Pet Quarantine in Korea

What you need to know before entering South Korea with your pet.

If you're bringing a dog or cat to Korea, animal quarantine requirements apply. Prepare early, check the documents required for your circumstances, and verify the latest official requirements before departure.

Before You Travel

Korea's animal quarantine requirements can differ depending on factors including the type and age of the animal, country or region of origin, and other circumstances.

Always verify the requirements that apply to your pet with Korea's Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency before departure.

What Should I Prepare?

Quarantine Certificate

Dogs and cats entering Korea generally require a quarantine certificate issued by the competent government authority of the exporting country.

The certificate must contain the information required for the animal's applicable entry conditions.

Microchip Identification

Microchip identification is part of Korea's import quarantine requirements for dogs and cats.

The microchip identification information should be properly reflected in the relevant quarantine documentation.

Rabies Requirements

For dogs and cats aged 90 days or older arriving from areas where the rabies antibody requirement applies, Korea's quarantine guidance requires a rabies-neutralizing antibody test result of at least 0.5 IU/mL.

The test must meet Korea's applicable official requirements.

Additional Requirements

Additional documentation or conditions may apply depending on the country or region of origin and other circumstances.

Always check current official requirements before departure.

These are general entry checkpoints, not a substitute for an individual quarantine determination.

Does Every Dog or Cat Need a Rabies Antibody Test?

Not necessarily.

Korean quarantine guidance provides exceptions to the rabies antibody test requirement for certain dogs and cats, including animals under 90 days of age and animals from designated rabies-free areas, subject to the applicable quarantine conditions.

Their age and other required information must be verifiable through the official quarantine documentation.

Check the current official requirements with the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency before travel.

Understanding the Rabies Antibody Test

Required result when applicable:

≥ 0.5 IU/mL

For animals subject to the rabies antibody requirement, Korean quarantine guidance requires testing through an exporting-country government agency or an internationally recognized rabies antibody testing laboratory under the applicable rules.

Official Korean quarantine guidance also uses a test timing requirement connected to arrival in Korea.

Test result: 0.5 IU/mL or higher
Testing body: Applicable government or internationally recognized testing laboratory
Timing: Verify the currently applicable testing and certificate timing with APQA before travel.

Check Your Documents Before Departure

Official quarantine certificate
Microchip identification information
Rabies antibody test information when applicable
Pet age / date-of-birth information where required
Any additional documents required for your country or circumstances

Keep the original or officially accepted travel documents easily accessible during arrival procedures.

Important

The exact contents required on the quarantine certificate depend on the applicable Korean quarantine requirements. Always verify the current certificate requirements before departure.

Requirements Can Differ by Country

Do not assume that the requirements are identical for every country or region.

Korea may apply additional documentation or quarantine conditions depending on origin and circumstances.

Incheon International Airport currently specifically advises travelers that additional documentation is required for pets arriving from Australia and Malaysia.

Country-specific requirements can change and should be verified directly with the responsible authority.

Check Official Requirements

What Happens When You Arrive?

01Arrive in Korea
02Declare your pet / follow arrival instructions
03Animal quarantine
04Document & animal inspection
05Complete remaining arrival procedures

Travelers bringing animals into Korea must follow the applicable animal quarantine procedures and submit the required quarantine certificate to the animal quarantine officer.

For dogs and cats arriving through Incheon International Airport, the quarantine certificate is presented before passing through customs.

Tip

Keep all quarantine documents with you rather than packed deep inside checked luggage.

What If Something Is Missing?

Important

Missing or incomplete quarantine requirements can delay entry of your pet.

Incheon International Airport states that dogs or cats without the required quarantine certificate may be subject to return.

If the certificate does not satisfy the required conditions, the animal may be subject to detention or additional quarantine procedures.

Depending on the deficiency, additional inspection or measures may be required before release.

Check Before You Fly

Verify Before You Travel

Pet quarantine requirements can change. Before departure, verify the requirements that apply to your pet directly with the relevant Korean authority.

Source note — This guide summarizes official Korean animal quarantine information for traveler convenience. Korea with Pets is an independent travel information service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Korean government or Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency. Always rely on the latest instructions from the responsible authority for your individual pet.