1. Are you planning on traveling to South Korea with your pet?
Do you wish to have a relaxing time with your pet? Do you want to view the vibrant red maples and blossom pink cherry trees? Follow these guidelines on how to import your pet to South Korea!
Since December 1, 2012, new rules regarding the import of pets into the Republic of Korea have been enacted, according to which pets of any age can be transported as long as specified prerequisites are met. Hence, puppies aged fewer than 90 days are exempt from the rabies antibody testing requirement. Adult dogs must receive a chip, vaccination, and a quarantine certificate as well.
It is not allowed to transport pregnant females and certain dog breeds into South Korea:
- Tosa Inu or Japanese mastiff;
- American pitbull Terrier;
- Rottweiler;
- Staffordshire Terrier;
- Bull Terrier;
- Mastiff;
- Laika;
- Cane Corso;
- Shepherd.
Carrying certain breeds of dogs, such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, and Toy Terriers in the cargo section is prohibited. Likewise, transporting Persian, Burmese, and Himalayan cats in the cargo is not allowed. No more than 3 animals per passenger are allowed for transportation, with one in the cabin and two in the cargo section at most.
Getting ready
To import a pet into South Korea, the following items must be obtained:
- Veterinary passport;
- Microchip;
- Rabies vaccination;
- Rabies Antibody titer test;
- International veterinary certificate.
Please note that the test for determining the rabies antibody titer must be conducted between 30 days and 24 months prior to the date of travel.
Customs and Flight
When preparing to travel with your pet, it is crucial to arrive at the airport a minimum of 3 hours before the flight's departure to exchange the Veterinary Certificate Form 1 for a Veterinary Certificate Form 5a at the airport customs. Additionally, you must present the full set of documents at check-in for the flight and purchase a suitable kennel according to the IATA Pet Transportation Rules.
Be informed that not all airlines provide pet transport services: for instance, in South Korea, the transportation of animals is typically handled by KoreanAir and AsianaAirlines.
FAQ
Are there limitations on the weight of animals when traveling aboard an aircraft?
The total weight of the animal (in its kennel) during air transportation in the cargo section cannot exceed 45 kg. Furthermore, cats or dogs that weigh less than 7 kg have the option to be transported in the cabin of the aircraft.
What age requirement exists for pets being allowed to accompany travelers onboard an airplane?
Pets older than 8 weeks are allowed to be carried in the passenger cabin of an aircraft. In contrast, adult animals that are at least 16 weeks old can be transported in the cargo section of the plane.
What other animal species can be imported into South Korea?
In addition to dogs, cats and birds, you may also bring exotic animals to South Korea as long as they are not listed in the CITES Convention on endangered species. Rabbits, hamsters, and snakes, however, are not permitted to be imported into the country.
Useful tips
It is possible to bring an animal into South Korea without a quarantine period, provided that it has a valid quarantine certificate stating the results of rabies antibody titer test. This certificate is issued by a certified anti-rabies laboratory, such as «NoviStem» LLC, and is required to confirm the animal's health status and ensure safe entry into the country.
