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.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Your Dog or Cat from the UK to South Korea
Step 1 — Apply for the Export Health Certificate (EHC 3908)
Request EHC 3908 through the UK EHC Online system once your travel plans are confirmed and your export timeline is set.
Best timing:
👉 Apply around 2–3 weeks before your planned travel date
We guide clients on the exact submission timing to make sure certification lines up correctly with the final pre-export checks and appointment availability.
Step 2 — ISO Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip (ISO 11784/11785).
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Requirements:
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Microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination used for travel
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Microchip number must match all documents exactly
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Non-ISO chips require the owner to provide a scanner at arrival
Mismatch = quarantine risk.
Step 3 — Large number of pets (4 or more animals)
If 4 or more dogs/cats are travelling:
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Advance notification must be submitted to the Korean Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Agency (QIA)
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Prior approval for quarantine facility use is required
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This must be arranged before travel
For 1–3 pets → this step does not apply.
Step 4 — Final clinical examination & EHC issue
Your pet must be examined by an Official Veterinarian (OV) within 48 hours before transport.
At this appointment the OV will:
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scan and verify the microchip
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review vaccination and laboratory reports
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perform a full clinical examination
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confirm the animal is free from signs of infectious or contagious disease — including distemper, rabies, and external ectoparasites
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confirm the animal is fit to travel
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complete and sign EHC 3908
Timing requirement:
The pre-flight clinical examination and final certification must be completed no more than 48 hours before departure.
🔎 Important Note for Pets Travelling from the United Kingdom
As the United Kingdom is recognised as a rabies-free country, the following are not mandatory for pets travelling from the UK to South Korea under the current UK Export Health Certificate:
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Rabies vaccination
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Rabies antibody titre (blood) test
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Routine/core vaccinations
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Internal or external parasite treatments
These measures may be recommended for general animal health and airline compliance, but they are not compulsory import requirements for pets originating from the UK.