Hong Kong is on APQA’s quarterly rabies-free list, so no rabies vaccination and no antibody titer are required. The pet needs a microchip and an AFCD official animal health certificate stating the chip number and birth date, and compliant pets are normally released on the day of arrival.
HK → KR · Dogs and cats
Hong Kong → Korea
Hong Kong is on APQA’s quarterly rabies-free list, so no rabies vaccination and no antibody titer are required. The pet needs a microchip and an AFCD official animal health certificate stating the chip number and birth date, and compliant pets are normally released on the day of arrival.
Primary sources reviewedLast checked: 26 Aug 2026Next source review: 26 Sept 2026
Korean Air and Asiana sell cabin and checked options from Hong Kong; Cathay carries pets as cargo only through approved agents, while T’way and HK Express accept no pets on this route.
A manageable self-service route once the AFCD examination appointment is booked early enough
Route timeline
Plan by dependencies, not a flat checklist.
A manageable self-service route once the AFCD examination appointment is booked early enough
- 01Before the AFCD certificate
Permanent readable microchip
The chip number must appear on the official certificate and scan at arrival; a non-ISO chip means bringing a compatible reader.
Korea Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency - 02Book at least 10 working days ahead; valid 10 days
AFCD official exam and health certificate
Korea requires an AFCD official animal health certificate stating the microchip number and birth date. The official examination must be booked at least 10 working days ahead, and the certificate is valid for 10 days, so align the appointment with the flight. No rabies vaccination or titer is required while Hong Kong stays on the quarterly rabies-free list.
Hong Kong AFCD · Korea Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency - 03Departure day
Fly with the original certificate
Confirm the operating carrier’s pet mode in writing: Korean Air and Asiana sell cabin and checked options, Cathay is cargo only through approved agents, and T’way and HK Express carry no pets on this route.
International Air Transport Association · International Air Transport Association - 04On arrival, before customs
Present the pet at the quarantine desk before customs
Declare the pet and present the original certificate to the APQA quarantine officer before passing through customs. Compliant pets are normally released the same day; missing or mismatched documents mean quarantine at the owner’s expense or return to Hong Kong.
Korea Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency
Source ledger
Official sources
Every conclusion must trace back to an official source. Government forms link directly to the original publisher, and superseded documents are not treated as current requirements.
Korea Animal and Plant Quarantine AgencyDog and cat quarantine certification program booklet18 Jul 2026Korea Animal and Plant Quarantine AgencyQuarterly list of overseas rabies-free countries and regions (Hong Kong listed)26 Aug 2026Hong Kong AFCDOfficial animal health certificate for export to Korea18 Jul 2026International Air Transport AssociationTraveler's Pet Corner18 Jul 2026International Air Transport AssociationPublic pet container requirements: Container Requirement 118 Jul 2026
HK → KR · Data version 2026.08.26.2
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