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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Step 2 — Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

• 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).

• Your travel date must fall within:

  • the rabies vaccine immunity period, and

  • the RNATT 2-year validity window

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.

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

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

Dog form

Cat Form

You will need this approval for:​

• airline check-in/boarding, and​

• quoting the receipt number during certification and arrival processes

If plans change, you submit a Modification before arrival. 

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

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

…then book your flight.

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)

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

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

This is the step owners often leave too late.

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

• arrival airport/seaport details

• importer/exporter details

• the AQS approval/receipt number

What owners do:

• Apply for Export Health Certificate 6407 via DEFRA’s export system (so it’s issued to the chosen OV for completion).

What we do:

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

• 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:

• Dogs: no clinical signs of rabies or leptospirosis

• Cats: no clinical signs of rabies

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.

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 — Final Certification at Embarkation (Immediately Before Departure)

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

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

• Includes transport container/IATA declaration and final verification.

Step 13 — Arrival in Japan: Import Inspection (Usually < 12 Hours If Perfect)

On arrival, AQS will inspect:

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

• microchip number matches all documents

• certificates are correctly issued/endorsed

• paperwork matches the notification and approval

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

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

Step 14 — 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.

• 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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