Bringing Pets to South Korea: Vaccine Requirements, Microchip Rules & Quarantine Procedures

Bringing pets from Vietnam to South Korea has become increasingly common as more people travel, study, and work abroad. However, South Korea enforces strict regulations regarding animal health to prevent the spread of rabies and other infectious diseases. To ensure a smooth entry for your dog or cat, pet owners must fully understand the requirements for vaccination, microchipping, and official quarantine documentation.

This article provides a complete and accurate guide to help you prepare your pet for travel to South Korea according to current regulations of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA).

Mandatory Requirement: ISO-Standard Microchip

Before any vaccination or quarantine procedure, your pet must be implanted with a microchip.

Accepted Microchip Standards in South Korea

• ISO 11784 or ISO 11785

• Readable with an international scanner

• If the chip is not ISO-compatible, the owner must bring a compatible scanner for verification upon arrival

Microchipping is essential for identifying your pet and matching all quarantine documents.

Rabies Vaccination Requirements

All dogs and cats entering South Korea must receive a valid rabies vaccination.

Conditions for a Valid Rabies Vaccine

1. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.

2. The rabies vaccine must be administered after the microchip is implanted.

3. The vaccine must remain valid on the date of departure.

Vaccinations given before microchipping are not accepted and must be repeated.

Rabies Antibody Test (FAVN Test) – The Most Critical Step

South Korea strictly requires the FAVN Rabies Antibody Test for pet entry.

FAVN Test Requirements

• Antibody level must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml

• Conducted at a laboratory approved by South Korea

• Performed at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination

• Valid for 12 months from the test date

Pets without a valid FAVN test cannot enter South Korea.

Obtaining the Veterinary Health Certificate in Vietnam

After completing the microchip, vaccination, and antibody test, pet owners must obtain the official Veterinary Health Certificate for Export.

Required Documents

• Vaccination record

• FAVN test result

• Microchip number

• Export quarantine application form

This certificate is issued by the Department of Animal Health or regional Sub-Departments. It is valid for 72 hours before departure, so timing is essential.

Entry Procedures Upon Arrival in South Korea

When landing at Incheon, Gimhae, or other Korean airports, pets must undergo a quarantine inspection conducted by APQA.

Arrival Inspection Includes

• Microchip scan

• Verification of documents

• Basic health assessment

If all documents meet regulations, your pet will be cleared for entry the same day.

If Requirements Are Not Met

• Pets may be quarantined for up to 30 days

• Incomplete documents may lead to denied entry and return to Vietnam

Quarantine in Korea can be extremely costly; completing the documents correctly beforehand is essential.

Preparing the Travel Crate and Flight Arrangements

Besides quarantine documents, owners must prepare a proper travel crate that meets IATA standards.

IATA Crate Requirements

• Spacious enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie naturally

• Strong metal door with secure locks

• Fixed water container inside the crate

• Wooden or round crates are not allowed

Each airline has its own pet travel policies, so confirm crate size, weight limits, and booking conditions in advance.

Important Notes When Bringing Pets to South Korea

• Do not skip the FAVN Rabies Antibody Test

• Do not vaccinate your pet before microchipping

• Start preparing your documents 2–3 months before the flight

• Ensure any food accompanying your pet is processed, not raw

Proper preparation ensures your pet arrives safely and avoids unexpected delays or fees at the airport.

ASIAPATA – Professional Support for Pet Relocation to South Korea

ASIAPATA provides complete assistance for bringing pets from Vietnam to South Korea, including:

• ISO-standard microchipping

• Rabies vaccination planning

• FAVN testing through approved laboratories

• Export quarantine certificate support

• Flight consultations and IATA-compliant crate preparation

With extensive experience in international pet relocation, ASIAPATA ensures accurate documentation and smooth entry procedures for your pet in South Korea.

Read more:

• Regulations for Pet Air Travel to Europe
• Latest Statistics on Lifespan by Dog and Cat Breeds