The short answer
To bring a dog or cat into South Korea you need microchip, rabies vaccination and health certificate. Quarantine applies only when the requirements are not completed in the right order. Plan on at least 90 days before departure.
South Korea admits pets without quarantine when the documents are exact and applies it when they are not. You need an ISO microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination, a current vaccination, a government-endorsed health certificate and, from countries not recognised as rabies-free or controlled, a rabies antibody titer test. No import permit is required. Seoul Incheon handles most arrivals, with Busan and Jeju also approved.
Entry requirements
How far ahead to start
These are the windows the South Korea requirements create, counted back from your travel date. The first one is the one people underestimate.
- 1
Book the flight and reserve the pet slot
30 days before travel
Airlines cap how many animals travel per flight. The pet slot runs out well before the seats do.
- 2
Implant an ISO 11784/11785 microchip
22 days before travel Cannot be rushed
It has to come first: every later certificate references this number, and a rabies shot given before the chip usually does not count.
- 3
Rabies vaccination
21 days before travel Cannot be rushed
Must be given after the microchip and be valid on the day you travel. Most destinations also require a minimum of 21 days between the shot and entry.
- 4
Health certificate and official endorsement
2 days before travel Cannot be rushed
Issued by an accredited vet close to departure, then endorsed by your government authority. This endorsement cannot be done at the airport.
- 5
Travel day
Travel day
Carry the originals plus copies of everything, arrive early, and keep the crate documents attached to the crate.
Confirm with the official source
Rules change without notice and can differ by the country your pet is travelling from. Before you book anything, check the requirements directly with the authority that issues them.
Frequently asked questions
Does South Korea require a microchip for pets?
Yes — a microchip is required to bring a dog or cat into South Korea.
Does South Korea require a rabies titer (blood) test?
It depends — a rabies titer test may be required for South Korea depending on where your pet has travelled from. Confirm with the official source.
Is there a quarantine for pets entering South Korea?
Only if requirements are not met in the right order — South Korea can hold non-compliant pets for an extended period.
How far ahead should I start planning a pet move to South Korea?
Give yourself at least 90 days before travel to complete every step in the correct order.