Bringing a pet to South Korea

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

South Korea maintains a strict, risk-based pet import system. Requirements vary significantly depending on whether your pet originates from a rabies-free, rabies-controlled, or rabies-endemic country. Expect mandatory microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a rabies antibody titre test for pets from higher-risk origins, with possible quarantine upon arrival.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to South 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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

South Korea bans the import of several dog breeds considered dangerous: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and Tosa Inu. Mixed breeds with any of these breeds are also restricted. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) may face airline-specific restrictions but are not banned by the country.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No quarantine or titer test required for free-origin countries.

QIA South 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

Breed restrictions

South Korea bans the import of several dog breeds considered dangerous: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and Tosa Inu. Mixed breeds with any of these breeds are also restricted. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) may face airline-specific restrictions but are not banned by the country.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No quarantine or titer test required for low-risk origin countries.

QIA South Korea

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
10 days
Mandatory 10-day quarantine at an official Animal Quarantine Station in South Korea. Owner pays quarantine fees.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Breed restrictions

South Korea bans the import of several dog breeds considered dangerous: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and Tosa Inu. Mixed breeds with any of these breeds are also restricted. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) may face airline-specific restrictions but are not banned by the country.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit from South Korea's Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary, quarantine fees ~$50-100 per day. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

High-risk origin dogs require a rabies titer test, import permit, and 10-day quarantine. The titer test must show ≥0.5 IU/mL.

QIA South Korea

Frequently asked questions

The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before arrival in South Korea. The dog must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
No, the United States is classified as a low-risk country. A rabies titer test is not required for dogs from the US. It is only required for dogs from high-risk rabies countries.
Non-commercial travellers can bring up to 5 dogs per person without triggering commercial import rules. If you bring more than 5, you must follow commercial import procedures, which may include additional permits and fees.
No, South Korea does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from standard import requirements. All dogs must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and quarantine rules. Service dogs in training may have additional documentation needs, but the core requirements remain.
If the FAVN test result is below 0.5 IU/mL, the dog is considered not adequately protected. You must revaccinate and wait at least 90 days before retesting. The dog cannot enter South Korea until a passing result is obtained.
Cabin travel depends on the airline's policy and the dog's size. Most airlines allow small dogs (typically under 8 kg including carrier) in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat. Larger dogs must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Check with your airline for specific weight and carrier restrictions.
You need the original rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel), microchip documentation, and if from a high-risk country: the FAVN titer test result and import permit. All documents must be in English or Korean, or accompanied by a certified translation.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to South 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
  • Health certificate (APHIS Form 7001 or equivalent) issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit or titer test needed for free-tier origins.

No quarantine for cats from rabies-free origins (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican). Must enter via an approved port (Incheon, Gimpo, Busan, Jeju) and be inspected by APQA.

QIA South 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
  • Health certificate (APHIS Form 7001 or equivalent) issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit or titer test needed for low-risk origins.

No quarantine for cats from low-risk origins (e.g., US, UK, Japan, Australia, EU). Must enter via an approved port and be inspected by APQA. Ensure rabies vaccine is given at least 21 days before travel.

QIA South Korea

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
14 days
Mandatory 14-day quarantine at a government facility (e.g., APQA quarantine center near Incheon). Owner pays daily fee (approx. 20,000-30,000 KRW per day). No home quarantine allowed.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate (APHIS Form 7001 or equivalent) issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implantation
  • FAVN titer test report (≥ 0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit issued by APQA

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$40-50, quarantine fees ~$15-25 per day for 14 days. Total estimated $300-600.

Cats from high-risk origins (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) face stricter rules: FAVN titer test, import permit, and 14-day quarantine. Must enter via Incheon Airport (preferred) or other approved ports.

QIA South Korea

Frequently asked questions

Yes, non-commercial travelers may bring up to 5 cats per person without triggering commercial import rules. If you bring 6 or more, commercial regulations apply, requiring additional permits and a customs broker. Each cat must meet all requirements individually.
Yes, South Korea accepts both 1-year and 3-year rabies vaccines, as long as the vaccine is licensed in the country of origin and the cat was at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. The 21-day waiting period applies from the date of vaccination, regardless of the vaccine type. If using a 3-year vaccine, ensure the certificate clearly states the validity period.
No. South Korea does not recognize emotional support animals or service cats under its pet import regulations. All cats, regardless of their role, must follow the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and quarantine requirements. No exemptions are granted for ESAs or service animals.
If the FAVN test result is below 0.5 IU/mL, your cat is not eligible for import from a high-risk origin. You must revaccinate your cat with a rabies vaccine, wait at least 30 days, and repeat the FAVN test. Only once the result is ≥ 0.5 IU/mL can you proceed with the import permit and travel.
No. Even with a valid FAVN test (≥ 0.5 IU/mL), cats from high-risk origins must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at an APQA facility. There is no option for home quarantine or early release. The quarantine fee is approximately 20,000-30,000 KRW per day.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the date of arrival in South Korea. If your travel is delayed, you may need a new certificate. The certificate must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
Cats must enter through one of the following approved ports: Incheon International Airport (preferred), Gimpo International Airport, Busan Port, or Jeju International Airport. Arriving at other ports may result in denial of entry or additional delays. Incheon has the APQA quarantine facility on-site.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to South 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
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) of South Korea.

Ferrets from rabies-free origins (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican) face the same basic requirements as low-risk origins — no titer test, no import permit, no quarantine. Ensure the health certificate is endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country.

QIA South 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
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

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

Ferrets from low-risk origins (e.g. USA, UK, Japan, Australia, most of Europe) do not require a rabies titer test, import permit, or quarantine. The health certificate must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country (e.g. USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).

QIA South Korea

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
14 days
Mandatory 14-day quarantine at an APQA-designated facility. Costs borne by the owner. The ferret must be isolated from other animals and undergo health checks. Pre-approval from APQA is required.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL, from OIE lab)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit from APQA
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100, quarantine fee ~$200-500 for 14 days. Confirm current prices with a local vet and APQA.

Ferrets from high-risk origins (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) face the strictest requirements: a FAVN titer test, an import permit, and a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. The ferret must be at least 3 months old. All documents must be in English or Korean, or accompanied by a certified translation.

QIA South Korea

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but the non-commercial limit is 5 pets per person. If you bring more than 5 ferrets, commercial import rules apply, which require a different permit and may involve additional fees and inspections. For 5 or fewer, the standard pet import rules apply.
No. The United States is classified as a low-risk origin for rabies. Ferrets from the US do not need a FAVN titer test. Only ferrets from high-risk origins (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) require a titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL.
No quarantine for ferrets from Europe (low-risk origins). Ferrets from high-risk origins must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at an APQA facility. No quarantine applies to ferrets from rabies-free or low-risk origins.
For ferrets from rabies-free or low-risk origins, there is no minimum age requirement beyond the rabies vaccination age (12 weeks). For ferrets from high-risk origins, the ferret must be at least 3 months old at the time of travel.
No. South Korea does not provide any exemptions for emotional support animals or service animals from standard import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and quarantine rules.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the date of travel. It must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country (e.g. USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK). If the certificate is not in English or Korean, a certified translation is required.
The rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of travel. If it expires before departure, your ferret must be revaccinated and then wait 21 days before entering South Korea. The microchip must be implanted before the vaccination.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination. Ensure all documentation is in English or Korean, or accompanied by a certified translation.

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 South Korea, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with South Korea's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.