Pet Transport from South Korea to India
South Korea's APQA system makes the export side of this move organised and predictable. At the India end, you need an AQCS NOC before the pet departs Seoul and 15 days of government quarantine on arrival. India does not require a titre …
The South Korea to India pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
What your pet needs to enter India
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
What this route typically costs
Critical points to read before you book
The AQCS NOC must be obtained before the pet departs Seoul. A pet arriving in India without an NOC will be detained at the airport while the paperwork is resolved.
India only accepts pet arrivals at AQCS-equipped airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Route the cargo accordingly.
South Korea's low rabies incidence does not exempt a pet from India's standard requirements. Rabies vaccination and 15-day quarantine apply regardless.
Korean Air allows small pets in cabin on some routes, but for India you must confirm this specifically for the ICN-DEL or ICN-BOM route on your dates. Cabin pet rules vary by route.
APQA conducts an export inspection at Incheon airport. Allow extra time at the airport for this process.
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
APQA export health certificate and airport inspection
South Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) manages all animal exports. Your vet must be APQA-authorised to issue the export health certificate. The certificate confirms the pet’s health status, vaccination history, and microchip details. APQA also conducts an export inspection at Incheon International Airport (ICN) before the pet boards.
Allow extra time at the airport for the APQA inspection, particularly if you are on an early morning departure. The inspection is standard procedure and typically straightforward, but queuing at the inspection point can add 30-60 minutes to your airport time.
South Korea has a low rabies incidence, and the APQA health certificate will reflect the pet’s vaccination history clearly. India’s AQCS accepts the APQA certificate as the authoritative origin-country document.
India's AQCS NOC and 15-day quarantine
Before the pet’s flight departs Seoul, you must have the AQCS NOC in hand. Apply to the AQCS station at your intended Indian arrival airport at least two weeks before travel; the NOC takes approximately five working days.
Approved entry airports with AQCS quarantine stations are Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Korean Air and Asiana operate direct cargo services to Delhi and Mumbai, making those two the natural arrival choices.
On arrival, the 15-day quarantine begins immediately at the AQCS facility. AQCS officers review the APQA health certificate, vaccination records and NOC at intake. The quarantine facility is a government station; confirm visiting hours with your specific AQCS station before travel.
Korean Air cabin and cargo options from Seoul to India
Korean Air is one of the more pet-friendly major Asian carriers. Its cabin policy allows small pets (under 7 kg including the carrier) on eligible routes. For the Seoul Incheon to Delhi route, confirm whether cabin pet travel is permitted on your specific flight dates; Korean Air’s cabin policy applies to some but not all international routes.
For medium and large dogs, hold cargo is the option. Korean Air Cargo and Asiana Cargo both provide established live animal cargo services on the ICN to DEL and ICN to BOM routes. Book four to six weeks ahead for large crate bookings.
The cargo hold on long-haul Korean Air and Asiana flights is temperature-controlled and pressurised. The flight time from Seoul to Delhi is approximately eight hours, which is manageable for healthy adult dogs. Brachycephalic breeds face additional restrictions; confirm with the airline before booking.
Common questions about South Korea to India pet transport
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