Bringing a pet to North Korea

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

North Korea has no published pet import scheme. Entry is discretionary and handled through the DPRK embassy in the origin country and the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Service in Pyongyang. A permit, health certificate, rabies vaccination, and quarantine are standard. Rules are applied inconsistently and can change without notice.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to North Korea.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

30 days

Held at a state-designated animal quarantine facility in or near Pyongyang. Owner visits are not guaranteed. Duration is set on arrival by the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Service and can be extended.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the DPRK embassy or consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

No published breed-specific ban for dogs entering North Korea. Because import is discretionary, any large or fighting-type breed may be refused by the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Service. Brachycephalic breeds are not banned by North Korea but may be refused by the airline on welfare grounds for the Pyongyang route.

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
International health certificate endorsed by the DPRK embassy
Import permit from the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Service
Owner passport and DPRK visa or entry permit
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200. DPRK import permit and quarantine fees are not publicly listed and are quoted by the sponsoring embassy or tour operator; budget several hundred USD and confirm current amounts with the DPRK mission and a local vet.

No bilateral pet-travel agreement is known to exist. Quarantine and permit requirements are not waived for any origin.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

30 days

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the DPRK embassy or consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
International health certificate endorsed by the DPRK embassy
Import permit from the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Service
Owner passport and DPRK visa or entry permit
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250. DPRK import permit and quarantine fees are not publicly listed and are quoted by the sponsoring embassy or tour operator; budget several hundred USD and confirm current amounts with the DPRK mission and a local vet.

No published low-risk exemption list. Most non-DPRK origins are treated as requiring a titer test and permit.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

60 days

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the DPRK embassy or consulate · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
International health certificate endorsed by the DPRK embassy
Import permit from the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Service
Owner passport and DPRK visa or entry permit
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Declaration that the dog has not been in a rabies-enzootic area in the previous 12 months

Rough budget

Approval is discretionary and can be refused without explanation.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only with advance permission from the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Service, normally arranged through the DPRK embassy in your country or a government-approved sponsor. There is no walk-up or tourist-visa pet import. Expect a permit, a health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination, and a quarantine period of at least 30 days.

Plan for a minimum of 30 days at a state-designated facility in or near Pyongyang. Dogs from high-risk rabies origins are commonly held for 60 days or longer, and the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Service can extend the period on arrival. Owner visits are not guaranteed.

For most origins, yes. A FAVN or equivalent test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, is normally required before the import permit is issued. Only a small number of origins may be treated as exempt, and this is decided case-by-case.

There is no published non-commercial cap, but in practice a single traveller is normally allowed one dog. Bringing two or more requires separate authorisation and may be treated as a commercial import, with additional veterinary and customs clearance. Confirm the limit with the DPRK embassy before booking.

No. North Korea does not recognise an emotional-support or service-animal exemption from veterinary import rules. The same permit, health certificate, rabies vaccination, and quarantine requirements apply. Do not plan on bringing a dog into the country without full veterinary clearance.

At minimum: a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel, an international health certificate endorsed by the DPRK embassy, an import permit from the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Service, proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip, and your passport with a valid DPRK visa or entry permit. High-risk-origin dogs also need a FAVN titer result and a 12-month rabies-enzootic-area declaration.

There is no public fee schedule. Microchip and health certificate typically run $130–250, a FAVN titer test $100–250 if required, and the DPRK permit and quarantine fees are quoted by the sponsoring embassy or tour operator. Budget several hundred USD and confirm current amounts directly with the DPRK mission and a local veterinarian.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to North Korea.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the State Veterinary and Quarantine Service of the DPRK
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a quote: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

An import permit from the State Veterinary and Quarantine Service is mandatory and must be obtained in advance through a local sponsor or agency. Cats must be at least 3 months old for rabies vaccination. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order, but be prepared for inspection.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the State Veterinary and Quarantine Service of the DPRK
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Requirements match the free tier; North Korea does not vary cat import rules by origin rabies risk. Documents must be in Korean or accompanied by a certified translation.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the State Veterinary and Quarantine Service of the DPRK
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
FAVN rabies titer test result (at least 0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
International health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a quote: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No quarantine fee applies if documents are in order. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

A rabies titer test is required in addition to the standard requirements. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order, but the quarantine officer may order inspection or quarantine if the cat shows signs of illness or documents are incomplete.

Frequently asked questions

North Korean regulations do not specify a maximum number for non-commercial pet import, but in practice a single traveller is typically allowed one or two cats. Larger numbers may be considered commercial and require additional permits and inspections. Contact the State Veterinary and Quarantine Service in advance if you plan to bring more than two cats.

No. North Korea does not recognize emotional support or service animals as exempt from standard import regulations. All cats must meet the same requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit.

There is no mandatory quarantine if all import requirements are met. However, the quarantine officer at the port of entry may order quarantine if the cat shows signs of illness or if documents are incomplete. In such cases, quarantine could last up to 30 days at the owner's expense.

A rabies titer test (FAVN) is required only for cats arriving from a country considered high-risk for rabies by North Korean authorities. For low-risk or free origins, it is not required. When required, the test must be done at least 90 days after the first rabies vaccination and within 12 months before travel, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml.

Apply for an import permit from the State Veterinary and Quarantine Service of the DPRK. The process typically requires a local sponsor or agency in North Korea to submit the application on your behalf. The permit must be obtained before travel and is valid for a specific period. Start the process at least 2-3 months in advance. There is no online application; it must be done through diplomatic or authorized channels.

A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and the cat must be at least 3 months old at the time of vaccination. Other vaccinations, such as feline distemper or feline leukemia, are not officially required but are recommended. The rabies vaccination certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian.

No. North Korea does not impose breed-specific restrictions on cats. All domestic cat breeds are allowed if they meet the health and documentation requirements. Airlines may have their own restrictions on brachycephalic breeds, so check with your carrier.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to North Korea.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Quarantine is not routinely required for free-tier origins, but the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Emergency Commission may impose up to 30 days at a designated Pyongyang facility at its discretion on arrival.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by that country's central veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be legalised by the North Korean embassy or consulate in the origin country. · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 12 months from the vaccination date
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and legalised by the North Korean embassy
Import permit issued by the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Emergency Commission of the DPRK (must be obtained before travel)
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip or clear identification matching the health certificate
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify locally. Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-200 (bank transfer to DPRK authorities, often with handling fees), legalisation by DPRK embassy ~$50-150. Total typically $300-600. No titer test or quarantine cost is included because neither is routinely required for this tier.

North Korea does not publish an official pet import scheme online. All pet imports require prior approval from the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Emergency Commission. Ferrets are not on the list of animals normally permitted for import; approval is discretionary and often denied. The health certificate must be legalised by the DPRK embassy in the origin country; without legalisation, the animal will be refused entry. No direct flights from most free-tier countries; transit through China or Russia may require additional transit permits.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

30 days

Mandatory 30-day quarantine at a designated facility in Pyongyang (e.g., the Central Veterinary Laboratory). Owner is responsible for all quarantine costs, which must be paid in advance in foreign currency. Quarantine may be extended if the animal shows signs of illness.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by that country's central veterinary authority. Must be legalised by the North Korean embassy or consulate in the origin country. · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 12 months from the vaccination date
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from a WOAH-approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and legalised by the North Korean embassy
Import permit issued by the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Emergency Commission of the DPRK
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary
Quarantine booking confirmation and payment receipt

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify locally. Microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-200, legalisation ~$50-150, quarantine ~$500-1500 (30 days, including boarding and veterinary supervision). Total typically $1000-2500.

North Korea applies stricter rules for low-risk origins than for free-tier origins. The import permit must be obtained before travel; processing can take 4-8 weeks. Transit through China or Russia may require additional transit permits and compliance with those countries' pet import rules. No direct flights from most low-risk countries; travel is usually via Beijing or Vladivostok.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

60 days

Mandatory 60-day quarantine at a designated facility in Pyongyang. Owner is responsible for all quarantine costs, which must be paid in advance in foreign currency. Quarantine may be extended if the animal shows signs of illness or if the titer test result is borderline. The animal may be euthanised if it develops signs of rabies.

Health certificate

Required

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 12 months from the vaccination date
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from a WOAH-approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and legalised by the North Korean embassy
Import permit issued by the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Emergency Commission of the DPRK
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary
Quarantine booking confirmation and payment receipt
Additional certification that the animal has not been in contact with rabies-infected animals in the 6 months prior to travel

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify locally. Microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-200, legalisation ~$50-150, quarantine ~$1000-3000 (60 days, including boarding and veterinary supervision). Total typically $1500-4000.

North Korea applies the strictest rules for high-risk origins. Ferrets are not commonly imported; approval is rarely granted. The import permit must be obtained before travel; processing can take 8-12 weeks. Transit through China or Russia may require additional transit permits and compliance with those countries' pet import rules. No direct flights from most high-risk countries; travel is usually via Beijing or Vladivostok. The DPRK may refuse entry for animals from countries with ongoing rabies outbreaks.

Frequently asked questions

Only with prior written approval from the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Emergency Commission of the DPRK. Ferrets are not on the list of animals normally permitted for import, so approval is discretionary and often denied. You must obtain an import permit before travel, and the animal will be subject to quarantine on arrival (30 days for low-risk origins, 60 days for high-risk origins). Without a permit, the animal will be refused entry and may be quarantined or returned at your expense.

North Korea does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet imports. In practice, each animal is treated as a separate import requiring its own permit, health certificate, and quarantine booking. Bringing more than one ferret is likely to trigger additional scrutiny and may be considered a commercial import, which requires a different, more complex permit. Assume a limit of one or two pets per traveller and confirm with the DPRK veterinary authority before planning.

No. North Korea does not recognise emotional support animals or service animals for import purposes. All ferrets, regardless of role, must meet the same requirements: ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, health certificate, import permit, and quarantine (30 days for low-risk origins, 60 days for high-risk origins). There is no exemption for service animals.

Rabies vaccination is mandatory. It must be given at least 21 days before travel, and the ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. The vaccination certificate must be valid for at least 12 months from the vaccination date. A FAVN rabies titer test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml is required for low-risk and high-risk origins; the blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Other vaccinations (e.g., distemper) are not required by North Korea but may be recommended by your veterinarian.

For free-tier origins, quarantine is not routinely required but may be imposed at the discretion of the veterinary authority, typically up to 30 days. For low-risk origins, quarantine is 30 days. For high-risk origins, quarantine is 60 days. Quarantine takes place at a designated facility in Pyongyang, and the owner must pay all costs in advance in foreign currency. Quarantine may be extended if the animal shows signs of illness.

You need: (1) a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 12 months from the vaccination date; (2) a FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) for low-risk and high-risk origins; (3) an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and legalised by the North Korean embassy; (4) an import permit from the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Emergency Commission; (5) proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip; (6) your passport copy and travel itinerary; and (7) quarantine booking confirmation and payment receipt for low-risk and high-risk origins. All documents must be originals or certified copies, and the health certificate must be legalised by the DPRK embassy in your country.

Air Koryo, the national carrier of North Korea, does not allow ferrets in the cabin. They must travel as checked baggage or cargo in an IATA-compliant crate. Because North Korea requires quarantine on arrival for low-risk and high-risk origins, your ferret will be taken to a quarantine facility immediately upon arrival and will not travel with you to your final destination. Transport to the quarantine facility is typically arranged by the veterinary authority. Confirm current airline policies with Air Koryo or your carrier, as they may change.

Good to know

No public pet import regulation is published. Permission is granted or refused through the DPRK embassy and the State Veterinary and Anti-Epidemic Service. Travellers cannot self-arrange import; a local sponsor, tour operator, or diplomatic mission is normally required.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to North Korea, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).