Pet Transport from China to South Korea: QIAS Quarantine and GACC Export

QIAS handles all animal quarantine and inspection for imports into South Korea. For pets from China (classified as rabies-endemic), the requirements are: an ISO microchip; current rabies vaccination; an FAVN titre test at an approved laboratory with a passing result (minimum 0.5 IU/ml); a QIAS-format health certificate from an official vet in China, countersigned by GACC; and advance notification to QIAS before travel. On arrival at Incheon, pets from rabies-endemic countries including China serve a 5-10 day quarantine inspection at the QIAS facility. The duration within the 5-10 day range depends on documentation completeness and QIAS assessment on arrival. Source: QIAS, qia.go.kr.

The health certificate must be in the format specified by QIAS for Chinese pets, not a general export certificate. The GACC-authorised vet in China must know the correct format, or you should use a specialist agent familiar with QIAS documentation. Submit QIAS advance notification before booking flights, as this step precedes the departure arrangements.

For China-based owners comparing destination timelines, the differences are substantial. China-to-Japan requires two vaccinations, a titre test, a mandatory 180-day post-titre wait, and a 40-day advance notification to AQS. Total preparation: 32-40 weeks. China-to-South Korea requires a titre test and 5-10 day quarantine on arrival at Incheon. Total preparation: 16-24 weeks. China-to-EU destinations (Germany, France, Netherlands) require a titre test and a 90-day post-titre wait. Total preparation: 20-28 weeks.

South Korea is the fastest route among these three options in terms of total preparation time, largely because it does not impose a mandatory waiting period before arrival. This makes it a practical choice for families whose relocation timeline is compressed. The 5-10 day Incheon quarantine is modest compared to the pre-travel waiting requirements for Japan or EU destinations.

The GACC export process is the same regardless of destination. You need a GACC export permit and a GACC-endorsed health certificate in the format required by the destination country (QIAS format for Korea). Apply to your local GACC office with the health certificate, microchip record, and vaccination documentation. Allow 3-4 weeks for processing. The health certificate must be issued within 14 days of your Korean arrival date, so schedule the vet appointment close to the travel date.

Approved international departure airports for pet exports from China are Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), and Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN). Korean Air Cargo offers direct services from PEK and PVG to Incheon (ICN), as does Air China. These direct services are the most straightforward option for most owners, avoiding the documentation complications of a transit via Hong Kong or another hub airport.