: You or agent
2
Adds 12-22+ weeks.
If titre test required: vaccination, blood draw, mandatory wait
Responsible: Singapore vet + approved lab
3
As soon as travel date confirmed.
Submit APQA advance notification (5+ days before ICN arrival)
Responsible: You or agent
4
2+ weeks before departure.
Apply for AVS Export Licence
Responsible: You or agent via CITES e-Licence
5
2-4 weeks before travel.
Book Singapore Airlines or Korean Air SIN-ICN
Responsible: You or agent
6
Within 7 days of Singapore departure.
AVS-endorsed health certificate in APQA format
Responsible: AVS-accredited vet + AVS
7
Travel day.
APQA inspection at ICN on arrival.
Responsible: APQA
Checklist
What your pet needs
Every item below must be completed and verified before your pet can travel. Expand each category for the detail.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785 15-digit). Before vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required and current. Post-microchip.
Rabies titre test
Singapore is not an EU country. APQA may require a titre test for Singapore-origin pets. Verify current APQA classification for Singapore at APQA before starting.
Quarantine
May apply depending on APQA classification for Singapore. Verify at APQA.
Import permit
Not required for companion animals. APQA advance notification at least 5 days before ICN arrival mandatory.
Health certificate
AVS-endorsed health certificate in APQA format. Within 7 days of Singapore departure.
Official health certificate by AVS-accredited vet, endorsed by AVS. In APQA format. Within 7 days of departure.
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We handle the regulations for every animal, every country, every airline, so nothing on your Singapore to South Korea move gets missed.
Pet Transport Global
Airlines
Carriers on this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. Confirm the operating carrier's current policy for every flight segment.
Singapore Airlines
Direct SIN-ICN. Singapore Airlines Cargo. National carrier with strong AVS export familiarity at Changi.
Cargo Only
Korean Air
Direct SIN-ICN. Korean Air Cargo. Korean national carrier with APQA Incheon familiarity.
Cargo Only
Asiana Airlines
Direct SIN-ICN. Asiana Cargo. Alternative Korean option.
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Via Hong Kong HKG to ICN. Longer routing.
Cargo Only
Emirates
Via Dubai DXB to ICN. Summer restrictions may apply.
Cargo Only
Costs
What this route typically costs
Singapore Airlines or Korean Air Cargo SIN-ICN
IATA-compliant crate
AVS Export Licence fee
AVS-endorsed health certificate
Titre test if required
Agent fee
Critical points
APQA classification for Singapore determines if a titre test is required. Verify before planning.
AVS Export Licence is mandatory regardless of APQA requirements.
5-day APQA advance notification is mandatory. Don't overlook it.
Meeting South Korea's entry requirements
Getting a pet into South Korea is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.
Advice worth following
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
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.
FAQ
Common questions
It depends on APQA’s current classification for Singapore. Check with APQA before starting. EU countries are titre-test-exempt; Singapore’s status as a non-EU country may mean a titre test is required.
An AVS Export Licence is mandatory for all live animal exports from Singapore. Apply via the CITES e-Licence System at nparks.gov.sg/avs at least 2 weeks before departure.
3-6 weeks if no titre test is required. 14-22 weeks if APQA requires a titre test from Singapore-origin pets. Verify the APQA classification first.
APQA must be notified at least 5 days before your pet arrives at Seoul Incheon Airport. Your cargo agent submits this. Missing it causes inspection delays.
Singapore Airlines Cargo and Korean Air Cargo both operate direct SIN-ICN services. Singapore Airlines has strong Changi AVS export familiarity; Korean Air has APQA Incheon import expertise. Both are solid.
Ready when you are
Move your pet
to South Korea.
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