BRINGING A CAT FROMUnited States to South Korea
Cat · Moving
Bringing a dog instead?No quarantine when the paperwork is in order. Needs microchip, rabies antibody (titer) test, health certificate, arrival inspection and advance notice to the authority.
Always confirm with the destination's official authority and your airline before travelling.
Entry requirements · Not rabies free (every country not listed elsewhere)
Microchip, then a rabies antibody test (FAVN or RFFIT) with at least 0.5 IU/ml, from a blood sample taken within 24 months before arrival, at an internationally approved lab or a government lab of the exporting country. The chip number and the result go on the exporting government's health certificate. No waiting period after the test and no permit: release on the day of arrival. Without a valid result the pet is held at the owner's cost until it has one — the APQA notice has it vaccinated and tested 30 days later. Dogs and cats from Malaysia also need a Hendra/Nipah statement or test, otherwise 21 days' quarantine.
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.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
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.
Rabies neutralising antibody test, FAVN or RFFIT, result at least 0.5 IU/ml, done by an internationally approved laboratory (APQA points to the EU and Taiwan lists) or by the exporting country's government. The blood sample must be taken within 24 months before arrival. No minimum wait after the sample. Results from Korea's four recognised labs (original report) are also accepted.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Rabies neutralising antibody test, FAVN or RFFIT, result at least 0.5 IU/ml, done by an internationally approved laboratory (APQA points to the EU and Taiwan lists) or by the exporting country's government. The blood sample must be taken within 24 months before arrival. No minimum wait after the sample. Results from Korea's four recognised labs (original report) are also accepted.
- · pet is 90 days old or older on arrival
the blood sample date counts
Korea does not itself require a rabies vaccination or set its validity — only the antibody result. In practice the pet must be vaccinated to reach 0.5 IU/ml; the APQA FAQ describes testing 30 days after vaccination.
The Korean embassy in Norway says ELISA results are not accepted.
The same page recommends bringing a rabies vaccination certificate for the trip back.
Health certificate issued by the government veterinary authority of the exporting country, stating the microchip number, the date of birth, the blood sampling date, the laboratory and the antibody result in IU/ml (the lab or government titer report may be submitted separately instead), 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.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Health certificate issued by the government veterinary authority of the exporting country, stating the microchip number, the date of birth, the blood sampling date, the laboratory and the antibody result in IU/ml (the lab or government titer report may be submitted separately instead), 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.
issued before shipment; Korea sets no maximum age for the certificate
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.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
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.
Incheon Terminal 1: animal quarantine counters at baggage carousels 4, 11, 12 and 19; Terminal 2: carousels 1, 13 and 20 (8 planned) — per the APQA procedure page.
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.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
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.
- · 10 or more dogs and cats in one import
- Preparation time (our estimate, 8 weeks): Korea sets no waiting period after the blood sample, but the pet must reach 0.5 IU/ml — APQA's FAQ assumes the blood is drawn about 30 days after the rabies vaccination (4 weeks), then a lab turnaround of 2–4 weeks, then the certificate. Vaccinated pets with a valid result need only the certificate.
- Detention, when needed, is at the animal quarantine facility of the airport or port of arrival, or the nearest one if the port has none. The owner looks after the pet there; at Incheon Airport (Yeongjongdo) the care can be entrusted to the facility's keeper. All costs are the owner's. — Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA)
- The owner pays transport, upkeep, tests, microchipping and certificate fees for any detention. — Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA)
- If the result is below 0.5 IU/ml, APQA suggests asking the vet whether to revaccinate or to wait and retest. — Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA)
Entry requirements · Rabies free
Applies only if your origin counts as “Only from Hawaii” — the official list does not name it explicitly.
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.
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.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
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.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
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.
issued before shipment; Korea sets no maximum age for the certificate
The certificate must also show the age — pets from rabies-free countries do not need the titer items.
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.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
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.
Incheon Terminal 1: animal quarantine counters at baggage carousels 4, 11, 12 and 19; Terminal 2: carousels 1, 13 and 20 (8 planned) — per the APQA procedure page.
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.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
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.
- · 10 or more dogs and cats in one import
- Preparation time (our estimate, 2 weeks): Korea sets no waiting period, so the time is what the exporting government needs to issue the certificate after the chip is in; if the pet has no microchip yet, add the vet visit.
- Detention, when needed, is at the animal quarantine facility of the airport or port of arrival, or the nearest one if the port has none. The owner looks after the pet there; at Incheon Airport (Yeongjongdo) the care can be entrusted to the facility's keeper. All costs are the owner's. — Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA)
- The owner pays transport, upkeep, tests, microchipping and certificate fees for any detention. — Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA)
No quarantine when the paperwork is in order
Quarantine at a government quarantine station when no antibody result, or a result below 0.5 IU/ml, from an accepted lab — held at the quarantine station at the owner's cost; vaccinated, blood tested 30 days after the vaccination, released at once if ≥0.5 IU/ml, or given another vaccination and released the same day if still below (only if the clinical check is normal). The older English page gives an average extension of 10 days; the notice's 30 days is newer. — Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터); notice of APQA
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 (at the airport or port under supervision, or at the quarantine station)
Quarantine at a government quarantine station when the documents are deficient — taken to the quarantine station and held until the documents are completed — Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터); notice of APQA
21 days at a government quarantine station when dog or cat from Malaysia without the Hendra/Nipah certificate — 21 days' detention quarantine, then release if nothing abnormal is found — Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터); notice of APQA
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
The English APQA page says a detention for a missing chip or antibody result lasts 10 days on average and can be longer. This predates the current notice (30 days after vaccination).
Timeline
Working out your dates…
Documents
One paper per requirement above; carry originals. 0 of 4 ready.
Official fees
Fees the authorities publish for this route, in their own currency. Vet and airline charges are not included.
- Rabies antibody test (fluorescent antibody neutralisation) by APQAif the test is done in Korea by APQA's Seoul regional office — e.g. a pet that arrives without a valid result
- KRW 110,000 per animal
- Quarantine application fee, dogs and catslegal 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 authority
- “2) Dogs and cats — 10,000 won — per application” — Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터), checked 04 Oct 2026
- KRW 10,000 per consignment
Entry points
Where a pet may enter South Korea, per the rules.
- Airports: ICN, PUS, GMP, MWX, CJJ, TAE, CJUSeaports: Incheon Port, Busan Port, Gunsan Port, Pyeongtaek Port, Gwangyang Port, Sokcho PortList as of 2026-09-25IATA 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).Source:Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) (opens official site: Bringing cats and dogs to the Republic of Korea)· checked 04 Oct 2026
Airlines
Airline rules are separate from entry rules and change without notice — confirm in writing when you book. Only what the carriers' own pages say, read 25 Sep 2026. All airlines
- Lufthansa LHCabinYesHoldYesSnub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
- Emirates EKCabinNoHoldYesSnub-nosedCargo: only Nov – Apr
- CabinNoHoldYes, up to 45 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: not 1 May – 31 Oct
- Qantas QFCabinNoHoldCargo onlySnub-nosedNot stated
- CabinYesHoldNoSnub-nosedHold, cargo: no
- KLM KLCabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cmHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: no
- Air France AFCabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cmHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
- CabinNoHoldCargo onlySnub-nosedCargo: restricted
- CabinNoHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: restricted
Transit and stopovers
- 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.
- 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. — Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA)Sources disagree — confirm with the authority
- “In most cases, if you do not go through immigration inspection, your do not need to obtain a quarantine certificate. However, in the European Union (EU), even for layovers, quarantine documentation is required.” — Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA), checked 04 Oct 2026
Return trip to United States
Easy for a returning pet (no separate returning-resident rule; standard import rules apply), no lead time. No quarantine.
Full checklist for a cat from South Korea to United States
Leaving South Korea with the 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.
Source:Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) (opens official site: Dogs and Cats Export Quarantine; Quarantine Guide for Pet Export (Q&A))· checked 04 Oct 2026+2 more
Questions about South Korea
Answered in plain words from the authorities' own pages, each linked to its source.
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.
What they actually checked at the border
Reports from people who made this trip, read by a person before publishing.
No traveller reports here yet. If you have made this trip, tell the next person what was actually checked at the border.
Share your tripSources
Every requirement above comes from one of these pages. Last researched 25 Sep 2026. Seen a change? Tell us.
- Bringing cats and dogs to the Republic of Korea (opens official site)Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) · used for: microchip, rabies antibody (titer) test, health certificate, arrival inspection, advance notice to the authority, which origins the rule covers, quarantine, entry points, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Q&A for the import quarantine system of cats and dogs (opens official site)Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) · used for: microchip, rabies antibody (titer) test, health certificate, notes, this route · 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 · used for: rabies antibody (titer) test, quarantine, this route, which origins the rule covers · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2025-11-21
- 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 · used for: rabies antibody (titer) test, arrival inspection, this route · 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 · used for: health certificate, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2025-11-21
- 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 · used for: health certificate, arrival inspection, this route, leaving with the pet · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2025-11-21
- 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) · used for: advance notice to the authority, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-07-24
- 가축전염병 예방법 시행규칙 [별표 8] 검역기간 (Annex 8 — quarantine periods) (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터) · used for: quarantine, this route · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2021-10-14
- 가축전염병 예방법 시행규칙 [별표 18] 혈청검사 수수료 (Annex 18 — serum test fees) (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터) · used for: official fees, this route · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2021-10-14
- 가축전염병 예방법 시행규칙 [별표 19] 검역 수수료 (Annex 19 — quarantine fees) (opens official site)Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (국가법령정보센터) · used for: official fees, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2014-02-14
- [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) · used for: this route, leaving with the pet · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2025-03-19
- 광견병 비발생 국가(지역) / List of Rabies Free Countries (Regions) (opens official site)Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (농림축산검역본부), Animal Disease Management Department · used for: which origins the rule covers, this route · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-07-02
- 새로운 개·고양이 수입검역제도 FAQ (Q&A on the dog and cat import quarantine system) (opens official site)Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (농림축산검역본부) · used for: quarantine, this route · 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) · used for: transit, leaving with the pet · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Control of Communicable Diseases; Foreign Quarantine: Importation of Dogs and Cats — final rule (89 FR 41726) (opens official site)HHS / CDC, Federal Register · used for: return trip · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2024-05-13
Keep this checklist
More routes
Checklists for nearby trips — same rules engine, same official sources.