Travelling with pets to Japan (2026)

Last reviewed: 31 October 2026

In short: Dogs and cats entering Japan from regions not designated as rabies-free need a microchip, two rabies shots, an antibody test and a 180-day wait. The importer must notify the quarantine office 40 days before arrival. Incomplete papers can mean up to 180 days of quarantine.

RuleWhat applies
Identification and passport or certificateTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretThe dog or cat must carry an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, implanted before the first rabies vaccination. Chips starting 900202 are not accepted for now (notice of 7 April 2023). [1]
Rabies vaccinationTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretAt least two rabies vaccinations (inactivated or recombinant; live and RNA vaccines are not accepted). The first is at 91 days of age or more and after the microchip, the second at least 30 days later and within the first one's immunity period. A blood test at a designated laboratory must show 0.5 IU/ml or more (valid for 2 years), and the animal must wait 180 days or more from the blood-draw date before arriving. [1]
Entry from outside the EU or the usual regionTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretNotify the Animal Quarantine Service office for the arrival airport or port at least 40 days before arrival. The animal must be inspected on arrival: if all conditions are met it is a short inspection, otherwise quarantine lasts up to 180 days. Dogs may enter only at certain airports and ports. [1]
Number of animals per travellerTravelling with a dog, cat or ferret⚠ Not yet verified
Breed or other restrictionsTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretDogs and cats must undergo import quarantine for rabies, and dogs also for leptospirosis. Importing a dog in breach is punishable by up to 3 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to JPY 3 million (JPY 50 million for a company); for a cat, a fine of up to JPY 300,000. [2]

Notes

  • From the Animal Quarantine Service pages for dogs and cats; the steps apply to animals from regions other than the designated rabies-free regions.
  • No limit on the number of animals was found on the pages read.

Sources

  1. Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF: 犬、猫の日本への入国（指定地域以外編）：動物検疫所 (consulted 31 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF: 犬、猫を輸入するには：動物検疫所 (consulted 31 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.