Country-by-Country Pet Entry Guide: Asia Edition

Introduction

Dreaming of exploring Asia with your dog? From serene temples in Japan to beaches in Thailand and bustling cities like Singapore, Asia offers incredible adventures for you and your furry friend. But before you pack your pup’s passport, it’s essential to understand that pet entry regulations in Asia vary dramatically by country — from easy entry in pet-friendly destinations to strict quarantine systems designed to prevent rabies.

This guide breaks down the major pet import requirements, vaccination rules, and quarantine details across Asia — so you can plan smooth, worry-free travels for your globe-trotting companion.

1. Japan 🇯🇵

Japan has one of the strictest but most transparent pet import systems in the world. It’s rabies-free, so the process ensures visiting pets don’t bring the disease into the country.

📋 Advance Notification: You must notify the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at least 40 days before arrival.
💉 Rabies Vaccinations: Two rabies shots required, given after microchipping, spaced at least 30 days apart.
🧬 Rabies Titer Test: Conducted at an approved lab, at least 180 days before arrival.
🔢 Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant, required before first rabies shot.
🛃 Quarantine: Up to 12 hours for compliant pets; up to 180 days if requirements aren’t met.

Pro Tip: Japan’s AQS officers are detail-oriented. Double-check every date and form to the day — even small errors can extend quarantine.

2. Singapore 🇸🇬

Singapore’s system divides countries into categories (A–D) based on rabies risk. Entry rules depend on where your dog is coming from.

🧾 Import Permit: Apply 30 days before arrival with the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).
💉 Vaccinations: Rabies + core vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis).
🧬 Rabies Titer Test: Required for Category C & D countries, at least 30 days before travel.
🏠 Quarantine: 10–30 days at Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (depends on origin).
🔢 Microchip: ISO-compliant, required.

Pro Tip: Book quarantine early — spots fill months in advance. Singapore’s import approval expires after 30 days, so timing is everything.

3. South Korea 🇰🇷

South Korea allows relatively easy entry for vaccinated dogs, though microchipping and paperwork are mandatory.

💉 Rabies Vaccination: Given at least 30 days before arrival, not older than 12 months.
🔢 Microchip: Required — must be readable on arrival.
🧾 Health Certificate: Endorsed by your home country’s government vet (e.g., USDA for U.S.).
🧬 Rabies Titer Test: Required only for pets from high-risk countries.
🛃 Quarantine: None if all documents are valid.

Pro Tip: Seoul’s Incheon Airport Animal Quarantine Office is efficient and English-friendly — have your forms printed and ready for quick clearance.

4. Thailand 🇹🇭

Thailand is pet-friendly but requires careful coordination with their Department of Livestock Development (DLD).

📋 Import Permit: Apply via email to DLD Bangkok at least 7 days before travel.
💉 Vaccinations: Rabies (over 21 days old, within 1 year of travel) and core vaccines.
🔢 Microchip: Required, ISO-compliant.
🧾 Health Certificate: Endorsed by government vet within 10 days of travel.
🛃 Quarantine: None for compliant pets.

Pro Tip: Keep printed copies of your import permit and rabies certificate handy — customs often ask to see them at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

5. Hong Kong 🇭🇰

Hong Kong has a structured system divided by country risk (Groups I–III). Many pets can enter without quarantine if coming from approved countries.

📋 Import Permit: Apply at least 3 weeks before travel.
💉 Vaccinations: Rabies (within 1 year) and core vaccines.
🔢 Microchip: Required (ISO standard).
🧬 Rabies Titer Test: Required for pets from Group III countries (high-risk).
🏠 Quarantine: 4–6 months for non-compliant pets.

Pro Tip: Hong Kong accepts dogs via approved routes only — direct flights are mandatory from certain origins.

6. Malaysia 🇲🇾

Malaysia’s requirements are straightforward, but short quarantine is mandatory for most foreign pets.

📋 Import Permit: Required, applied for 1 week before travel.
💉 Vaccinations: Rabies (over 30 days old) and core vaccines.
🔢 Microchip: ISO-compliant, required.
🏠 Quarantine: 7 days minimum, may extend to 30 days if documentation is incomplete.

Pro Tip: Quarantine facilities are near major airports (like Kuala Lumpur and Penang) — book early and confirm your reservation.

7. Philippines 🇵🇭

The Philippines is pet-friendly but requires organized documentation and coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

📋 Import Permit: Required, applied online through BAI.
💉 Vaccinations: Rabies vaccine at least 30 days prior to travel.
🔢 Microchip: Required but enforcement varies by port.
🧾 Health Certificate: From licensed vet, endorsed by authority within 10 days.
🛃 Quarantine: Usually waived for fully compliant dogs.

Pro Tip: Keep both paper and digital versions of your import permit — customs officers may request verification via email.

8. Indonesia 🇮🇩

Indonesia has varying rules depending on the island — particularly strict in rabies-free regions like Bali.

📋 Import Permit: Required, applied for through the Directorate of Animal Health.
💉 Rabies Vaccination: At least 30 days before travel.
🔢 Microchip: Required.
🏠 Quarantine: Typically 14 days for most areas, but Bali strictly prohibits dog imports.

Pro Tip: Never attempt to bring a dog to Bali — penalties include deportation or confiscation. Jakarta and Surabaya are more pet-friendly.

9. Vietnam 🇻🇳

Vietnam’s process is relatively simple but requires correct timing.

💉 Rabies Vaccination: At least 30 days before travel, within 12 months.
📋 Health Certificate: From home country’s authority within 10 days of departure.
🔢 Microchip: Recommended but not mandatory for most cases.
🛃 Quarantine: None for compliant pets.

Pro Tip: Vietnam’s entry points (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) may require visual inspection — keep paperwork ready at customs.

10. India 🇮🇳

India’s import system can be bureaucratic, but manageable with the right prep.

📋 No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required from Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) before travel.
💉 Rabies Vaccination: Must be older than 30 days, not over 1 year.
🔢 Microchip: Required.
🧾 Health Certificate: Must be endorsed by government vet in origin country.
🏠 Quarantine: 14–30 days if documents are incomplete or from high-risk regions.

Pro Tip: Use an approved pet relocation agent if entering via Delhi or Mumbai — the NOC process can take several days.

Conclusion

Traveling across Asia with your dog is absolutely possible — but preparation is key. Each country has its own approach to pet entry, reflecting its unique geography, rabies status, and animal health policies. Start early, triple-check requirements, and keep all documents perfectly organized. Once you clear customs and see your dog exploring a new continent by your side, all that planning will be worth it — because there’s no better travel companion than your pup.