Taking a pet out of Thailand · By destination
Taking a pet from Thailand to South Korea
South Korea’s APQA import system is strict — antibody tests, designated routes and advance permission are normal for pets coming from Thailand.
Last updated 30 May 2026
This guide was last reviewed on 4 June 2026. Export rules change without notice. Confirm with the DLD and the destination authority before booking.
What South Korea typically requires
APQA import of dogs and cats from non-rabies-free countries commonly includes:
- Advance import licence / quarantine reservation
- ISO microchip and rabies vaccination history
- Rabies antibody test from an approved laboratory (often with a waiting period)
- Thai DLD export health certificate and export permit
- Arrival through an approved port such as Incheon
Verify the current APQA checklist — Korea updates requirements periodically.
Parallel Thai requirements: DLD export permit (form 1/1, apply at least 15 days before departure), health certificate from a DLD-approved vet, and AQS inspection at your departure airport. See export process.
The timeline — work backwards
| When | Step |
|---|---|
| 2–3 months before | Rabies antibody test and any APQA waiting period |
| 6–8 weeks before | APQA import permission / quarantine booking |
| ≥15 days before export | Thai DLD export permit (form 1/1) |
| Departure day | AQS inspection; fly to Incheon |
Departing from Pattaya or Bangkok
Most exports use Suvarnabhumi. Allow road time from Pattaya. See Suvarnabhumi AQS (import mirror) for how the station operates.
Common mistakes
- Booking Korea import before the antibody test clears.
- Assuming Thailand’s entry paperwork covers Korean import.
- Last-minute DLD export while APQA permission is still pending.
If you came the other way, see our guide to From South Korea (import).
Departing from Pattaya — airports, AQS and lead time
Most owners in Chon Buri export through Suvarnabhumi (BKK), roughly 90–120 minutes by road depending on traffic. U-Tapao (UTP) is closer to Pattaya and suits some regional routes, but your DLD export paperwork must name the actual departure airport — see U-Tapao or Bangkok for the import-side mirror.
Apply for the Thai export permit (form 1/1) at least 15 days before departure to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) at that airport. In practice, allow more when destination import permits, titer tests or airline cargo bookings still need to align. Email [email protected] for Suvarnabhumi export questions and confirm your flight date at least three days before you fly — the same confirmation rule applies on import.
Keep digital and paper copies of every document in one folder: microchip number, rabies certificate, destination import approval, health certificate draft and flight booking. Mismatched chip numbers between Thai export papers and destination import forms are one of the most common reasons export is delayed at the desk.
When a relocation agent earns its fee
You do not have to use an agent, but many Pattaya owners do for complex destinations (UK, EU, Australia, Japan, Singapore). A good pet relocation specialist lines up three timelines that slip easily when managed alone: destination import rules, Thai DLD export endorsement, and airline cargo or cabin booking.
Agents cannot override law — they still need your pet vaccinated, microchipped and tested on schedule — but they know which AQS forms to submit, which vet clinics issue export-ready health certificates, and how to keep crate dimensions within IATA airline rules. Compare quotes from more than one agent; PattayaPets lists relocation businesses as directory facts, not endorsements.
If you self-manage, budget extra time for a pre-export vet appointment in Pattaya or Bangkok, a dry run to the airport AQS if you have never exported before, and a contingency night in Bangkok if your flight is early and the pet must check in hours ahead in cargo.
Official sources
Korean sources: APQA Korea. Import mirror: bringing a pet from South Korea.
Official sources to verify against: DLD Animal Quarantine stations; Suvarnabhumi AQS export: [email protected].
Frequently asked
Does South Korea require a rabies titer test from Thailand?
APQA commonly requires a rabies antibody test from an approved lab for imports from non-designated countries — verify the current APQA list.
How long does Thailand-to-Korea pet export take?
Often two to three months minimum because of antibody testing and APQA lead time.
Can my pet enter Korea through Incheon airport?
Incheon is the usual international entry point for pets — confirm APQA approval for your flight.
What Thai documents does APQA expect?
DLD export permit, export health certificate, vaccination records with matching microchip — all aligned with APQA import approval.
Should I use a relocation agent?
Korea imports are paperwork-heavy; see relocation agents if you want managed export.
Can I export from U-Tapao instead of Suvarnabhumi?
Sometimes — if your airline accepts pets on that route. Export paperwork must match the actual departure airport. See U-Tapao or Bangkok for the Pattaya angle.
How do I get my pet to Suvarnabhumi from Pattaya?
Pre-book a pet-friendly taxi or private transfer with a crate secured. Allow extra time for traffic and cargo check-in cut-offs — often several hours before departure.
Should I stay in Bangkok the night before an export flight?
Many owners do for early cargo departures or when the AQS needs same-day inspection. It reduces the risk of a missed slot if Pattaya traffic is bad.
Take a pet out of Thailand · Export process · Export checklist · Relocation agents
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