Official Import Rules
Hong Kong requires a Special Import Permit from AFCD before travel. All cats must arrive as manifest cargo at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
Requirements depend on the origin country group:
- Group I: rabies-free origins, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Fiji, Hawaii, Jersey, and Japan. Cats need a microchip, health certificate, and proof of at least 4 months' residence in the export country. No rabies vaccination and no quarantine are required if compliant.
- Group II: other approved origins where rabies is controlled. Cats need a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and 4+ months' residence proof. No quarantine applies if compliant.
- Group IIIA: While Mainland China was added to Group IIIA on 3 June 2025, AFCD has published a separate, updated set of quarantine arrangements specifically for animals imported from the Mainland, which may differ from the general reduced-quarantine terms applied to other Group IIIA origins (e.g., Hungary, Lithuania, Malaysia, Thailand). Travellers moving cats from Mainland China should check AFCD's dedicated Mainland guidance rather than assuming the standard IIIA terms apply uniformly.
- Group IIIB: all other origins. Cats need a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and up to 4 months' quarantine at an AFCD facility.
Important rule changes: the old Group III category was split into IIIA and IIIB from 1 December 2024. Mainland China moved into Group IIIA from 3 June 2025.
Special breed requirement — Bengal cats: AFCD prohibits the import or transhipment of Bengal cats into Hong Kong unless the owner provides documentation proving the cat is a 5th generation (or later) descendant from its wild ancestor, the Asian Leopard Cat. There is no fixed public list of accepted documents — importers should contact AFCD directly to confirm exactly which supporting paperwork will be accepted for their cat before booking travel.
Savannah cats are not listed as a restricted breed by AFCD. Anyone unsure whether a particular cat breed can be imported should contact AFCD directly for guidance before booking travel.
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Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip required before rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required for Group II, IIIA, and IIIB countries. Not required for Group I.
FAVN Titer Test
Apply to AFCD for your import permit — allow 4–6 weeks minimum.
Waiting period
Collect proof of 4+ months continuous residence in the country of export.
Health certificate
Health certificate from an official vet within the required timeframe before travel.
Government endorsement
Book manifest cargo on an AFCD-approved airline (Cathay Pacific Cargo most common).
Prepare for quarantine if required
Group IIIA: reduced quarantine (Mainland China follows a separate AFCD-published arrangement). Group IIIB: up to 4 months at AFCD facility.
Travel to HKG
All cats arrive as manifest cargo at Hong Kong International Airport only.
Preparation Checklist
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Quarantine Information
Quarantine requirements depend on country group. Group I and II: no quarantine if fully compliant. Group IIIB (all other countries): mandatory quarantine of up to 4 months at AFCD's government-operated facility, at the owner's expense. The AFCD quarantine facility is well-regarded with professional animal care staff.
Group IIIA (Hungary, Lithuania, Malaysia, Thailand): reduced quarantine period at an AFCD facility — confirm current duration directly with AFCD. Mainland China was added to Group IIIA on 3 June 2025, but AFCD has published a separate, updated set of quarantine arrangements specifically for animals imported from the Mainland. These may differ from the general reduced-quarantine terms applied to other Group IIIA origins, so travellers moving cats from Mainland China should check AFCD's dedicated Mainland guidance rather than assuming the standard IIIA terms apply.
City & Housing Tips
Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories all have active expat communities. Hong Kong is a high-density city — most residents live in apartments, and many buildings have pet restrictions, so confirm pet policy with your landlord before signing. The New Territories and outlying islands offer more space. Hong Kong has an active cat welfare community and numerous rescue organisations. Cats must be licensed with AFCD after import clearance.
Vets & Common Parasites
Hong Kong has world-class veterinary facilities. The City University of Hong Kong operates a veterinary teaching hospital, and numerous private clinics operate across the city. 24-hour emergency vet care is available in major areas. Common health concerns include the subtropical climate (heat/humidity), tick-borne diseases, and intestinal parasites. Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is recommended. Hong Kong is rabies-free — maintain vaccinations if your cat will travel internationally.
Find Vets in Hong KongExit Rules — Leaving Hong Kong
Exiting Hong Kong requires an AFCD export licence and a veterinary health certificate. Apply through the AFCD online portal at least 3 working days before departure. Cats that have resided in Hong Kong for 4+ months qualify as Group I origin for re-entry into Hong Kong — a useful status to maintain for future travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your country group. Group I and II countries (most of Europe, US, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Australia) are exempt if fully compliant. Group IIIA (Hungary, Lithuania, Malaysia, Thailand) face reduced quarantine. Mainland China is also in Group IIIA, but AFCD has published a separate, dedicated set of quarantine arrangements for Mainland-origin animals — check AFCD's Mainland guidance rather than assuming standard IIIA terms apply. Group IIIB (all others) face up to 4 months quarantine at an AFCD facility.
From 1 December 2024, the old Group III was split into IIIA and IIIB with different quarantine periods. From 3 June 2025, Mainland China was reclassified into Group IIIA — however AFCD has issued a separate, updated set of quarantine arrangements specifically for Mainland-origin animals, which may not match the standard IIIA terms used for other origins like Hungary, Lithuania, Malaysia and Thailand. All permits issued under the old Group III classification remain valid until expiry.
Yes. Hong Kong operates completely separate pet import rules under AFCD, entirely distinct from Mainland China. Mainland China is classified as a Group IIIA origin for imports into Hong Kong, but AFCD has published a dedicated, updated set of quarantine arrangements specifically for animals coming from the Mainland — these may differ from the general IIIA terms applied to other origins, so check AFCD's specific Mainland guidance before travelling.
Only with documentation. AFCD does not allow Bengal cats to be imported or transshipped into Hong Kong unless the owner can prove the cat is a 5th generation (or later) descendant from its wild ancestor, the Asian Leopard Cat. Contact AFCD directly before booking to confirm exactly which supporting documents will be accepted, and to check whether any other breed you are travelling with faces similar restrictions.
Difficulty
High
Lead Time
6+ months
Estimated Cost
$4,000+
All-in estimate
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