Prepared by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
2-3 months before travel.
ISO microchip confirmed. Current rabies vaccination. Confirm APQA titre test requirements for Vietnam.
Responsible: DAH-registered Vietnamese vet
2
After vaccination. Allow 2-3 weeks for titre result.
Titre test at approved laboratory. Await passing result. No post-titre waiting period under APQA rules.
Responsible: Vietnamese vet and approved laboratory
3
After titre result confirmed. Book 4-6 weeks before travel.
Book cargo: SGN or HAN to ICN (Vietnam Airlines or Korean Air).
Responsible: Owner or agent
4
Within 10 days of departure.
DAH-endorsed health certificate in APQA format issued within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: DAH-endorsed Vietnamese vet
5
Travel day.
Travel SGN or HAN to ICN. APQA inspection on arrival at Incheon. Same-day release if documents are correct.
Responsible: Airline and APQA
Which South Korea rules depend on a pet coming from Vietnam?
South Korea sorts countries into 2 groups, and Vietnam falls in “All other countries”.
Microchip and a rabies neutralising antibody result of at least 0.5 IU/ml (FAVN or RFFIT, sampled within 24 months before arrival) on the exporting-government certificate. APQA exempts animals under 90 days old from vaccination and the antibody test (microchip and certificate still needed). Official source
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 Vietnam require before your pet leaves?
Export health certificate: Before export, the owner sends a quarantine registration file (form 2a, plus the importing country's requirements and certificate template if any) to the Regional Sub-department of Livestock Production and Animal Health or an authorised provincial veterinary authority, which checks the file, examines the animal and issues the export quarantine certificate. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Vietnam. Thông tư 01/2026/TT-BNNMT quy định về kiểm dịch động vật, sản phẩm động vật trên cạn (PDF), checked 2 October 2026
Other conditions: The export file includes a document showing the importing country's (or owner's) veterinary requirements, if any; the office reviews the file within one working day and notifies the time and place of inspection. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Vietnam. Thông tư 01/2026/TT-BNNMT quy định về kiểm dịch động vật, sản phẩm động vật trên cạn (PDF), checked 2 October 2026
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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.
Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines operates Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Hanoi (HAN) to Seoul Incheon (ICN). Vietnam Airlines Cargo handles live animals on selected routes. Confirm live animal acceptance for your specific flight.
Cargo Only
Korean Air
Korean Air operates SGN and HAN to ICN with cargo services. Korean Air Cargo handles live animals. A reliable carrier for Vietnam to South Korea with strong infrastructure at both ends.
Cargo Only
Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines operates Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Incheon. Asiana Cargo accepts live animals on this route. Confirm availability for your crate size and travel date.
Cargo Only
Costs
What this route typically costs
Vietnamese vet fees and DAH health certificate endorsement: USD 100-250
Titre test at approved laboratory: USD 100-200
Air cargo SGN or HAN to ICN: USD 600-2,000 depending on crate size
APQA inspection fee on arrival: approximately KRW 18,000-30,000 (approximately USD 14-23)
Total typical range: USD 1,000-3,000
Critical points
Confirm current APQA requirements at qia.go.kr before preparing. Requirements can change and Vietnam-specific conditions apply.
Unlike Japan, South Korea does not impose a post-titre waiting period. A passing titre result means you can book travel immediately.
All original documents must travel with the pet. Copies are not accepted by APQA at Incheon.
Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Do not issue it earlier.
FAQ
Common questions
No. South Korea’s APQA does not impose a post-titre waiting period. If a titre test is required for Vietnamese pets and the result passes, you can book travel immediately after receiving the result. This is a key difference from Japan’s 180-day post-titre wait.
Typically 2 to 3 months from the first vet visit. If a titre test is required, allow 2 to 3 weeks for the result. No extended waiting period applies. Always check current requirements at qia.go.kr before preparing.
APQA staff conduct a clinical inspection of your pet on arrival. They verify the microchip, check the health certificate, vaccination records, and titre test documentation. For pets from non-rabies-free countries, this inspection is standard. If all documents are correct, your pet is released on the same day.
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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