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Exit guide

Taking a dog or cat out of South Korea

Exit rules verifiedChecked 2026-10-09Authority: Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency

The steps the authorities in South Korea require before your pet leaves, mostly the health certificate and who has to sign or endorse it. The destination adds its own requirements on top: pick it below, or make a dated plan.

The steps

  1. Vet exam

    Vaccination and health certificate from a Korean animal clinic

    Get the vaccination certificate and the health certificate from the clinic that vaccinated and treated your pet. Even if a rabies vaccination given abroad is accepted, you must also get a vaccination and health certificate from a domestic clinic within 10 days before departure.

    Details and the official words

    “you must get a vaccination and health certificate from a domestic animal clinic within 10 days before departure and submit it along with the foreign certificate.”

  2. Official stamp

    APQA quarantine certificate

    The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency issues the quarantine certificate within the 10 days before departure (some destinations want it closer, for example within 7 days or 48 hours). Offices are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00 (lunch 12:00 to 13:00); the offices at Incheon Airport Terminals 1 and 2 also open on weekends and public holidays. You can get it at the airport on the day of departure: arrive at least two hours before check-in, with every document ready, and call ahead because same-day issue isn't guaranteed.

    Details and the official words

    The certificate has a validity period set by the destination, typically counted from issue (for example 10 or 30 days). A certificate can be corrected and reissued at the issuing office or another one.

    “A quarantine certificate issued by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency can be obtained within 10 days before departure.”

    “Quarantine certificates are issued on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00, except for weekends and public holidays.”

    “visit the airport quarantine office at least two hours before check-in.”

Good to know

  • APQA says the deadlines for the quarantine certificate, and its validity, depend on the destination country's own rules, so check the importing country's requirements first.
  • A layover usually needs no certificate if your pet doesn't pass immigration, but in the European Union even a layover needs quarantine documentation. APQA recommends direct flights.When: Your route passes through another country
  • APQA calls travelling or moving abroad with a pet 'non-commercial'. Sales, exhibitions, competitions and adoption are 'commercial' and usually face stricter rules, which we don't cover.
  • If your pet fails the destination's quarantine check it may be denied entry, quarantined or sent back.

Where are you taking your pet?

Routes from South Korea where we cover both sides.