Pet Travel From the United States to Korea
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.
Rabies vaccines and tests
Rabies vaccines must be current and given prior to arrival in Korea. Rabies vaccine is not required for pets under 90 days old.
A rabies-neutralization antibody test (0.5 IU/ml or higher) must be completed*. A rabies-neutralization test is not required for pets under 90 days old.
Microchip
The pet(s) must have an ISO-compliant microchip*
Health Certificate
The pet(s) must be accompanied by a valid health certificate (188.81 KB) issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by USDA.
International Health Certificate for Dogs and Cats (188.81 KB)
* If the rabies neutralization antibody test and/or the microchip implantation could not be done prior to shipping (or the test is more than 24 months of departure), they can be done after arrival in Korea.
However, even in this case, a valid USDA endorsed health certificate is required. Animals that have not been microchipped and/or had a rabies-neutralization antibody test performed will likely be held in quarantine at the owner’s expense until any procedures or lab tests have been completed. Please contact South Korea using the link below for confirmation and additional information.
Bringing Dogs and Cats to Korea (Quarantine Inspection Website)
For military personnel traveling under official orders, you can find additional information at: https://www.korea.amedd.army.mil/default.html
Pet ferrets originating from Hawaii or Guam are not required to have rabies vaccinations or rabies titer tests prior to travel, as they are considered by Korea to be regions free from rabies.
All other U.S. origin ferrets are required to be current on their rabies vaccinations and have a rabies titer test taken more than 3 months, but less than 12 months, prior to travel. Titer test must be conducted at approved laboratories.
International Health Certificate for Ferrets (207.23 KB)
* This health certificate may only be used for personal pet birds that are traveling with an owner/agent.
* If the bird is intended for commercial purposes upon arrival OR is traveling via cargo, you must use the commercial pet bird health certificate found here
International Health Certificate for Birds (105.77 KB)
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.