Pet entry requirements: Cat → South Korea
These are the requirements for entering South Korea with a cat, based on a departure from Germany/the EU. Requirements can change — always confirm with the relevant authority before you travel.
🔴 Required
Import permit Required
Quarantine notification to APQA on arrival; 10+ animals need advance approval
Microchip Required
ISO 11784/11785 microchip (15-digit, non-encrypted), BEFORE the rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination Required
Yes – from 90 days; inactivated vaccine; at least 30 days before entry
Minimum age / young animals Required
From 90 days.
Health certificate Required
Official health certificate in APQA format with chip number, vaccination and titer results (~10 days)
🟡 Recommended
Rabies titer test Not required
Not required – Germany is on the APQA list of rabies-free countries (as of 2024-01-04)
Other tests Not required
No additional standard tests
Parasite treatment Not required
No general requirement in the APQA conditions — verify locally
Quarantine Not required
Release at ICN with complete documentation; otherwise quarantine (~10 days)
Registration Not required
Applies to dogs; if resident verify locally
🐾 Local rules (in-country)
These apply on the ground in the destination country — to everyone, not as an entry condition — and depend on the breed and situation (e.g. public transport, listed breeds).
Breed restrictions On site
No breed restrictions for cats
Muzzle / leash On site
Applies to dogs
⚠️ Notes & grey zone
Grey zone
Germany is on the APQA rabies-free list (as of 2024-01-04) → no rabies titer needed; the list can change on outbreaks → re-verify before travel. The microchip must precede the rabies vaccination.
Notes
Quarantine notification on arrival (ICN); IATA crate; owner bears costs (titer/chip/certificate/any quarantine); no official fee schedule
Related destinations in Asia & the Middle East
China · Hong Kong · India · Israel · United Arab Emirates
Airlines flying this route
From data on flown routes — not a pet-policy guarantee. Check the airline's own pet policy before booking.
Asiana Airlines · Korean Air · Lufthansa
Check this route & airlines in detail →Authority: APQA (Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency)
Read at the responsible authority on 10/06/2026.
Check your specific route & airlines →For informational purposes only. Regulations change frequently — verify with the relevant authorities before travel.