The journey from South Korea to Philippines for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Allow around 8-12 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track. Plan for 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
Work …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from South Korea to Philippines
typically takes around 8-12 weeks.
Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The South Korea to Philippines pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm pet is 120+ days old and microchip is in place
Responsible: Owner
Before SPSIC application
2
Complete rabies vaccination
Responsible: APQA-authorised vet
At least 14 days before SPSIC application submission
3
Apply for SPSIC online via BAI portal
Responsible: Owner or Philippine agent
After vaccination; allow 2-3 weeks for BAI processing
4
Receive SPSIC (valid 2 months)
Responsible: BAI
Book travel within validity window
5
Obtain APQA export health certificate
Responsible: APQA-authorised vet and APQA
Within 14 days of departure; APQA airport inspection at ICN
6
Book Korean Air or Philippine Airlines cargo
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Philippines
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. Must be administered at least 14 days before SPSIC application. South Korea is not classified as rabies-free, so the vaccination is not waived.
Quarantine
30 days at BAI quarantine facility on arrival at Manila. Mandatory for all pets from non-rabies-free countries.
Health certificate
APQA export health certificate issued within 14 days of travel.
Export permit (South Korea)
No formal export permit required for pet dogs and cats leaving South Korea.
Costs
What this route typically costs
APQA health certificate and inspection South Korea: KRW 50,000-130,000 (USD 38-100)
Rabies vaccination South Korea: KRW 15,000-40,000
SPSIC application BAI: nominal Philippine government fee
Korean Air or Philippine Airlines cargo ICN to MNL: USD 500-1,400 depending on crate
BAI 30-day quarantine Philippines: approximately PHP 15,000-30,000 (USD 250-530)
Philippine agent (recommended): USD 300-600
Total typical range: USD 1,200-2,700 for a medium dog
Critical points to read before you book
The SPSIC is valid for only 2 months. Book your travel date before applying so you land within the validity period.
Maximum 3 pets per SPSIC. If moving more than 3 animals, apply for multiple clearances.
South Korea is not classified as rabies-free, so BAI will not waive the rabies vaccination requirement. Ensure the vaccination is complete at least 14 days before SPSIC submission.
30-day BAI quarantine is mandatory for all pets from South Korea. Budget for facility fees as a fixed cost.
APQA inspection at Incheon airport adds time to check-in. Allow extra time at ICN.
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 direct ICN (Seoul Incheon) to MNL (Manila) flights. Small pets under 7 kg may be eligible for cabin travel on some routes; confirm for ICN-MNL. Larger pets travel as cargo. Korean Air Cargo is well-established on this route.
Cargo and Cabin
PHILIPPINE
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines (PR) operates direct MNL to ICN services. Pet cargo available. Contact PR Cargo for live animal booking. IATA-compliant crate required.
Cargo Only
CEBU PACIFIC
Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific operates ICN to MNL routes. Cargo for pets may be available; confirm with Cebu Pacific Cargo whether live animals are accepted on this specific corridor.
Cargo Only
How Philippines handles incoming pets
Philippines keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.
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 Philippines pet transport
No. The Philippines does not require a FAVN titre test. The main requirements are an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 14 days before SPSIC application, and a BAI SPSIC clearance obtained before travel.
The Philippines requires 30 days quarantine for all pets arriving from countries that are not certified as rabies-free by the World Organisation for Animal Health. South Korea has low rabies incidence but is not classified as rabies-free, so the quarantine applies.
Apply online through the Bureau of Animal Industry portal at bai.gov.ph. Submit your pet’s vaccination records, microchip details and a photograph. The rabies vaccination must be at least 14 days old at the time of application. Processing takes 2-3 weeks. The SPSIC is valid for 2 months.
Korean Air allows small pets under 7 kg (including carrier) in cabin on some international routes. You must confirm whether the ICN-MNL route qualifies for in-cabin pets on your specific dates. For larger dogs, hold cargo is the only option.
Airline guides
Korean Air
Philippine Airlines
Cebu Pacific
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your South Korea to Philippines pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.