Pet Travel from the UK to South Korea: Dog & Cat Import Requirements
Bringing your dog or cat from the UK to South Korea requires official certification and compliance with import rules. As the UK is rabies-free, the process is generally more straightforward. Below is a clear step-by-step guide to the current requirements.
Quick Summary: UK → South Korea (EHC 3908)
Export Health Certificate (EHC 3908)
You must travel with EHC 3908, requested via the UK EHC Online system and completed/signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV).Best timing to apply: around 2–3 weeks before travel (we’ll advise the exact timing so it aligns with final checks and appointment availability).
Microchip (ISO standard)
Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before any rabies vaccination used for travel. The microchip number must match all documents exactly.If the chip is non‑ISO, you must provide a scanner on arrival. Any mismatch can create a quarantine risk.
Travelling with 4+ pets (additional approval)
If you’re travelling with four or more dogs/cats, you must arrange advance notification and prior approval for quarantine facility use with the relevant Korean authority before travel.(For 1–3 pets, this does not apply.)
Final OV examination (48-hour rule)
Your pet must have a final clinical examination and the certificate must be issued no more than 48 hours before departure.
​​​​​​​UK-origin note (current EHC): For pets travelling from the UK, rabies vaccination, rabies titre testing, routine/core vaccinations, and parasite treatments are not mandatory import requirements under the current certificate (though they may still be recommended for general health/airline compliance).
