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Pet Travel from the UK to Japan: Dog & Cat Import Requirements

Japan has strict import requirements for dogs and cats, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, rabies blood testing (RNATT), and an official Export Health Certificate issued by a UK Official Veterinarian.

 

At London Pet Travel Certificates, we guide you through each step clearly and professionally, ensuring your documentation meets Japanese import regulations before travel.

Image by Yu Kato

Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Your Dog or Cat from the UK to Japan

Step 1 — Choose Your Japan Arrival Port (Dogs: Restricted)

Before you do anything else, confirm where you’ll enter Japan.

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  • Dogs can only enter via specific airports/seaports (Japan restricts dog ports of entry).

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Eligible Airports: New Chitose Airport, Narita International Airport, Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), Chubu International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Osaka Itami Airport, Kobe Airport, Kitakyushu Airport, Fukuoka Airport, Kagoshima Airport, Naha Airport

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Eligible Seaports: Tomakomai Seaport, Keihin Seaport (Tokyo, Yokohama), Nagoya Seaport, Hanshin Seaport (Osaka, Hyogo), Kanmon Seaport, Hakata Seaport, Kagoshima Seaport, Naha Seaport

 

  • Cats are not restricted, but if you choose a less common port you should check with AQS early.

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  • If there’s any chance paperwork/timing might be tight, choose a port with a detention facility (needed if quarantine exceeds 12 hours).

Image by Su San Lee

Step 2 — Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit numeric) microchip.

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Important: any rabies vaccines given before microchipping are usually not accepted (there are limited exceptions, but don’t plan on them).

Step 3 — Rabies Vaccination #1 (91+ Days Old) 

  • Your pet must be at least 91 days old at the first rabies vaccination.

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  • Vaccine must be inactivated/killed or recombinant (live vaccines aren’t accepted).

Image by Louie Martinez

Step 4 — Rabies Vaccination #2 (30+ Days After #1)

Second rabies vaccination must be:​

  • ≥ 30 days after the first (first vaccine day = Day 0)​

  • before the first vaccine’s immunity period expires

 

If immunity will expire before travel, your pet needs an in-date booster within the immunity period.

 

Rabies vaccines that last 3 years are valid.

Step 5 — Rabies Antibody Blood Test (RNATT / FAVN or RFFIT)

After the second rabies vaccine:​

  • Take a blood sample for rabies antibody testing (can be same day as the second vaccine).​

  • Result must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml​

  • Test must be run by a designated laboratory (APHA Woodham Lane) and you’ll need the original lab report for travel.

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Validity: the antibody test result is valid for 2 years from the blood sampling date, provided rabies vaccination immunity is kept continuously valid.

Image by Tom Vining

Step 6 — Waiting Period: Minimum 180 Days (Non-Negotiable)

Japan requires a minimum 180 days from blood sampling (Day 0) before arrival.

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  • If you arrive earlier than 180 days, your pet can be detained until the combined time reaches 180 days (up to 180 days total quarantine depending on the issue).

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  • Your travel date must fall within:

    • the rabies vaccine immunity period, and

    • the RNATT 2-year validity window

Image by Alex Knight

Step 7 — Advance Notification to Japan AQS (At Least 40 Days Before Arrival)

You must notify Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) ≥ 40 days before arrival.

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AQS will issue the key document:
“Approval of Import Inspection of Animals” (includes a receipt/approval number)

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You will need to submit a Notification to the AQS either online or through email.

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Dog form

Cat Form

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You will need this approval for:​

  • airline check-in/boarding, and​

  • quoting the receipt number during certification and arrival processes

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If plans change, you submit a Modification before arrival. 

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If your original notification was submitted through NACCS, any changes must also be submitted through the NACCS system (not by email).

Image by Juliana Barquero

Step 8 — Book Flights and Transport Arrangements (Do This Once Timing Is “Safe”)

Once you have:​

  • RNATT passed, and​

  • your 180-day date confirmed, and​

  • you’re within rabies immunity / RNATT validity

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…then book your flight.

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What to check when booking:​

  • Direct vs transit (transits can trigger extra requirements or risk)​

  • Whether your pet will travel as:

    • checked baggage/hand luggage, or

    • cargo (AWB for air cargo; B/L for sea cargo)​

  • Airline crate requirements (IATA compliant)

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Japan-specific reminder: If your pet is held >12 hours, you’ll need a port that can manage detention quarantine.

Mount Fuji in the Fall

Step 9 — Request the UK Export Health Certificate (EHC 6407)

This is the step owners often leave too late.

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Owners should start the EHC process once flights/arrival port are confirmed and AQS approval is in hand, because the certificate must match:

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  • arrival airport/seaport details

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  • importer/exporter details

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  • the AQS approval/receipt number

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What owners do:

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What we do:

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  • Check all supporting documents (microchip/rabies/RNATT/AQS approval)

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  • Plan the timing of the final exams and “certificate at embarkation” section

Step 10 — Pre-Export Clinical Exam (Within 10 Days of Boarding)

Japan requires a clinical exam within 10 days before boarding:

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  • Dogs: no clinical signs of rabies or leptospirosis

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  • Cats: no clinical signs of rabies

Shinto Monument at the Park

Step 11 — Recommended Vaccines & Parasite Prevention

Before travelling to Japan, it is strongly recommended that pets are fully up to date with routine vaccinations and have received flea and worming treatments.

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This is especially important if quarantine is required on arrival. Combination core vaccines and broad-spectrum parasite prevention help protect your pet and support entry and detention facility health standards.

Step 12 — Official Certification & Endorsement Requirements (UK Side)

Japan requires certificates issued/endorsed by the government authority of the exporting country.

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Practically, this means your paperwork must be:

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  • completed accurately (no sloppy corrections)

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  • signed/stamped properly as official export documentation

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Japan strongly recommends sending drafts for advance confirmation before endorsement because post-endorsement corrections are a nightmare.

Image by Sora Sagano

Step 13 — Final Certification at Embarkation (Immediately Before Departure)

The UK EHC includes a Certificate at Embarkation section completed right before travel.

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  • Ideally within 48 hours of departure (UK guidance), aligned with immediate pre-embark checks.

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  • Includes transport container/IATA declaration and final verification.

Step 14 — Arrival in Japan: Import Inspection (Usually < 12 Hours If Perfect)

On arrival, AQS will inspect:

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  • your pet’s health (rabies; dogs also leptospirosis)

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  • microchip number matches all documents

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  • certificates are correctly issued/endorsed

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  • paperwork matches the notification and approval

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If all is correct: clearance typically within 12 hours (often a few hours).

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If not: your pet may be detained up to 180 days, returned, or refused entry depending on the problem.

Image by Nicki Eliza Schinow

Step 15 — After Arrival

Dogs only: registration with local municipality (within required timeframe) and ongoing rabies vaccination under Japanese law.

Critical Compliance Points for Japan

  • The 180-day waiting period following the rabies antibody blood test must be completed in full before travel. Failure to meet this requirement can result in extended quarantine on arrival.

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  • Microchip details must match perfectly across all documentation. Any discrepancy or unreadable chip may result in detention or refusal of entry.

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