Pet Transport South Korea to France: 2026 Guide
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
The South Korea to France process
Responsible: Vet in South Korea
Responsible: Vet in South Korea
Responsible: Official vet and EU-approved laboratory
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: APQA-registered vet plus APQA endorsement
Responsible: Airline cargo and French customs
France: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination. |
| Rabies vaccination | Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination. |
| Rabies titre test | Required. South Korea is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test at an EU-approved laboratory. Result must be 0.5 IU/ml or above. 3-month wait from blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026. |
| Quarantine | No quarantine for compliant pets. French customs inspects at Paris CDG. |
| Import permit | No import permit required. APQA-endorsed EU-format health certificate is the required document. |
| Health certificate | EU-format certificate endorsed by APQA, issued within 10 days of travel. |
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | No formal export permit required for companion animals from South Korea. Primary departure airport: Seoul Incheon (ICN). |
| Health certificate | Official veterinary health certificate issued by an APQA-registered official vet and endorsed by APQA (Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency). EU-format required. Issued within 10 days of travel. |
What this route typically costs
| 1 | APQA certificate and endorsement: KRW 50,000-150,000 (approximately EUR 35-110) |
| 2 | FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170 |
| 3 | IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed |
| 4 | Cargo ICN to CDG (Korean Air or Air France direct): EUR 800-1,800 depending on crate size |
| 5 | Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 150-400 |
| 6 | Total typical range: EUR 1,200-2,700 |
Read before you book
Airlines on this route
FAVN titre test, 3-month wait, and APQA from South Korea
Under EU Regulation 576/2013, South Korea is a non-listed third country. Your pet must have a FAVN titre test result of at least 0.5 IU/ml from an EU-approved laboratory, followed by a 3-month waiting period from the blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
The sequence is fixed: ISO microchip first, then rabies vaccination with a 21-day wait, then blood drawn at an EU-approved laboratory. The 3-month clock starts on the blood draw date, not when the results arrive. APQA (Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency) endorses the EU-format health certificate on the export side. An APQA-registered official vet issues it within 10 days of travel; APQA endorses it before departure. Allow five months from starting the process.
Korean Air and Air France direct to CDG and France's Category 1 breed check
Korean Air Cargo and Air France Cargo both operate direct from Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Paris CDG and accept live animals. The direct service avoids a hub transfer, which reduces handling time for the animal. French customs carries out the arrival inspection at CDG.
France’s breed legislation divides restricted breeds into two categories. Category 1 covers Pit Bull type dogs without official LOF or FCI breed registration; these cannot be imported. Category 2 covers Rottweiler and American Staffordshire Terrier with recognised pedigree; these can enter with ongoing restrictions. Most breeds common in South Korea are unaffected, but confirm breed status before starting the five-month preparation if there is any uncertainty.
Common questions
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