Pet Transport from Netherlands to South Korea

South Korea’s APQA classifies countries by rabies risk. EU member states, which have well-controlled and documented rabies vaccination programmes, are treated as lower-risk origins. For pets from EU countries, this means no titre test is required and no routine quarantine applies.

In practice, you need a current microchip, an up-to-date rabies vaccination, and an official NVWA-endorsed health certificate in the format APQA accepts. Once those are in place, the move is primarily a logistics exercise rather than a months-long regulatory waiting game.

The advance APQA notification is the one step that catches people off guard. It must be submitted at least 5 days before your pet arrives in South Korea. Your cargo agent or pet transport specialist can handle this, but flag it early.

KLM’s direct AMS-ICN service is the obvious first call. KLM Cargo Live Animals handles the pet cargo aspect, and as the Dutch national carrier into Amsterdam, KLM has smooth processes at both ends of this route.

Korean Air Cargo also operates AMS-ICN direct, with similar quality cargo handling. Either is a solid option. The difference usually comes down to scheduling and availability around your planned travel date.

Both airlines restrict brachycephalic breeds from cargo holds. If you have a Bulldog, Pug, or similar flat-nosed breed, check breed-specific policies before booking.