Hong Kong pet owner guides
Returning to Hong Kong with your dog after a holiday
The destination’s entry permission does not cover the return. Set the Hong Kong permit, test and quarantine plan before leaving.
Practical guides
Updated 2026-09-27
| Visited place | Starting point |
|---|---|
| Japan — Group I | Group I import permit and all permit conditions |
| Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan — Group II | Short stays may need the residence-period waiver |
| Thailand — Group IIIA | Import permit and at least 30 days of quarantine |
For a Group II residence-period waiver
- Apply before leaving Hong Kong. Ask your vet to align the chip, rabies vaccination, core vaccinations and qualifying antibody test with the AFCD conditions.
- For this waiver, the blood sample must be at least 30 days after the latest rabies vaccination, including a booster. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml; the report is valid for one year from sampling.
- Call the airport office at least two days before departure and present the pet with the original waiver for the required departure endorsement.
- Return before the earlier of the six-month permit expiry or one-year blood-test validity. Arrange a veterinary health certificate within 72 hours before export back to Hong Kong.
- Travel to Group IIIA or IIIB places within 180 days before return affects eligibility. Send AFCD the full itinerary, including transit, for confirmation.
Use the actual permit as your working checklist. Have your vet and airline check the same dates, chip number, route and arrival handling. Keep written confirmation before paying for non-refundable travel.