Importing to Singapore

Bringing Your Dog or Cat to Singapore from South Korea: Schedule III Quarantine Guide

South Korea is Schedule III for Singapore pet imports. Despite advanced veterinary infrastructure, the mandatory 30-day AQC quarantine applies. Here is the full process and timeline.

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South Korea is classified as Schedule III by Singapore's Animal and Veterinary Service. Despite being a country with modern veterinary facilities and high pet ownership rates, the 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) applies to all dogs and cats imported from South Korea. There are no exemptions.

All requirements on this page are sourced from official AVS/NParks information at avs.nparks.gov.sg. Verify current guidelines before proceeding.


What Schedule III Means

All Schedule III imports to Singapore require:

  • Rabies titre test (≥0.5 IU/mL) at a WOAH-approved laboratory
  • 90-day wait from blood draw date
  • Mandatory 30-day quarantine at the AQC on arrival
  • Pre-booked AQC space via AVS Quarantine Management System (QMS) before travel
  • CAPQ clearance via AVS-recognised agent (mandatory from April 2026)

Minimum timeline from first step to AQC release: 6–8 months.


Step-by-Step Process

StepActionTiming
1Microchip verified (ISO 11784/11785)First; before vaccinations
2Rabies vaccination administeredAfter microchip
3Blood draw for titre testMinimum 28 days post-vaccination
4Submit to WOAH-approved Korean labImmediately after draw
590-day wait from draw dateHard cutoff
6Book AQC via QMSAs early as possible
7Engage AVS-recognised CAPQ agent8–10 weeks before arrival
8Apply for AVS import licenceAgent handles; S$50 normal, S$100 express
9Health certificate issuedWithin 7 days of departure
10APQA endorsement obtainedWithin health cert window
11Agent obtains Singapore Customs GST permitPrior to arrival
12CAPQ clearance on arrival dayAgent handles
13Transfer to AQC for 30-day quarantineAfter CAPQ

Health Certificate and APQA Endorsement

The health certificate must be completed by a licensed vet in South Korea and endorsed by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) — the Korean government's competent authority for animal imports and exports.

APQA has offices throughout South Korea. The endorsement process involves submitting the completed veterinary certificate to APQA for official stamp and signature. Allow time for this within the 7-day health certificate validity window.


Titre Test Laboratory in South Korea

WOAH-approved laboratories in South Korea include facilities accredited through the Animal Disease Diagnostic Division of APQA. Verify the current approved list at avs.nparks.gov.sg before submitting the blood sample.


Microchip Note

South Korea uses ISO 11784/11785 chips. Most Korean-registered pets are already ISO-compliant. Verify the 15-digit chip number with your vet and confirm readability before the vaccination sequence begins.


AQC: Key Facts

ItemDetail
Quarantine duration30 days (mandatory)
Dog kennel size4.3m x 1.8m x 2.14m (indoor room + outdoor run)
Cat room size1.7m x 1.2m x 2m
Fan-fitted rateS$26/day
Air-conditioned rateS$35/day
Transport CAPQ to AQCS$75 per animal
Visiting hoursTuesday and Thursday 3pm–5pm; Saturday 2pm–5pm
Release time10am–12pm on day 30

Book AQC space as soon as your travel date is set. Space is limited.


CAPQ Operating Hours

DayHours
Monday and Tuesday9am to 5pm
Wednesday to Friday9am to 8pm
Saturday, Sunday, public holidaysClosed
Lunch break (all days)1pm to 2pm

Book your pet's flight to arrive on a weekday.


Frequently Asked Questions

South Korea has been rabies-free in recent years. Why is it still Schedule III? Singapore's schedule classifications are determined by AVS and may reflect historical disease risk profiles, biosecurity protocols, and bilateral agreements in addition to current status. South Korea remains Schedule III. The 30-day quarantine is mandatory.

Can I take my Korean rescue dog to Singapore? Yes, provided the dog is not a prohibited breed. Mixed-breed dogs should have a DNA test if there is any question about breed heritage before committing to the move. See prohibited dog breeds in Singapore for the restricted list.


Moving from South Korea to Singapore with your dog or cat? Contact our team for a fixed-price quote from an AVS-recognised agent.

Source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS).

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