Pet transport from Nigeria to South Korea follows a clear process once you know what South Korea requires.
This route is one of the most demanding international pet transport routes. Start preparations at least 33 weeks before your travel …
Required. Issued by: Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency
Health certificate
Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 14 days from issue
Export permit (Nigeria)
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Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
Import permit application fee (South Korea)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points to read before you book
Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.
Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
BRITISH
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
KOREAN AIR
Korean Air
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Larger pets in hold as checked baggage or Korean Air Cargo. Seasonal temperature restrictions apply
Cabin and Cargo
EMIRATES
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
AIR FRANCE
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
KENYA AIRWAYS
Kenya Airways
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: pets in pressurised hold via Kenya Airways Cargo. Connects Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta hub to European and African destinations. IATA-compliant crate required. Advance approval needed.
Cabin and Cargo
What to know about the Nigeria to South Korea route
This is one of the more demanding international pet transport corridors. South Korea runs a strict biosecurity programme and there are no shortcuts through it.
All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in South Korea (at APQA facility) for 10 days. This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.
Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) regulates imports. Large pet-owning culture.
Things to sort before you book
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
FAQ
Common questions about Nigeria to South Korea pet transport
Allow at least 33 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in South Korea. Your pet will stay for 10 days at APQA facility on arrival. This is non-negotiable and the cost is paid by the owner.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 180-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter South Korea. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from South Korea’s authority (Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Nigeria. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check South Korea’s authority for the exact format required.