Pet Transport from Ireland to South Korea
Ireland's EU membership works in your favour on this route. South Korea's APQA doesn't require a titre test for pets from EU countries, which means no 6-month waiting period. The preparation is 3-6 weeks rather than 6 …
The import process, step by step
Every step must be completed in sequence. Starting early is critical: a missed deadline can add months.
Responsible: Your vet
Responsible: You or agent
Responsible: You or agent
Responsible: DAFM-registered vet
Responsible: You + airline + APQA
What your pet needs to enter South Korea
Every item below must be completed and verified. We manage and cross-check each one.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Ireland has no direct Dublin-Seoul flight. All routings involve at least one hub stop. Confirm live animal handling procedures at your transit hub.
APQA advance notification must be submitted at least 5 days before arrival. Don't leave this until the last minute.
Health certificate must be in the format APQA accepts and issued within 10 days of travel.
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book live animal cargo correctly.
EU origin status: what it means for APQA entry
South Korea’s APQA classifies origin countries by their rabies risk profile. EU member states, including Ireland, are treated as low-risk origins. For pets from Ireland, this removes both the titre test requirement and any mandatory pre-entry waiting period.
In practice, you need a current microchip (ISO 11784/11785), an up-to-date rabies vaccination, and an official DAFM-endorsed health certificate in the format APQA accepts. Your DAFM-registered vet can prepare this, but it must be issued within 10 days of travel, book the appointment with that timing in mind.
The 5-day advance APQA notification is the administrative step that’s most commonly missed. Your cargo agent or transport specialist should handle this as a standard part of the booking, but confirm it’s been submitted before travel day.
Dublin to Seoul: routing options
No direct Dublin-Seoul cargo flight exists. The most efficient routings are via Dubai (Emirates SkyCargo), Doha (Qatar Airways Cargo), or Frankfurt (Lufthansa Cargo). Aer Lingus connects to partner cargo services for onward movement.
Emirates and Qatar Airways both have experience with live animal cargo on long-haul routes and serve Incheon directly from their respective hubs. Lufthansa restricts brachycephalic breeds from cargo year-round, worth knowing if that applies to your dog.
Korean Air Cargo also operates connections from European hubs to Incheon. Whichever routing you choose, confirm that your transit hub allows live animal cargo transits before booking.
Common questions
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