Bringing Pets into South Korea

Importation and quarantine procedure for pets (cats and dogs) to The Republic of Korea
All live animals and animal products entering Korea must be accompanied by valid certificates issued by the exporting country's government. Declare all import animals and animal products upon arrival to the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service, where they must be inspected. Cloven-hoofed animals and their products that are shipped from import-restricted areas will be sent back or destroyed. For details, please contact the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service. Tel) +82-31-467-1923.

Required Paper for Admittance:
You must have an Animal Health Certificate issued by the government of the exporting country certifying that a rabies vaccination was performed within less than one year and more than thirty days prior to the animal’s arrival in Korea. (See above for details)

What to bring with you for your pet:

1 .Number of animals allowed to be imported without prior notification: Four animals or less. If more than four animals are to be imported, then the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service branch office of entry need to be informed in advance so that animals can be held in a quarantined area for one day

2. Documentation required: 
Quarantine certificate or rabies vaccination certificate issued by a Quarantine Authority or Veterinarian. When the animal is younger than 90 days, a health certificate issued by a Veterinarian is required.

Rabies Vaccination:
- When the imported pet (cat or dog) is older than 90 days, the rabies vaccination date should be clearly specified on the health certificate issued by the Quarantine Authority or Veterinarian, and the date of entry to South Korea should be at least 30 days from date of the rabies vaccination.
- If the pet enters South Korea after 30 days from date of the rabies vaccination, and no health problems are found upon inspection, then no quarantine confinement is required.
- If the pet enters South Korea within 30 days from date of the rabies vaccination, then the pet will need to be confined in quarantine until the complete 30 day immunity formation period has been completed.
- If the pet enters South Korea and the owner is not able to prove vaccination against rabies or the vaccination has not been administered, the pet will be vaccinated against rabies, then confined in quarantine for a 30 day immunity formation period, at the owner's cost.
  
3. Health Certificate:
- When the imported pet (cat or dog) is under 90 days old, the health certificate issued by the Quarantine Authority or Veterinarian should state that the pet is healthy and no symptom of animal infectious disease has been found.
- If the pet enters South Korea and the owner can present a valid health certificate, then there will be no requirement for quarantine confinement.

* For pets being imported from a rabies-free zone
(i.e. Japan, Taiwan, Ireland, Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Singapore, Portugal, Iceland, Jamaica, Guam, Hawaii, Samoa, United Kingdom), there will be no requirement for quarantine confinement, regardless of the age of the cat or dog.

* Additional Certification is required to import cats from Australia, and cats & dogs from Malaysia.
Documentation required: a valid health certificate which testifies that the stated animal has been kept in a Hendra and Nipah virus-free region, or a valid health certificate which documents that the stated animal has been kept in a Hendra and Nipah virus-free area for 60 days before export and confirms a negative Hendra and Nipah virus test result (blood test should have been conducted within 14 days prior to importation). 

If you would like any further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the National Veterinary Research & Quarantine Service on:
Tel : +82 (0)32 740 2662
(Inchon Int'l Airport-Animal Quarantine)
Fax : +82 (0)32 740 2669
(Inchon Int'l Airport-Animal Quarantine)
Fax : +82 (0)31 467 1717 (NVRQS)
 
For required forms, go to: http://www.nvrqs.go.kr/eng/rese_quarantine_04.asp?pageNumber=3-0 

On Arrival:
Your dog or cat will normally  be released within 24 hours following inspection by an animal quarantine official at the airport.
If possible, try to book a flight that arrives early in the morning since delivery of your pet from the airport to a residence in Seoul may take five to seven hours.

1. Bring a supply of toys for your dog. If you have a large dog, pack large feeding bowls as well as fitted leashes and collars.
2. If you are bringing a cat, pack most cat necessities, including litter, food (special brands) and toys. You will find some of these in Korea, but in limited supply and at very high prices.
3. Also bring a supply of any current medication your pet may be taking as well as its medical file.
4. If possible, bring along a 6-12 month supply of pet food, medications and other goods to last you until you go on your home leave and are able to replenish your stock. Heartworm, flea and de-worming medication can be purchased here from veterinarians (as can a limited range of food).
   

Travelling with Pets  and Leaving Korea with Pets:  See Living in Korea section



Editor's Note: The information above is based on the information K4E has available at the time of writing. Given how difficult it is to obtain clear and complete information in Korea as well as how quickly rules can change, please see this as a guide and do follow-up with the appropriate Korean government bodies to confirm its accuracy and/or to get the most current answers. K4E would appreciate your feedback should you find out that our information is out-of-date.