Bringing a pet to North Korea

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

North Korea enforces strict, origin-dependent pet import rules that vary by rabies-risk category, so requirements differ significantly depending on where your dog, cat, or ferret is travelling from. Expect mandatory microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a health certificate, with additional testing or quarantine possible for higher-risk origins. The country maintains a controlled quarantine culture, and advance coordination with the State Veterinary Office is essential.

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

Mandatory 30-day quarantine at a government facility in Pyongyang. Owner bears all costs.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian endorsed by the exporting country's national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit from North Korea State Veterinary Committee
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with vaccine batch details)
International health certificate (endorsed by exporting country's veterinary authority)
Microchip certificate
Copy of owner's passport and visa

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: import permit fees ~$100-300, quarantine fees ~$500-1,500 for 30 days, health certificate ~$100-200, microchip ~$30-50. Confirm all costs with the North Korean embassy.

The import permit must be obtained before travel, typically 4-8 weeks in advance. No direct flights to North Korea from most countries; transit through Beijing or Moscow adds complexity. All documents must be in English and Korean (translated and notarized).

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

Mandatory 30-day quarantine at a government facility in Pyongyang. Owner bears all costs.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian endorsed by the exporting country's national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit from North Korea State Veterinary Committee
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with vaccine batch details)
International health certificate (endorsed by exporting country's veterinary authority)
Microchip certificate
Copy of owner's passport and visa

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: import permit fees ~$100-300, quarantine fees ~$500-1,500 for 30 days, health certificate ~$100-200, microchip ~$30-50. Confirm all costs with the North Korean embassy.

All pets face the same strict requirements; no differentiation by rabies status is publicly known.

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

Mandatory 30-day quarantine at a government facility in Pyongyang. Owner bears all costs.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian endorsed by the exporting country's national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit from North Korea State Veterinary Committee
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with vaccine batch details)
International health certificate (endorsed by exporting country's veterinary authority)
Microchip certificate
Copy of owner's passport and visa

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: import permit fees ~$100-300, quarantine fees ~$500-1,500 for 30 days, health certificate ~$100-200, microchip ~$30-50. Confirm all costs with the North Korean embassy.

All pets face the same strict requirements; no differentiation by rabies status is publicly known.

Frequently asked questions

Apply to the State Veterinary Committee in Pyongyang through the North Korean embassy in your country. The process takes 4-8 weeks and requires a completed application form, copy of your passport, rabies vaccination certificate, and a health certificate. The permit fee is typically $100-300. Without this permit, your dog will not be allowed to enter.

Yes, all dogs entering North Korea are subject to a mandatory 30-day quarantine at a government facility in Pyongyang. The owner must pay all quarantine costs, which can range from $500 to $1,500. The facility is not open to visitors, and conditions are basic.

There is no publicly stated limit on the number of dogs a non-commercial traveler may bring, but each dog requires a separate import permit and will be subject to individual quarantine. For more than 2-3 dogs, authorities may treat the shipment as commercial, requiring additional permits and fees. Confirm with the embassy.

No. North Korea does not recognize emotional support or service animal designations. All dogs, regardless of role, must follow the same import permit, health certificate, and quarantine requirements. No exemptions are granted.

You need a valid rabies vaccination certificate (vaccine given at least 21 days before travel, dog at least 12 weeks old), an international health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel, and a microchip certificate. All documents must be in English and Korean, notarized, and endorsed by the exporting country's veterinary authority.

Direct commercial flights to Pyongyang are extremely limited. Most travelers transit through Beijing (China) or Moscow (Russia). You must comply with transit country pet import rules as well. Check with your airline and the transit country's regulations well in advance.

Your dog will be denied entry and likely quarantined at the airport at your expense until return travel can be arranged. In some cases, the animal may be euthanized. Never travel without the permit in hand.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (vaccine given at least 21 days before travel)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian
Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

North Korea has no published pet import rules. All requirements here are based on standard international practice for countries with no formal system. Expect delays and possible refusal at border. Contact the DPRK embassy in Beijing or Moscow for any pre-approval.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (vaccine given at least 21 days before travel)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian
Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Low-risk origin does not reduce friction because DPRK has no formal pet import system.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (vaccine given at least 21 days before travel)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian
Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate showing ≥0.5 IU/mL, performed at least 90 days before travel

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

High-risk origin adds a titer test requirement as a precaution, since DPRK has no formal system and may impose arbitrary border checks.

Frequently asked questions

North Korea does not have a published pet import policy. In practice, bringing a cat as a tourist is extremely difficult and likely impossible without prior approval from the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the State Animal Quarantine Agency. Most foreign visitors are not permitted to bring pets. Contact the DPRK embassy in your country at least 3 months before travel.

There is no official requirement for a rabies titer test (FAVN) for cats entering North Korea from any origin, because the country has no published import regulations. However, if you manage to get approval, a titer test may be requested arbitrarily at the border. For safety, if your cat is from a high-risk country, have a FAVN test done (≥0.5 IU/mL) and carry the certificate.

North Korea has no stated limit on the number of pets for non-commercial entry. However, given the lack of formal rules, any more than 1-2 cats will likely be treated as commercial import and may be refused. Check with the DPRK embassy for any unpublished caps.

No. North Korea does not recognize emotional support or service animals under any published law. All cats are subject to the same undefined import process. Do not assume any exemption.

At minimum, carry a valid ISO microchip certificate, a rabies vaccination certificate (vaccine given at least 21 days before travel), and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian. No import permit is known to be required, but you may need a letter of invitation or approval from a DPRK sponsor.

There is no published quarantine requirement for cats entering North Korea. However, because the country has no formal system, officials may detain your cat for observation at the airport or border for an unspecified period. Be prepared for delays of up to several days.

Air Koryo is the only airline operating international flights to Pyongyang. They allow pets in the cabin (max 8 kg including carrier) or as checked baggage, but only with prior approval. Contact Air Koryo at least 2 weeks before travel. Most foreign airlines do not fly to North Korea.

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

Health certificate

Required

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

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Veterinary export certificate (if required by origin country)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200, export certificate ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the North Korean embassy.

North Korea has no published pet import regulations. All requirements are based on standard international practice for countries without specific rules. Contact the North Korean embassy in the origin country for written confirmation before travel.

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 in the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Veterinary export certificate (if required by origin country)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200, export certificate ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the North Korean embassy.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 30+ days before travel

Quarantine

30 days

Mandatory quarantine at a government-approved facility in North Korea upon arrival. Costs and conditions to be confirmed with the North Korean embassy.

Health certificate

Required

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

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit from North Korean veterinary authority
Veterinary export certificate (if required by origin country)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fees vary (likely $50-200), quarantine costs unknown. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the North Korean embassy.

North Korea has no published pet import regulations. For high-risk origins, stricter measures (titer test, quarantine, import permit) are assumed based on standard international practice. Contact the North Korean embassy in the origin country for written confirmation before travel.

Frequently asked questions

There are no official published regulations for importing ferrets into North Korea. You must contact the North Korean embassy in your country of origin at least 4-6 weeks before travel to request written permission and specific requirements. Without prior approval, your ferret may be denied entry or confiscated.

Although not officially published, standard international practice for high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, India) suggests a FAVN titer test is required. The test must be done at an OIE-approved lab at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 30 days before travel, with a result of ≥0.5 IU/mL. Confirm with the North Korean embassy.

North Korea does not publish a specific limit. Most countries cap non-commercial pet movement at 5 animals. For safety, assume a maximum of 2 ferrets per traveller unless you obtain explicit permission for more from the North Korean embassy.

For ferrets from high-risk rabies countries, a 30-day quarantine at a government-approved facility in North Korea is likely required. For free and low-risk origins, no quarantine is expected. Confirm exact quarantine requirements with the North Korean embassy before travel.

No. North Korea does not recognize emotional support or service animals for import purposes. All ferrets must follow the same import requirements regardless of their role. No exemptions are granted.

At minimum: an ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate, a valid rabies vaccination certificate (given after microchip), and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government veterinarian. For high-risk origins, also a FAVN titer test result and an import permit. All documents should be in English or Korean, or accompanied by a certified translation.

Start at least 8-12 weeks before departure. This allows time to contact the North Korean embassy (which may take weeks to respond), complete rabies vaccination and titer test if needed (minimum 30 days after vaccine), obtain an import permit, and arrange health certification within 10 days of travel.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip before rabies vaccination. Official government-issued health certificates must be endorsed by a veterinary authority in the country of origin and translated into Korean.

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).