Pet Transport Colombia to Japan: 2026 AQS Protocol Guide

Japan’s AQS classifies each country of origin based on its rabies risk profile. Colombia, like other Latin American countries where rabies has historically been present in animal populations, is classified as non-designated. This means the most thorough preparation protocol applies.

For a non-designated country, the sequence must be completed in full: ISO microchip implanted before the first vaccination, first vaccination (dog at least 91 days old), minimum 30-day gap, second vaccination (within 12 months of Japan arrival), minimum 30-day wait, then the FAVN blood draw. From that blood draw date: 180 days before your pet can enter Japan.

There is no shortcut. Even if your Colombian dog has a full vaccination history, AQS requires the specific two-vaccination sequence to restart. The 180-day wait begins from the date of the FAVN blood draw that meets the post-vaccination timing requirements, not from any earlier point in the preparation.

ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) is Colombia’s agricultural and animal health authority. All pets leaving Colombia for Japan need an ICA-registered vet, an ICA export permit, and a health certificate endorsed by ICA in the format Japan AQS specifies. Allow 3 to 4 weeks for ICA permit processing. Keep originals of all ICA documents: Japan AQS will not accept copies.

The FAVN (fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation) test is the specific titre test method required by Japan. Blood is drawn by your Colombian vet and shipped by international courier to a MAFF-approved laboratory. Commonly used options include KSVDL in Kansas, USA. The result must be 0.5 IU/ml or above. Below that, a booster and repeat draw reset the 180-day clock.

One practical step: find a vet in Bogota or Medellin who has handled AQS preparations before. The paperwork format, courier shipping requirements, and documentation chain are specific to AQS and differ from standard export health certificates.

There are no direct flights from Colombia to Japan. The standard routing goes via the USA: Avianca or American Airlines connects Bogota (BOG) or Medellin (MDE) to Los Angeles (LAX), and from LAX both ANA and Japan Airlines operate cargo services to Tokyo Narita (NRT). The LAX-NRT sector is well-served for cargo live animals.

This means your pet makes at least two flights, and the total journey from BOG to NRT including layover time can run 20 to 30 hours. The ICA health certificate and all original AQS documentation must travel with the pet, clearly labelled. Discuss transit handling procedures with both carriers before booking.

File the 40-day advance notification with the AQS office at Narita separately from your cargo booking. It is an administrative submission that confirms the import details and allows AQS to allocate inspection resources. Submit it early and include the confirmed flight information once you have it.