Pet Travel From the United States to Hong Kong
Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type
Carefully read ALL of the requirements related to your pet on this page.
- This page provides the most recent entry requirements and can change without notice.
- It is the responsibility of the veterinarian to make sure the pet has met all health requirements of the destination country before issuing a health certificate.
- Failure to meet the requirements may result in problems gaining certificate endorsement or difficulties upon arrival in the destination country.
- Health certificates must be legible, accurate, and complete.
For all health certificates submitted through VEHCS for shipments of U.S. origin animals and germplasm that are only transiting Hong Kong, select the Hong Kong (Transit) option from the “Country of Destination” drop down menu.
For animals and germplasm that are destined for export to Hong Kong, first you must first select Country Not Listed from “Country of Destination” drop down menu, then select Hong Kong from the full list of destination countries.
All health certificates for non-commercial shipments (i.e., pets) of small animals (excluding dogs, cats, chinchillas, and birds) do not need to be endorsed by an APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer if it has been issued by a private USDA Accredited Veterinarian. Health certificates must be issued within 14 days of departure.
APHIS endorsement of the health certificates for pet dogs, cats, chinchillas, and birds is required after it has been issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 14 days of departure.
Effective January 18, 2022, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong has temporarily suspended the import of commercial (non-pet) rodents and lagomorphs from all countries.
Hong Kong has provided a website that contains helpful information related to pet travel. Please note an import permit is required prior to travel to Hong Kong. You will need to review these sites carefully as well as all information included in the import permit to ensure that all of the requirements for Hong Kong are met.
Overview of Hong Kong's travel requirements and import permit application process.
APHIS endorsement of the health certificate is required after it has been issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian.
Health Certificates
For animals traveling from the continental U.S. (71.58 KB) (71.58 KB)
For animals traveling from Hawaii ONLY (42.69 KB)
Additional information for pets originating from Hawaii:
- Pets that originate from Hawaii but are being located in the continental US prior to export are required to use the health certificate associated with the continental US.
- Animals that are transiting the continental US from Hawaii, i.e. changing planes and not exiting the plane/cargo area, may continue to use the requirements for Hawaii.
In both cases, the owner/agent must contact AFCD for further information prior to any travel arrangements, as additional dispensation +/- certification/declaration may be required to allow for the pet to enter Hong Kong.
Health certificates for U.S. origin pet chinchillas to Hong Kong must be signed by the animal’s owner in Part A, issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian (referred to as the “official / registered veterinary surgeon”) in Part B, and endorsed by an APHIS Veterinarian (the “full time Government Veterinary Officer”) in Part C, within 14 days of departure.
All statements in Parts B and C must be true, and pet chinchillas for export must be captive-bred and over 12 weeks of age at the time of departure.
For export of other pet rodents, please visit Hong Kong's Web-site to learn more about importing these pets.
International Health Certificate (348.69 KB)
Visit Hong Kong's Web-site to learn more about importing these pets;
Pet animals (excluding dogs and cats) may be sent on the health certificate provided by Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department (AFCD) or an APHIS Form 7001 health certificate that includes the stated requirements for the appropriate species as listed on the AFCD website and import permit.
APHIS endorsement of the health certificates for pet birds is required after it has been issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 14 days of departure
Visit Hong Kong's web-site to learn more about importing pet birds.
For pet travel requirements not listed, APHIS has not been officially informed by the foreign country about the requirements for your pet’s travel. We recommend that you contact a government official of the country you are traveling to for more information.
Country of Destination Contact Information
Countries Participating in the European Union
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Republic of Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Northern Ireland*
Norway**
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland**
* Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom (UK), but will continue to follow European Union (EU) requirements even though the UK is no longer part of the EU.
** Norway and Switzerland are not part of the EU but have adopted EU legislation for import of most species of live animals.
Important Travel Considerations
Considerations for airline travel and cruises:
Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies and requirements for transporting pets. Check with your airline or shipping representative to determine what requirements they may have.
Learn how you can improve the safety of dogs and cats during air travel.
If pets or support animals accompany you on a cruise, you must comply with entry rules for every country or port where your pet or support animal exits the ship.
Will you be returning to the United States with your pet?
View APHIS Requirements
ALERT: If you're traveling with a dog, be aware that the CDC has additional requirements for bringing a dog into the United States. You must follow CDC's requirements, or your dog will not be allowed to enter the United States.
If you are transiting (passing through) the European Union:
If your pet is traveling through (transiting) a country in the European Union (EU) on the way to a third, non-EU country, you will also need a transit health certificate for your pet for the EU. The transit health certificate will be the same as if your pet’s final destination was the EU country. Use the information and steps above under “Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type” to determine which health certificate should be used. View a list of EU countries.
Need Help?
Still Have Questions?
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians
Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian for questions about your destination country's entry requirements for pets (including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments) and for issuance of health certificates.
Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
USDA Endorsement Offices
Contact your nearest APHIS Veterinary Export Trade Services Endorsement Office for questions about endorsing a health certificate for pets.
Looking for Another Country?
Find your destination country requirements by using the dropdown menu below. If your country is not listed in the menu, visit Pet Travel: Unknown Requirements.