United Kingdom → South Korea

Microchip 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.

Health 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.

Instead 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.

Mark 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.

Only 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.

Dogs 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).

Dangerous-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.

Dangerous-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.