Pet Quarantine Guide by Country Traveling with Dogs and Cats Tips: Here’s How to Prepare
Q1. What are the operating hours of the office that issues the quarantine certificate?
- ○ Quarantine certificates are issued on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00, except for weekends and public holidays. For your reference, the animal quarantine agencies at the Incheon International Airport Terminals 1 and 2 remain open daily, including weekends and public holidays, from 9:00 to 18:00.
- ○ The office can be busy for high application volumes so, same-day issuance of quarantine certificates may not always be possible. To avoid disappointment, please contact the office in advance or make a reservation before your visit.
- * a lunch break: 12:00 to 13:00
Q2. When should I get a quarantine certificate?
- ○ A quarantine certificate issued by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency can be obtained within 10 days before departure. The required period may vary depending on the quarantine regulations and requirements of the destination country. In general, the certificate must be issued within a specific period before departure (ex) within 7 days or 48 hours before their travel date).
Q3. Does a quarantine certificate have the period of validity?
- ○ Yes, they have. Each period may vary depending on the quarantine regulations and requirements of the destination country. The validity period is typically set during a period of time from the date of issuance (For example, 10 days or 30 days).
Q4. Can I obtain a quarantine certificate at the airport on the same day of departure? If so, how early should I arrive?
- ○ Yes, you can. To ensure a smooth process, please check *the operating hours and wait times. It is good idea to confirm availability by phone for avoiding delays please, and prepare all required documents in advance and visit the airport quarantine office at least two hours before check-in.
- * from 9:00 to 18:00 (a lunch break: 12:00 to 13:00)
Q5. Can I obtain a quarantine certificate from a different regional office?
- ○ Yes, you can. Please check the available offices in your area and contact them by phone before visiting.
Q6. I’ve already completed the quarantine process at a regional office. Do I need to visit the quarantine office at the airport on the day of departure?
- ○ No, you don’t. Instead, you must clarify that you have all the required documents for your destination country to avoid any missing paperwork.
Q7. Can an issued quarantine certificate be modified? And is it also possible to modify a certificate issued by a different office (if flight details or departure dates change)?
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Yes, modifications are possible.
While it is generally recommended to visit the office where the certificate was originally issued for corrections,
you may also visit another office. After going through the verification process, if there is no issue, the certificate can be modified and reissued.
Q8. If I have a layover in another country before arriving at my destination, do I need to get the certificate in the country?
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In most cases, if you do not go through immigration inspection, your do not need to obtain a quarantine certificate. However,
in the European Union (EU), even for layovers, quarantine documentation is required. Therefore,
it is important to check the specific requirements of each country in advance and prepare accordingly.
For the health and safety of your pet, direct flights are recommended when traveling abroad.
Q9. What happens if my pet fails to pass quarantine in the destination country?
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If your pet fails to pass quarantine in the destination country, it may be denied entry, placed in quarantine, or sent back to the departure country.
Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly check and adhere to the quarantine requirements of the destination country in advance.
Q10. Is a quarantine certificate required when traveling to Jeju Island by domestic flight?
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No, a quarantine certificate is not required. This is because domestic travel for pets within Korea does not require animal quarantine.
However, each regulation may be different by transport companies such as airlines or ferries,
so it’s important to check the transport company’s requirements aside from a quarantine certificate before traveling.
Q11. I received the rabies vaccination and the combination vaccine at different clinics. Which clinic should I get the vaccination and health certificates?
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Vaccination and health certificates can only be made based on the medical history at an animal history in accordance with the Veterinary Act.
Therefore, a pet owner needs to obtain the vaccination and health certificates from each clinic.
Q12. I received the rabies vaccination abroad. Can I submit this when applying for a quarantine certificate?
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Yes, you can. However, not all certificates may be accepted, so it is recommended to contact the office where you apply for the quarantine certificate in advance.
Additionally, even if the rabies vaccination from abroad is accepted, you must get a vaccination and health certificate from a domestic animal clinic within 10 days
before departure and submit it along with the foreign certificate.
Q13. What is the difference between "commercial" and "non-commercial" in the quarantine process?
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Each country has specific definitions and requirements for commercial and non-commercial transportation.
In general, the term “non-commercial” refers to the transportation of a pet owned by an individual for personal purposes,
such as traveling abroad with pets, moving abroad, or long-term stays.
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On the other hand, the term “commercial” refers to the transportation of pets for business purposes,
including sales, exhibitions, competitions, or adoption. Pets transported for commercial purposes are usually
subject to stricter quarantine procedures and regulations than that of non-commercial purposes.
