Updated for 2026 with the latest quarantine regulations, exemption programs, and country-specific requirements for pet import.

Pet Quarantine Countries: What You Need to Know

Pet quarantine is the single biggest barrier to international travel with a dog. The thought of your pet being locked in a government facility for days, weeks, or even months is enough to make most people cancel their plans entirely. And honestly, for some destinations, that might be the right call.

But understanding which countries require quarantine, how long it lasts, and what exemption programs exist can open up far more of the world than you might think. Many countries that technically have quarantine laws also have programs that allow qualified pets to bypass quarantine entirely. Others have quarantine periods that are measured in hours, not months.

After helping dozens of friends and readers navigate pet quarantine regulations across six continents, I have compiled this comprehensive guide to every country with a quarantine requirement, what it actually involves, and how to minimize or eliminate the quarantine period.

Why Countries Quarantine Pets

The primary reason is rabies. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, it is nearly 100% fatal in both animals and humans. Countries that are rabies-free (or have very low rabies prevalence) use quarantine as a biosecurity measure to prevent the virus from being introduced.

Some countries also quarantine pets to screen for other diseases like leptospirosis, leishmaniasis, or exotic parasites.

Countries With Mandatory Quarantine

Long Quarantine (30+ Days)

Country	Quarantine Duration	Exemption Available	Notes
Hawaii (US state)	Up to 120 days	Yes, Direct Airport Release program	Bypass possible with advance preparation (see below)
Australia	Minimum 10 days (after pre-export quarantine)	Partial	Complex multi-step process, minimum 180-day preparation
New Zealand	Minimum 10 days	Partial	Similar to Australia, requires extensive pre-arrival work
Iceland	4 weeks minimum	No	All dogs quarantined regardless of origin
Japan	Up to 180 days	Yes, can be reduced to 12 hours	Requires rabies titer test and 180-day waiting period
Singapore	30 days (from approved countries)	Partial	Reduced to 10 days from some low-risk countries
Taiwan	7-21 days	Partial	Depends on country of origin and documentation
Hong Kong	4 months (from high-risk countries)	Yes, from low-risk countries	No quarantine from rabies-free countries with proper documentation
Malaysia	7-30 days	Limited	Depends on origin country
Fiji	30 days minimum	No	All pets quarantined

Short or Conditional Quarantine (Under 30 Days)

Country	Quarantine Duration	Exemption Available	Notes
South Korea	10 days (from non-approved countries)	Yes	No quarantine from approved rabies-free countries
Thailand	30 days maximum	Partial	Often waived with proper documentation, veterinary inspection at airport
UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)	None to 30 days	Yes	No quarantine with complete documentation from approved countries
Bermuda	6 months	No	Strict quarantine, very difficult to bring pets
Barbados	6 months	Limited	Some exemptions for dogs from approved countries
Mauritius	6 months minimum	No	One of the strictest quarantine policies in the world
Maldives	Pets not generally allowed	N/A	Extremely restricted pet import

Country-by-Country Deep Dives

Australia

Australia has one of the most complex pet import systems in the world. The process takes a minimum of 180 days and involves:

1. Microchipping and rabies vaccination (if not already done)
2. Rabies titer test (RNATT test at an AAHL-approved lab, must show 0.5 IU/mL or greater)
3. 180-day waiting period from the date of blood draw
4. Internal and external parasite treatment schedule in the final 45 days
5. Australian Import Permit from the Department of Agriculture
6. Pre-export quarantine at an approved facility in your home country (varies by country)
7. 10-day post-arrival quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne (the only approved facility)

Cost: The total cost of bringing a dog to Australia, including transport, quarantine, testing, and permits, typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 USD.

Important: Pets can only enter Australia through Melbourne Airport. They are transported to the Mickleham facility regardless of their final destination within Australia. You cannot stay with your pet during quarantine, but you can visit during designated hours.

Some breeds are banned in Australia: Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Perro de Presa Canario.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s process is similar to Australia’s:

1. Microchip and rabies vaccination
2. Rabies titer test (FAVN test, 0.5 IU/mL threshold)
3. 180-day waiting period from blood draw
4. Parasite treatment protocol
5. Import permit from MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries)
6. Minimum 10-day quarantine at the MPI-approved facility in Auckland

Pets can only enter through Auckland Airport. The quarantine facility is modern and well-run, and costs approximately $80-120 NZD per day.

Cost: Total process typically $4,000-$10,000 USD depending on origin country and dog size.

Japan

Japan’s quarantine system is often misunderstood. While Japan can quarantine dogs for up to 180 days, the vast majority of pet travelers avoid quarantine entirely through the advance notification system.

To avoid quarantine (or reduce to 12 hours):

1. Microchip (ISO compliant)
2. Two rabies vaccinations, at least 30 days apart
3. FAVN rabies titer test showing 0.5 IU/mL or greater
4. Wait 180 days from the blood draw date
5. Submit the Advance Notification Form (Form A/C) to the Animal Quarantine Service at your arrival airport 40+ days before arrival
6. Health certificate within 10 days of travel, endorsed by USDA
7. Arrive at a designated airport (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose, or Naha)

If all requirements are met, your dog undergoes a 12-hour inspection at the airport quarantine facility and is released the same day or the next morning.

If requirements are NOT met: Your dog will be quarantined for up to 180 days at the airport quarantine facility, at your expense. The facilities are basic, and the cost is significant.

Singapore

Singapore classifies countries into four categories for pet import:

• Category A (approved rabies-free countries like Australia, New Zealand, UK, Japan): No quarantine with proper documentation
• Category B (low-risk countries like US, Canada, most EU countries): 30-day quarantine at the government facility, potentially reduced to 10 days with RNATT titer test
• Category C (countries with moderate rabies risk): 30-day quarantine
• Category D (high-risk countries): Pets not generally allowed

For US residents, expect a 10-30 day quarantine in Singapore. The quarantine facility is modern and well-maintained. Cost is approximately SGD $20-30 per day.

Iceland

Iceland quarantines all imported dogs for a minimum of 4 weeks at the quarantine station in Selfoss. There are no exemptions, regardless of origin country, vaccination status, or titer test results.

The quarantine costs approximately ISK 300,000-500,000 (roughly $2,000-3,500 USD) for the full period. You cannot visit your dog during quarantine.

Given these conditions, Iceland is one of the most challenging destinations for pet travel. Most dog owners choose to leave their pet with a sitter or boarding facility rather than subject them to Icelandic quarantine.

Hawaii (US)

While technically a US state, Hawaii operates its own quarantine system for pets (covered in detail in our Hawaii guide).

The Direct Airport Release program allows dogs to bypass quarantine entirely if they meet all requirements: two rabies vaccinations, OIE-FAVN titer test, 120-day waiting period, and proper documentation submitted at least 10 days before arrival.

Without meeting these requirements, dogs face up to 120 days of quarantine at the Halawa Valley facility on Oahu.

Countries With NO Quarantine

Many popular travel destinations do not quarantine pets at all, provided you have proper documentation:

Europe (EU Countries)

All EU/EEA countries accept dogs with an EU Pet Passport (for EU residents) or a country-specific health certificate with rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days prior. No quarantine. Countries include:

• France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Greece, Croatia, Czech Republic, and all other EU member states

North America

• Canada: Rabies vaccination certificate only. No quarantine.
• Mexico: Health certificate and rabies vaccination. No quarantine.

Central and South America

Most countries in the region do not quarantine pets:

• Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Uruguay all accept dogs with health certificates and rabies vaccination.

Caribbean

Many Caribbean islands do not quarantine:

• Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico (US territory), US Virgin Islands, Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire all accept dogs without quarantine.

Middle East

• UAE: No quarantine from approved countries with complete documentation
• Israel: Generally no quarantine with proper documentation from most countries

How to Prepare for Quarantine Countries

If you must travel to a quarantine country, here is how to prepare:

Start Early

Most quarantine exemption programs require 6-12 months of advance preparation. The biggest mistake people make is not starting early enough.

Work With a Pet Transport Company

For complex quarantine countries (Australia, New Zealand, Singapore), consider hiring a professional pet transport company. Companies like PetRelocation, Air Animal, and WorldCare Pet Transport specialize in navigating these systems. Costs range from $3,000-$10,000+ depending on the destination.

Get the Titer Test

Most quarantine exemption programs require a FAVN or RNATT rabies titer test. Get this done early, as the waiting period from the blood draw date is often the longest requirement (120-180 days).

Keep Impeccable Records

Save every document, every receipt, and every communication. Quarantine country authorities are meticulous about documentation. A missing signature or incorrect date can result in your dog being quarantined despite months of preparation.

Plan for the Quarantine Itself

If quarantine is unavoidable:

• Visit the facility in advance if possible (or research it thoroughly online)
• Pack your dog’s favorite blanket, toy, and food (some facilities allow personal items)
• Ask about visitation hours and policies
• Arrange for your dog’s regular medications to be administered during quarantine
• Budget for the full cost: facility fees, food, any veterinary care

Quarantine Facility Conditions

Quarantine facilities vary enormously in quality:

Australia (Mickleham): Modern facility opened in 2015. Individual kennels with indoor/outdoor areas. Designated exercise areas. On-site veterinary care. Well-regarded.

New Zealand (Auckland): Good facilities with individual kennels and exercise areas. Regular veterinary checks.

Japan (Airport facilities): Basic but clean. Dogs are held in kennels at the airport quarantine station. Limited exercise space.

Hawaii (Halawa Valley): Functional but not luxurious. Outdoor kennels with shelter. Can be hot in summer. Dogs are exercised daily.

Iceland (Selfoss): Relatively small facility. Individual kennels. Limited exercise. No visitors during quarantine.

Singapore (Animal Quarantine Centre): Modern, clean facility. Individual housing. Veterinary oversight.

Alternatives to Quarantine Countries

If you want to travel internationally with your dog without dealing with quarantine, consider these alternatives:

Instead of Australia

• New Caledonia (French territory in the Pacific): No quarantine for dogs from France or EU countries with EU Pet Passport
• Fiji: While quarantine exists, the South Pacific experience is similar

Instead of Japan

Complete the advance notification process to avoid quarantine entirely. Start 7+ months before your trip.

Instead of Iceland

• Norway: Stunning landscapes, no quarantine for dogs with EU documentation
• Scotland: Similar dramatic scenery, accessible through the UK pet travel scheme

Instead of Singapore

• Thailand: Quarantine is often waived with proper documentation
• Vietnam: No quarantine with proper health certificate

Insurance and Financial Protection

Travel insurance for pets is available from companies like Petplan, Trupanion, and Nationwide. Some policies cover quarantine-related costs including facility fees and trip interruption. Review policies carefully and ensure quarantine coverage is explicitly included.

The Future of Pet Quarantine

Pet quarantine systems are gradually modernizing. Advances in rabies testing, microchip technology, and international data sharing are making it possible for more countries to move toward documentation-based systems rather than quarantine-based ones.

The UK abolished its quarantine in 2000, replacing it with the Pet Travel Scheme. Australia has progressively shortened its quarantine period. Japan’s advance notification system effectively eliminates quarantine for prepared travelers.

The trend is toward shorter quarantine periods and more exemption programs, but change is slow, especially for island nations that are rabies-free and want to stay that way.

Quick Reference: Quarantine at a Glance

Destination	Quarantine Risk	Preparation Time	Cost Impact
EU Countries	None	30 days	Low
Canada	None	Minimal	Low
Japan	None if prepared; 180 days if not	7+ months	Medium if prepared, very high if not
Australia	10 days minimum	6+ months	Very high
New Zealand	10 days minimum	6+ months	Very high
Hawaii	None if prepared; 120 days if not	5+ months	Medium if prepared, high if not
Singapore	10-30 days	3+ months	High
Iceland	4 weeks (no exemption)	2+ months	High

Final Thoughts

Pet quarantine should not automatically disqualify a destination from your travel plans, but it should be a major factor in your decision-making. Countries with exemption programs (Japan, Hawaii) are absolutely doable with advance planning. Countries with mandatory quarantine and no exemptions (Iceland, Bermuda) require a harder conversation about whether the trip is worth the stress on your dog.

The key is information and preparation. Start early, follow every requirement precisely, and when in doubt, consult with a professional pet transport company. Your dog is counting on you to get this right.

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