Official Import Rules
South Korea requires an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination (see timing note below), a government-issued health certificate from the exporting country's government agency, and for cats aged 90 days or older from countries where rabies is present: a rabies neutralising antibody titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml).
The health certificate must be issued by the government agency of the exporting country — not merely any accredited or private vet. It must include the animal's microchip number, date of birth, and the result of the rabies neutralising antibody titer test. Without a valid government-issued health certificate, the animal will be returned to the exporting country at the owner's expense.
The titer test applies to cats aged 90 days or older from rabies-present countries. Cats under 90 days old are exempt from the titer test but still require a microchip. The titer test result is valid if blood was drawn within 24 months prior to arrival, and the test was conducted by a government agency or internationally accredited laboratory of the exporting country.
Cats from rabies-free countries may be exempt from the titer test. An advance notification to APQA and prior approval for a quarantine facility is only required when bringing 10 or more cats and/or dogs. Travellers with 9 or fewer animals do not need to file an advance declaration.
Cats are inspected at the airport quarantine station.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination is required. The official APQA page does not specify a 21-day or 30-day pre-travel window for the vaccination itself. Confirm any vaccination timing requirement directly with APQA before travel.
Rabies titer test (cats aged 90 days or older from rabies-present countries)
Result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. Blood must be drawn within 24 months prior to arrival. The test must be conducted by a government agency or internationally accredited laboratory of the exporting country. Cats under 90 days old are exempt but must still have a microchip.
Government-issued health certificate
Must be issued by the government agency of the exporting country — not a private or accredited vet. Must include the animal's microchip number, date of birth, and the result of the rabies neutralising antibody titer test. This is mandatory for all cats entering South Korea. Without it, the animal will be returned to the exporting country at the owner's expense.
Travel
Arrive at designated port with all original documentation.
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
Before travel
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
No quarantine if documentation is complete. Cats with missing or incomplete documentation may be held for an extended quarantine period of around 10 days for testing. This extended period is not a standard requirement — it is the consequence of arriving without the required paperwork.
City & Housing Tips
Seoul, Busan, and Incheon have excellent pet infrastructure. South Korea has a rapidly growing pet culture — cat cafés are everywhere, pet supplies are abundant. Finding pet-friendly housing is improving but landlords may charge extra deposits.
Vets & Common Parasites
Excellent veterinary care in major cities. Seoul has numerous 24-hour emergency animal hospitals. Korea has a strong veterinary education system. Common parasites: fleas and intestinal worms.
Find Vets in South KoreaExit Rules — Leaving South Korea
Exiting South Korea requires a health certificate from an APQA-registered vet, endorsed by the local quarantine office. Allow 5-7 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Korean Air and most international airlines allow cabin pets on flights to South Korea.
The titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) is required for cats aged 90 days or older from countries where rabies is present. Blood must have been drawn within 24 months of arrival, and the test must be conducted by a government agency or internationally accredited laboratory of the exporting country. Cats under 90 days old are exempt from the titer test. Cats from rabies-free countries may also be exempt. Check with APQA for your specific country.
Very much so. Seoul has a booming pet culture with cat cafés, pet hotels, and pet-friendly businesses.
Community Tips
Quarantine is required in South Korea. Plan ahead and book quarantine facilities well in advance.
Have you moved to South Korea 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.