The journey from South Korea to Malaysia for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Allow about 8-24 weeks; the requirements are detailed but predictable once mapped out. Plan for 14 days of quarantine on …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from South Korea to Malaysia
typically takes around 8-24 weeks.
Expect 14 days of quarantine on arrival.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The South Korea to Malaysia pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Contact DVS Malaysia to confirm South Korea's classification and whether titre test is required
Responsible: Owner or Malaysian agent
First step before any other preparation
2
Administer rabies vaccination
Responsible: APQA-authorised vet
At least 30 days before planned travel or titre test blood draw
3
Draw blood for FAVN titre test (if required by DVS)
Responsible: Vet and OIE-approved lab
At least 30 days after rabies vaccination
4
Apply for DVS pre-approval and MAQIS import permit
Responsible: Owner or Malaysian agent
Allow 2-4 weeks for processing
5
Observe 3-month wait from successful titre result (if titre test required)
Responsible: Owner
90 days from test result date
6
Parasite treatment
Responsible: Vet
2-7 days before departure
7
APQA export health certificate
Responsible: APQA-authorised vet
Within 14 days of travel
8
Book Korean Air or Asiana Cargo
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Malaysia
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required.
Rabies vaccination
Required at least 30 days before entry. South Korea is not classified as rabies-free, so vaccination is mandatory.
Rabies titre test
FAVN titre test required for pets from non-scheduled countries. South Korea's classification by DVS Malaysia should be confirmed; if classified as a non-scheduled country, the full 3-month wait applies. Contact DVS Malaysia to confirm.
Quarantine
Minimum 14 days at a DVS government quarantine station (revised December 2024). Duration based on risk classification.
Import permit
DVS pre-approval and MAQIS import permit required before travel.
Health certificate
APQA health certificate issued within 14 days of travel.
Export permit (South Korea)
No formal export permit required for pet cats and dogs leaving South Korea.
Costs
What this route typically costs
FAVN titre test South Korea (if required): KRW 100,000-250,000 at OIE-approved lab (USD 75-190)
APQA health certificate: KRW 30,000-80,000
Rabies vaccination South Korea: KRW 15,000-40,000
Korean Air or Asiana Cargo ICN to KUL: USD 600-1,700 depending on crate
DVS quarantine Malaysia 14 days: approximately RM 400-800
MAQIS permit: RM 200-400
Malaysian agent (recommended): USD 400-800
Total typical range: USD 1,500-4,000 depending on whether titre test applies
Critical points to read before you book
The most important first step is confirming with DVS Malaysia whether South Korea is classified as a scheduled or non-scheduled country. This determines whether the 90-day titre test wait is required and shapes the entire timeline.
Do not assume the titre test is waived for South Korea. DVS classification lists can change. Confirm the current position before beginning.
Malaysia updated its quarantine period in December 2024. Minimum quarantine is now 14 days. Confirm this is still current before booking.
Both DVS pre-approval and MAQIS import permit must be in hand before travel. Arriving without permits leads to detention.
Malaysia's breed bans are enforced at KLIA. Check whether your breed is on the restricted list before committing to this route.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
KOREAN AIR
Korean Air
Korean Air operates ICN (Seoul Incheon) to KUL (Kuala Lumpur) direct. Small pets under 7 kg (including carrier) may travel in-cabin on some routes; confirm for this specific route. Larger pets in hold cargo via Korean Air Cargo.
Cargo and Cabin
ASIANA
Asiana Airlines
Asiana (OZ) operates ICN to KUL with cargo for live animals. Contact Asiana Cargo for live animal booking. IATA-compliant crate required.
Cargo Only
MALAYSIA
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines operates KUL to ICN direct. MASKargo handles live animal shipments. Practical option given its KLIA arrival hub familiarity.
Cargo Only
How Malaysia handles incoming pets
Malaysia asks for several pieces of paperwork, and they all need to line up. A checklist and a clear timeline are your best tools here.
What experienced owners do
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.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
FAQ
Common questions about South Korea to Malaysia pet transport
Possibly. Whether the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait apply depends on how Malaysia’s DVS classifies South Korea. This is the first thing to confirm with DVS Malaysia before planning. Do not assume the test is either required or waived; get a current answer from DVS.
Minimum 14 days at a DVS government quarantine station at KLIA, as of December 2024. The period can be extended at DVS discretion. Confirm the current minimum with DVS or your Malaysian agent before booking.
DVS pre-approval from the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services and a MAQIS import permit from Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services. Both must be in hand before the pet is shipped. A pet arriving without these permits will be detained.
Yes. Malaysia prohibits American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers and their crosses. Check the full DVS breed restriction list to confirm whether your breed is permitted before booking.
Airline guides
Korean Air
Asiana Airlines
Malaysia Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.