Lead time needed
3-6 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Moderate
Airlines
4 carriers on this route
Start my quote
KR
MX

Pet Transport from South Korea to Mexico: 2026 Guide

The journey from South Korea to Mexico for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Give yourself close to 3-6 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on arrival. Work …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from South Korea to Mexico typically takes around 3-6 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Step by step

The South Korea to Mexico import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
Immediately. Vaccination must be current at Mexico entry.
Confirm ISO microchip and current rabies vaccination

Responsible: Vet in South Korea

2
Within 6 months before the health certificate issue date.
Document antiparasitic treatment

Responsible: Vet in South Korea

3
At least 7 days before the desired inspection date.
Apply to APQA for airport inspection

Responsible: You or pet transport agent

4
Typically 1-2 hours at the airport cargo facility.
APQA inspection at Incheon Airport

Responsible: APQA officer

5
Timed to remain within 15 days of Mexico arrival date.
Obtain official health certificate from APQA-authorised vet

Responsible: Vet + APQA

6
Before arriving in Mexico.
Complete FF-SENASICA-003 import form

Responsible: You (owner)

7
On arrival in Mexico. Present all documents to SENASICA officer.
SENASICA inspection at Mexican port of entry

Responsible: SENASICA officer

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Mexico

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
Required. ISO-standard microchip.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Mexico's SENASICA requires a valid rabies vaccination certificate …
Quarantine
No standard quarantine for healthy companion pets with complete documentation. …
Import permit
No advance import permit required for personal companion pets. SENASICA handles …
Health certificate
Official health certificate from an APQA-authorised vet in South Korea, endorsed …
Export permit
No separate export permit required for companion pets. The APQA (Animal and …
Costs

What this route typically costs

APQA export inspection fee: KRW 10,000 to KRW 30,000 (approximately …
Official health certificate from Korean vet + APQA endorsement: KRW …
Airline cargo fee Seoul to Mexico City: KRW 800,000 to KRW 2,500,000 …
IATA travel crate: KRW 80,000 to KRW 400,000 (approximately GBP 45 to …
Pet transport agent fee (optional): GBP 400 to GBP 900
Total typical range: GBP 1,000 to GBP 2,800

Critical points

The health certificate is valid for only 15 days from issue for SENASICA. Time the APQA inspection and certificate issue so that the document remains valid on your Mexico arrival date. Allow no more than 10 days between issue and arrival to be safe.

SENASICA will spray the travel crate with disinfectant on arrival in Mexico and will remove all bedding and accessories. Do not put anything in the crate you want to keep. Bring collar, leash, and essentials separately.

Book cargo space with Korean Air or Aeromexico well in advance on the ICN to MEX route. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance on the specific flight, not just the route.

If routing via a US hub, check whether your pet enters US customs at the hub. If it does, US CDC dog import documentation may be required. Confirm with the airline before booking.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Korean Air Cargo
Korean Air operates direct flights from Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Mexico City (MEX). Korean …
Cargo Only
Aeromexico
Aeromexico operates ICN to MEX service. Cargo pet acceptance available on select flights. …
Cargo Only
Japan Airlines (JAL)
Via Tokyo Narita (NRT). Seoul to NRT, then NRT to MEX. JAL has direct NRT to MEX flights …
Cargo Only
American Airlines Cargo
Via US hub (LAX or DFW). Seoul to US hub, then to Mexico City. Confirm live animal …
Cargo Only

Mexico import rules, explained

Mexico keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.

Practical tips for this move

Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.

Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.

Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.

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.

FAQ

Common questions

South Korea is not fully rabies-free in the same classification as Japan, but in any case Mexico’s SENASICA requires a valid rabies vaccination certificate from all origin countries without exception. Your pet needs a vaccination within the past 12 months to enter Mexico from South Korea. Carry the original vaccination record alongside the APQA certificate.
The FF-SENASICA-003 is Mexico’s official import declaration form for companion pets. There are separate versions for dogs and cats. The form confirms the pet is a personal companion animal and not being imported commercially. Complete the correct version before arriving in Mexico. SENASICA officers have copies at the airport, but completing it in advance is better.
APQA’s inspection fee is a government-set nominal charge, typically KRW 10,000 to KRW 30,000 (approximately GBP 6 to GBP 18). This is separate from the vet’s fee for preparing the health certificate. The main costs on the Korea side are the vet certificate preparation and the cargo fee.
Yes. The process is essentially the same for cats and dogs. Use the cat-specific FF-SENASICA-003 form. The APQA inspection covers cats. Mexico’s entry requirements (health certificate, rabies vaccination, antiparasitic treatment) apply equally to cats from South Korea.
Airline guides
  • Korean Air Cargo
  • Aeromexico
  • Japan Airlines (JAL)
  • American Airlines Cargo
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet to Mexico.

Get my free quote
KR MXSouth Korea to Mexico
International pet transport route
Lead time3-6 weeks
QuarantineNone
ComplexityModerate
Airlines4
ServiceDoor to door
Get a free quote for this route
Chat with us