Bringing a dog or cat to South Korea
From easy to moderate, depending on which of the authority's 2 origin groups your pet starts in.
Requirements
It depends on where you're coming from. Pick your country, or compare the origin groups the authority itself uses below.
Dog from Germany (Rabies free): 8 requirements
Open as my dated checklist- 01MicrochipMicrochip for every dog and cat, any age. ISO 11784/11785; with any other chip, bring your own reader (or a new chip is implanted). The number must be on the health certificate.
- 02One of the following
- 2aHealth certificateHealth certificate issued by the government veterinary authority of the exporting country, stating the microchip number and the date of birth, that the animal is healthy and cannot spread contagious animal diseases, the issuing agency, date, name and signature of the issuer. Original (or an e-certificate accepted by APQA), issued before the pet leaves; a certificate not in Korean or English may need a certified translation.
- Before departure — issued before shipment; Korea sets no maximum age for the certificate
Source:Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) (opens official site: Bringing cats and dogs to the Republic of Korea)· checked 04 Oct 2026 - 2bEU pet passportInstead of the certificate: an EU pet passport issued in an EU member state (or Northern Ireland) — only when the pet departs from an EU member state (or Northern Ireland). Not for passports of Switzerland, Norway or Great Britain.
- 03Arrival inspectionMark quarantine items on the customs declaration on board. After landing, before passing customs, take the pet and the certificate to the APQA animal quarantine counter (Incheon: next to baggage carousels). Document check, chip check and clinical examination; if all is in order the officer stamps the customs declaration and the pet is released.
- 04Advance notice to the authorityOnly when importing 10 or more dogs and cats at once (unweaned young with their mother excluded): notify APQA in advance and get approval to use an animal quarantine facility. Up to 9 need no notification. The deadline is set by APQA notice and was not found — ask APQA.
- Only if: 10 or more dogs and cats in one import
- 05Arrival inspectionDogs of the breeds APQA treats as dangerous for quarantine purposes: the clinical examination and chip check are done with the importer present (or a dog handler on the importer's behalf).
- Only if: Only for: Bull Terrier family (incl. Pit Bull Terrier), Mastiff family, American Staffordshire Terrier, Cane Corso, Tosa Inu, Dobermann, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Caucasian Ovcharka, Jindo, Chow Chow, wolf hybrid
- 06Import formDangerous-dog import report (맹견수입신고) to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (online through the national animal protection information system is allowed), within 7 days of the Korean quarantine certificate: breed, purpose, where the dog will be kept, date of the quarantine certificate, registration number if registered. Not reporting: fine up to 3 million won.
- At most 7 days after arrival — counted from the day the Korean quarantine certificate is issued at the border
- Only if: Only for: Tosa and crosses, Pit Bull Terrier (incl. American Pit Bull Terrier) and crosses, American Staffordshire Terrier and crosses, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and crosses, Rottweiler and crosses
- 07Pet licenceDangerous-dog keeping permit (맹견사육허가) from the metropolitan city or province governor: the dog must be registered, insured (liability insurance, at least 80 million won per death) and neutered (a dog under 8 months within 30 days of reaching 8 months), and pass a temperament assessment; the permit can be refused. Apply within 30 days of acquiring ownership (how this counts for a dog you already own is not stated). The keeper must be an adult (19+). Keeping without a permit: up to 1 year in prison or a 10 million won fine.
- Only if: Only for: Tosa and crosses, Pit Bull Terrier (incl. American Pit Bull Terrier) and crosses, American Staffordshire Terrier and crosses, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and crosses, Rottweiler and crosses
Dog from Germany: 8 requirements.
In short: Microchip and a health certificate from the exporting country's government stating the chip number and date of birth. No rabies vaccination, antibody test, waiting period or permit. Present the pet to the animal quarantine counter before customs; release on the day of arrival. Cats from Australia also need a Hendra/Nipah statement or test, otherwise 21 days' quarantine.
Always confirm with the destination's official authority and your airline before travelling.
Compare by origin group
The groups are the authority's own lists. Pick a cell to see that group's checklist above.
| From | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
Rabies free 61 placesAndorra, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Comoros, Cyprus, Czechia, Djibouti, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Martinique, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montenegro, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Réunion, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, São Tomé and Príncipe, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna | ||
Not rabies free (every country not listed elsewhere) |
Quarantine
No quarantine when the paperwork is in order
Quarantine at the port of entry when no microchip, the chip cannot be read, or its number differs from the certificate — held until a (new) chip is implanted at the owner's cost; a simple implantation can be done at the airport or port under a quarantine officer's supervision
Quarantine at a government quarantine station when the documents are deficient — taken to the quarantine station and held until the documents are completed
21 days at a government quarantine station when cat from Australia without the Hendra/Nipah certificate — 21 days' detention quarantine, then release if nothing abnormal is found
If the pet does not meet the rules: no government health certificate — entry refused and the pet is sent back, at the owner's cost.
Official fees
- Quarantine application fee, dogs and catsOnly legal fee per quarantine application ("신청건당"). APQA names it for pets held in quarantine; its pages do not say whether it is charged when a pet is released at the arrival counter with a stamp (the Rule allows waiving fees in that case).Sources disagree — confirm with the authorityKorea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터)
- KRW 10,000 per consignment
Official fees only. Vet, airline and courier prices are not part of the rules.
Going back to Germany
Returning to Germany from South Korea: 0 weeks; a rabies antibody test is needed. Timing set by: Rabies antibody (titer) test.
Germany guideApproved entry points
Airports: ICN, PUS, GMP, MWX, CJJ, TAE, CJU
Seaports: Incheon Port, Busan Port, Gunsan Port, Pyeongtaek Port, Gwangyang Port, Sokcho Port
3 notes on this list
IATA airport codes are our mapping of the airport names in the source.
This is APQA's list of animal quarantine offices, not a closed legal list. By law, quarantine articles must enter through ports open under the Customs Act (Enforcement Rule Art. 39); the Korean APQA pages also list Yangyang Airport (YNY) and Gangneung Port. Arriving elsewhere: ask APQA first.
Pets that are held go to the animal quarantine facility at the port of arrival, or the nearest one if there is none; Incheon Airport has its own detention facility (Yeongjongdo).
List as of 25 Sep 2026Source:Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) (opens official site: Bringing cats and dogs to the Republic of Korea)· checked 04 Oct 2026
Breed bans
The researched rules of South Korea name no breed ban. Airlines may still refuse flat-faced and restricted breeds.
Transit through South Korea
No APQA text on pets changing planes in Korea without entering was found. A pet that stays airside is not imported, so the import rules should not apply, but confirm with the airline and APQA; a pet that leaves the transit area (or changes airport) must meet the full import rules.
Our note, not a rule.APQA's own general statement on layovers (written for Korean pets transiting other countries) is that a quarantine certificate is usually not needed where the traveller does not pass immigration; it recommends direct flights.
Sources disagree — confirm with the authority
Leaving South Korea with your pet
Visit the APQA office at the airport or port with the pet and the vet's vaccination and health certificates; after a document check and clinical exam APQA issues the export quarantine certificate. Fee 10,000 won per case.
The vet's vaccination and health certificate must be issued within 10 days before departure (unless the destination sets other terms).
Incheon Airport Terminals 1 and 2 issue export certificates every day, 09:00–18:00; other offices on weekdays. Busy days may prevent same-day issue — book ahead.
Keep the export certificate: a pet that left with it can come back to Korea on it, if it shows the microchip number.
Pets flying within Korea (e.g. to Jeju) need no quarantine certificate; airline rules still apply.
Rule changes
No dated change in the researched rules of South Korea. Tell us if you know of one.
Good to know
Dogs and cats are designated quarantine articles. A traveller bringing one in must report it to the animal quarantine office at the airport or port on arrival and have it inspected.
Not reporting a pet (or other quarantine article) carried as personal effects can be fined up to 10 million won.
The rule applies to cats and dogs of all ages: every one needs a microchip, and the antibody test is required from 90 days of age for pets from countries that are not rabies-free.
The list of rabies-free countries changes automatically: a country is removed when it reports rabies to WOAH and added when its government declares rabies freedom to WOAH. APQA publishes the current list on its website — check it shortly before travelling.
No dog breed is banned from import. Five "dangerous dog" (맹견) breeds and their crosses — Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier (incl. American Pit Bull Terrier), American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler — need a dangerous-dog import report within 7 days and a keeping permit (registration, liability insurance, neutering, temperament assessment). See the steps in each dog rule.
Our note, not a rule.After arrival: dogs aged 2 months or more kept in a home (or kept as companions elsewhere) must be registered with the city, county or district office (동물등록); registration fits an RFID identifier (microchip). The decree counts 30 days from acquiring ownership or reaching the registration age; how this applies to a dog brought from abroad is not stated — ask the local office. Not registering can be fined up to 1 million won. Cats are not covered.
The same registration duty covers dogs of 2 months or more kept as companions outside a home.
Owners who do not register a dog that must be registered can be fined up to 1 million won.
Pet food: this research did not cover what pet food a traveller may bring (APQA notice Annex 17 regulates imported pet food). Ask APQA before packing food.
Our note, not a rule.
Questions about South Korea
Answered in plain words from the authorities' own pages, each linked to the page it comes from. Confirm with the authority before travelling.
01What documents do I need to bring my dog or cat into South Korea?
You must provide a health certificate issued by the government of the exporting country. For pets coming from EU member states, a Pet Passport can be used instead of this certificate.
02What are the requirements for the rabies antibody test?
The test result must be 0.5 IU/ml or higher. This result is valid for 24 months from the date the blood sample was collected.
03Do all dogs and cats need a rabies antibody test?
No. Pets under 90 days old or those arriving from rabies-free areas are exempt, provided their age is verified on the health certificate.
04Does my pet need a microchip?
Yes, all dogs and cats must have a microchip implanted, regardless of their age.
05What happens if I arrive without a government-certified health certificate?
The pet will not be allowed to enter the country and will have to be returned.
06How long is the quarantine period upon arrival?
Pets are released on the same day if they have a microchip and a rabies titer of 0.5 IU/ml or more. Otherwise, quarantine is extended until these requirements are met.
07What specific information must be included in the health certificate?
It must list the birth date, microchip number, rabies titer result, test date, and the testing laboratory. It also needs the issuing authority's name, date, and the official's signature, plus a statement that the animal is healthy.
08Are there extra health requirements for pets coming from Australia or Malaysia?
Cats from Australia and dogs or cats from Malaysia must provide proof that their region is free of Hendra and Nipah viruses. Otherwise, they need a blood test within 14 days before export and proof of residence in a virus-free area for 60 days.
09What if my pet has a microchip that is not ISO standard?
If the microchip is not ISO standard, the importer must provide a reader that can scan it.
10Who pays for the costs if my pet is held in quarantine?
The owner is responsible for all expenses, including transport, care during the stay, titer tests, microchip implantation, and certificate fees.
11How is my pet fed while in quarantine?
Feeding and care are the owner's responsibility. However, at the Incheon Airport (Yeongjongdo) facility, you may entrust care to a caretaker.
12What happens if my pet arrives without a rabies antibody test or with a result below 0.5 IU/ml?
An internationally accredited agency will perform the test, and the owner must pay the cost. The animal will remain in quarantine until the titer is confirmed to be 0.5 IU/ml or higher.
13What happens if my pet's microchip cannot be read or the number does not match the health certificate?
The quarantine period will be extended until the animal receives a new microchip implant.
14Where will my pet be held if they are placed in quarantine?
Pets are kept in an animal quarantine facility at the airport or port of entry. If no facility exists there, they are moved to a nearby quarantine facility.
15Who is responsible for taking care of my pet while they are in quarantine?
The animal owner is responsible for the upkeep of pets in the facility. However, for pets quarantined at Incheon Airport, owners may entrust care to the staff in charge.
Checklists to South Korea
Step-by-step route pages for the origins people move from most, dated timeline and all.
No traveller reports for South Korea yet. If you have made this trip, tell the next person what was actually checked at the border.
Share your tripEvery official page behind this guide, with the last day its text was confirmed unchanged.
- Bringing cats and dogs to the Republic of Korea (opens official site)Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Dogs and Cats Export Quarantine; Quarantine Guide for Pet Export (Q&A) (opens official site)Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Q&A for the import quarantine system of cats and dogs (opens official site)Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 새로운 개·고양이 수입검역방법 (import quarantine method for dogs and cats) (opens official site)Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (농림축산검역본부) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 새로운 개·고양이 수입검역제도 FAQ (Q&A on the dog and cat import quarantine system) (opens official site)Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (농림축산검역본부) · checked 04 Oct 2026
Show all 20 sources
- 광견병 비발생 국가(지역) / List of Rabies Free Countries (Regions) (opens official site)Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (농림축산검역본부), Animal Disease Management Department · checked 25 Sep 2026
- 개고양이 검역절차 — 입·출국 시 (dogs and cats — quarantine when leaving and entering Korea) (opens official site)Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (농림축산검역본부), Animal Quarantine Division · checked 04 Oct 2026
- [한국 입국] 반려동물 입국시 준비 사항 안내 (bringing a pet into Korea) (opens official site)Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Norway (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 가축전염병 예방법 (Act on the Prevention of Contagious Animal Diseases), Articles 31–41, 46, 60 (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 가축전염병 예방법 시행규칙 (Enforcement Rule of the Act on the Prevention of Contagious Animal Diseases), Articles 31–45-4 (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 가축전염병 예방법 시행규칙 [별표 18] 혈청검사 수수료 (Annex 18 — serum test fees) (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터) · checked 25 Sep 2026
- 가축전염병 예방법 시행규칙 [별표 19] 검역 수수료 (Annex 19 — quarantine fees) (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 가축전염병 예방법 시행규칙 [별표 8] 검역기간 (Annex 8 — quarantine periods) (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터) · checked 25 Sep 2026
- 동물보호법 (Animal Protection Act), Articles 2, 15, 17, 18, 23, 97, 101 (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터) · checked 25 Sep 2026
- 동물보호법 시행규칙 (Enforcement Rule of the Animal Protection Act), Articles 2–3 (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 동물보호법 시행령 (Enforcement Decree of the Animal Protection Act), Articles 4, 10, 12-2, 12-3, 13 (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 지정검역물의 검역방법 및 기준 (Quarantine methods and standards for designated quarantine articles) — body (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터); notice of APQA · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 지정검역물의 검역방법 및 기준 [별표 10] 개·고양이 검역증 기재사항 (Annex 10 — particulars of the dog/cat certificate) (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터); notice of APQA · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 지정검역물의 검역방법 및 기준 [별표 3] 수출 후 반송물품의 검역방법 및 기준 (Annex 3 — articles brought back after export) (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터); notice of APQA · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 지정검역물의 검역방법 및 기준 [별표 9] 개·고양이 등 수입동물 검역방법 (Annex 9 — import quarantine of dogs, cats etc.) (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터); notice of APQA · checked 04 Oct 2026