Guide to Bringing Pets into Korea — 2026 Latest Regulations Summary
Flying to South Korea with your furry companion, the suitcase should hold not just snacks and toys, but also a set of documents and a timeline. South Korea has strict quarantine rules for pet entry, with each step—from microchip implantation to blood test reports—having a time limit. Little Pet Editor has now compiled the latest 2026 regulations into a complete guide, so that your trip to South Korea with your furry companion won’t require any last‑minute scrambling.
Bringing your furry friend to South Korea requires more than just packing snacks and toys—you'll need a stack of documents and a detailed timeline. South Korea has strict quarantine requirements for pet imports, with time-sensitive steps ranging from microchipping to blood tests. This time, we've compiled the latest 2026 regulations into a complete guide, so your trip to Korea with your furry companion won't leave you scrambling at the last minute.
Why Visit Here?
South Korea has been increasingly pet-friendly in recent years, with Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island offering more and more pet-friendly cafes, parks, and shopping venues. For many Taiwanese pet parents, taking their furry friends to Korea to see cherry blossoms, go shopping, and enjoy BBQ is an appealing option.
However, since South Korea is a rabies-free country, its import quarantine standards are relatively strict, differing significantly from pet import regulations in Southeast Asian countries. If you don't complete the required preparations, your pet could be detained at the airport for up to 180 days. Therefore, understanding the regulations beforehand is key to ensuring your pet's safe entry.
Trip Planning Recommendations
Pre-Trip Preparation Timeline
We recommend starting pet import preparations 7 to 12 months in advance; otherwise, you may run out of time.
Below are the suggested timelines for key procedures:
| Step | Description | Recommended Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microchipping (ISO 11784/11785 standard) | Complete at least 6 months before entry |
| 2 | Rabies vaccination (two or more doses) | Administer after microchipping; complete the initial series |
| 3 | Rabies antibody titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) | At least 3 months before entry; must be at least 6 months before air transport |
| 4 | Health examination and Export Animal Health Certificate | Within 10 days before entry (Korea accepts documents dated within 10 days of departure) |
| 5 | Advance notification to Korean authorities (APQA) | At least 40 days before entry |
| 6 | Select flight and airline pet policy | Confirm simultaneously with the above steps |
Required Document Checklist
Before departure, make sure all of the following documents are ready:
- ISO 11784/11785 standard microchip implantation certificate
- Rabies vaccination records (two or more doses; the most recent vaccination must be at least 30 days and within 1 year before entry)
- Rabies neutralizing antibody titer test report (FAVN or RFFIT; must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml, with the test date at least 6 months before the entry date)
- Export Animal Health Certificate (issued by the animal and plant quarantine authority; valid for 10 days)
- APQA confirmation letter from the Korean Animal Quarantine System
Transportation and Flights
South Korea currently only allows pet imports through Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Jeju Airport is not open for pet imports.
Pet policies vary by airline. Common options include:
| Airline | Pets Allowed in Cabin | Cargo Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Air (KE) | Only on select routes (some Europe/Americas flights) | Pressurized cargo hold | Most flights from Taiwan require cargo transport; book in advance |
| Asiana Airlines (OZ) | Per route regulations | Pressurized cargo hold | Cargo transport requires advance booking |
| China Airlines (CI) | Available on select routes (Korea routes depend on aircraft) | Pressurized cargo hold | Contact customer service directly for confirmation |
| EVA Air (BR) | Available on select routes | Pressurized cargo hold | Quarantine documents required |
We recommend applying for pet cargo transport at least 48 hours before departure, and confirm that the flight has a pressurized cargo hold. Some airlines have limited daily quotas for pet cargo, so be sure to book early during peak travel periods.
Practical Information
Korean Animal Quarantine Information (APQA)
- Official website: APQA Animal Quarantine Information Portal (Korean or English interface)
- Advance notification: Complete pet registration in the APQA system and upload vaccination certificates and antibody reports
- Notification deadline: Complete notification at least 40 days before entry; the system will issue a confirmation number
Exit Quarantine at the Animal and Plant Quarantine Authority
- Official website: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency, Ministry of Agriculture
- Application locations: Regional offices (Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung, Kaohsiung)
- Required documents: Microchip certificate, vaccination records, antibody report, pet information form
- Fees: Export Animal Health Certificate fee is approximately NT$400 to $600
Entry Process and Fees
Upon arrival at a Korean airport, pets must undergo the following procedures:
- Present the Export Animal Health Certificate and APQA confirmation number at the quarantine counter
- Quarantine officers will inspect documents and check the pet's condition
- If documents are complete and the pet is healthy, release is typically granted the same day
- If documents are incomplete or the pet's condition is abnormal, quarantine procedures may be initiated
Quarantine fees: Currently, South Korea does not charge fees for pet quarantine. However, if quarantine is required, you will be responsible for the costs during the quarantine period (approximately ₩30,000 to ₩50,000 per day; actual fees depend on the quarantine facility).
Allowed Pet Species
South Korea currently allows entry of dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets. Please note that certain dangerous dog breeds (such as pit bull types) have special ownership regulations in South Korea, and you must comply with local government regulations after entry.
Important Reminders / FAQ
Q1: Does my pet need to quarantine when traveling from Taiwan to South Korea?
If all documents are complete and meet the requirements, no quarantine is needed. Your pet can complete quarantine at the airport and enter directly. However, if antibody reports are insufficient or documents are expired, the Korean quarantine authority has the right to require your pet to undergo quarantine for up to 180 days.
Q2: Can the rabies antibody test be done in Taiwan?
Yes. Qualified veterinary hospitals in Taiwan can draw blood and send samples to internationally accredited laboratories for FAVN or RFFIT testing. Testing fees are approximately NT$3,000 to $6,000, and results take about 2 to 4 weeks. We recommend asking your regular veterinary hospital if they work with a testing laboratory.
Q3: What if my pet doesn't have a microchip?
South Korea only recognizes microchips that comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards. If your pet has a non-standard microchip, we recommend scheduling your import trip after implanting an ISO-compliant microchip. Many veterinary hospitals can perform the implantation for approximately NT$500 to $1,500.
Q4: Can I bring more than one pet?
Yes, but each pet must independently complete all quarantine procedures, including microchipping, vaccination, antibody testing, and document applications. We recommend allowing extra preparation time when planning your trip.
Q5: Is there a difference between entering through Gimpo or Incheon Airport?
Both airports allow pet imports. Gimpo Airport mainly handles domestic flights and some Northeast Asia routes, while Incheon Airport is the major international hub. Flights from Taiwan mostly arrive at Incheon, and the quarantine process there is also more well-established.
Q6: Could South Korea's pet regulations change?
Animal and plant quarantine regulations may be revised based on international disease situations or policy changes. Before departure, we recommend checking the latest information on the APQA official website or calling for confirmation. We will continue to update related content on Petaholic.
Bringing your furry friend abroad is no small undertaking, but as long as you complete each step methodically, your pet can safely explore the streets of Seoul and the sea breezes of Jeju alongside you. We wish every pet and parent a smooth departure and safe arrival. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends who might need it.
slug: korea-pet-import-regulation-2026
category: wiki
region: Korea
tags: ["Korea", "Import", "Pet", "Regulation", "Animal and Plant Quarantine"]
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