Introduction
South Korea is a popular destination where the process isn't as complex as Australia, but there's one common trap that delays many flights: the order of the steps. The authority handling pet import is APQA (Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency), and because Thailand isn't a rabies-free country, pets from Thailand need a titer test as well. This guide focuses on getting the sequence right from the start — out of order, and you waste time and money for nothing.
Truth #1: Chip → Vaccine → Titer, in that order — reverse it and you start over
South Korea's strictest rule is that the ISO chip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccine. If you can't prove the chip was in place before the vaccine date, that vaccine is treated as void for import purposes, and you have to restart. The vaccine must be an inactivated type, given at least 30 days before travel, and still within validity (typically ≤ 1 year).
Next is the titer test. For pets ≥ 90 days old from countries that aren't rabies-free (including Thailand), there must be a titer result of ≥ 0.5 IU/mL from an accredited lab. The blood draw must be within 24 months before arrival in Korea, and must be done after a valid vaccine. The Health Certificate must state the chip number and the titer result consistently, and be endorsed by a government vet (DLD).
| Order | Step | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microchip | ISO standard, before the first vaccine, always |
| 2 | Rabies vaccine | Inactivated type, ≥ 30 days before travel, still valid |
| 3 | Titer | ≥ 0.5 IU/mL from accredited lab, drawn within 24 months before arrival |
| 4 | Health Certificate | States chip number + titer result, endorsed by government vet |
Golden rule from the Convey team: Before every vaccine, scan the chip and record the date so it matches in the paperwork. The dispute that ends most cases is "we can't prove the chip was in before the vaccine."
Truth #2: Clear in one day if your paperwork is in order
The good news is that South Korea doesn't impose long quarantine like Australia. On arrival at the airport (Incheon, Gimpo, or Busan), the owner brings the pet and original documents to the animal quarantine officer before customs. The required documents include: endorsed Health Certificate, titer result, microchip certificate, and vaccination record. If documents are complete and the pet passes the clinical check, you can have your pet released the same day.
But if any document, the chip, or the titer result is missing or doesn't meet conditions, your pet will be detained pending correction — typically around 10 days, possibly more depending on the case. The owner covers all the costs (transport, holding, re-testing, re-chipping, document re-issuance). It's far cheaper to get everything right before the flight. On routing, there are several direct Bangkok–Incheon flights, but pet cargo depends on airline policy and aircraft type — confirm with the airline early in planning.