Prepared by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
Within 14 days of travel.
APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian issues health certificate within 14 days of travel.
Responsible: APHA-authorised OV
2
6-8 weeks before travel.
Book cargo or cabin space on Korean Air, Asiana or via IAG Cargo.
Responsible: Owner or agent
Which South Korea rules depend on a pet coming from the United Kingdom?
South Korea sorts countries into 2 groups, and the United Kingdom falls in “Rabies-free countries”.
List as printed in law.go.kr annex 9 (개ㆍ고양이 등 수입동물 검역방법, art. 20) of the APQA notice 지정검역물의 검역방법 및 기준 (law.go.kr now shows notice 2026-43, in force from 30 September 2026, as current, and the annex 9 PDF it carries is word for word the same as the file at this URL; APQA's rabies-free page names the earlier notice 2024-31 of 31 July 2024 as the basis; the annex file itself is undated); it matches APQA's attachment for the first quarter of 2023, which added Montenegro. It changes with WOAH notifications, so confirm before travel. APQA says dogs and cats from these origins need no rabies vaccination or antibody test, only a microchip and the exporting-government certificate stating the microchip number and date of birth. Hendra/Nipah certification still applies to cats from Australia. Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
Rabies vaccination: Not required: dogs and cats under 90 days old, and dogs and cats from rabies-free countries, need no rabies vaccination before import; they still need a microchip and the exporting-government health certificate. Applies to dogs and cats under 90 days old or from rabies-free countries. Bring a dog or a cat to Korea, checked 2 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering South Korea, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our South Korea guide.
What does the United Kingdom require before your pet leaves?
We are still checking the export rules of the United Kingdom against official government pages, so they are not shown here yet.
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We handle the regulations for every animal, every country, every airline, so nothing on your United Kingdom 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.
Korean Air
Small dogs and cats (max 7 kg including cage) in the cabin. Larger pets as checked baggage or Korean Air Cargo. Seoul Incheon (ICN) hub. Direct London Heathrow to Seoul Incheon route.
Mixed
Asiana Airlines
Small pets in cabin (weight limits apply). Cargo for larger pets. Seoul Incheon hub.
Mixed
British Airways
No cabin pets on BA. Pets via IAG Cargo from London Heathrow. BA code-shares with Korean Air (oneworld alliance), which may offer routing options.
Cargo Only
Costs
What this route typically costs
International pet cargo or cabin fee (UK to South Korea): GBP 250 to GBP 1,800 depending on size and carrier
IATA-compliant crate (if cargo): GBP 80 to GBP 300
APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian health certificate: GBP 150 to GBP 400
Total typical range: GBP 1,000 to GBP 3,500
Critical points
Korean Air allows small dogs and cats in the cabin on direct London to Seoul flights. The pet plus cage must not exceed 7 kg. Book the cabin space when you book your own seat.
British Airways does not allow pets in the cabin on any international route. Pets travel via IAG Cargo.
FAQ
Common questions
Yes, on Korean Air’s direct London Heathrow to Seoul Incheon flight. Small dogs and cats are accepted in the cabin provided the pet plus cage weighs no more than 7 kg and the carrier fits under the seat. Asiana Airlines also offers cabin pet travel on qualifying routes. British Airways does not allow cabin pets on any international flight.
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm
current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
IATA· International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations