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. Cats need a microchip, health certificate, and proof of at least 4 months' residence in the export country. No quarantine applies if compliant.
- Group II: rabies-controlled origins, including most of Europe, the US, Canada, and Japan. Cats need a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and 4+ months' residence proof. No quarantine applies if compliant.
- Group IIIA: includes Mainland China, Hungary, Lithuania, Macao China, Malaysia, and Thailand. Cats need a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and AFCD quarantine for a reduced period.
- 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.
Bengal cats may only be imported if documentation confirms the cat is of the 5th generation or higher. Savannah cats are not listed as a restricted breed by AFCD, but travellers with any breed questions should contact AFCD directly before booking.
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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. 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
6+ months before
3–6 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
Quarantine requirements depend on country group. Group I and II: no quarantine if fully compliant. Group IIIA (including Mainland China, Malaysia, Thailand): reduced quarantine period at AFCD facility — confirm current duration directly with AFCD. 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.
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 (Mainland China, Malaysia, Thailand, Hungary, Lithuania) face reduced quarantine. 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. 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 itself a Group IIIA origin country for imports into Hong Kong, meaning cats from the Mainland face reduced quarantine when entering HK.
Community Tips
Apply for your AFCD import permit at least 4–6 weeks before travel. Without it, airlines cannot accept your cat.
Cathay Pacific Cargo is the most experienced carrier for live animal transport to Hong Kong. Book early — space is limited.
Have you moved to Hong Kong with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.