How to Bring a Dog from Korea to Indonesia: 8 Steps, Documents & Timeline (Tsuki’s Real Journey)
A real puppy, a real flight: how Tsuki the Coton de Tulear moved from Korea to her new family in Indonesia.
Hi! This guide is told by Tsuki, a female Coton de Tulear born at our kennel in Korea. She now lives with her family in Indonesia, and she even entered an Indonesian dog show three days after leaving quarantine. If you live in Indonesia and are thinking of adopting a puppy from a Korean breeder (Coton de Tulear, Bichon Frise, Maltese, Pomeranian, Poodle or any other breed), this is exactly the path your puppy will follow.
The journey at a glance
- 13 moMicrochip + 1st rabies shot
- 24 mo2nd rabies shot
- 3LabRabies titer blood test
- 4PermitIndonesian import permit
- 5Before flightParasite treatment + health certificate
- 6FlyIncheon → Jakarta
- 7ArrivalAirport check + quarantine
- 8Day 3Free! Off to the dog show
Step-by-step chart: what happens and which documents you need
| Step | When | What happens | Documents to prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Around 3 months old | ISO microchip implanted, then the first (inactivated) rabies vaccination. | Microchip record · 1st rabies vaccination certificate |
| 2 | Around 4 months old | Second rabies vaccination. | 2nd rabies vaccination certificate · updated vaccine booklet |
| 3 | After the 2nd shot | A blood sample is sent to an approved laboratory for the rabies neutralising antibody (FAVN) test. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. | Rabies titer test report |
| 4 | When the titer result is in | The import permit is requested in Indonesia (Barantin, the Indonesian quarantine agency) using the titer result. The permit is usually valid for about 3 months. | Indonesian import permit |
| 5 | Days before departure | Internal and external parasite treatment, then the export health certificate is issued by the Korean government quarantine office (APQA). | Health certificate · parasite treatment record · vaccine booklet · titer report · import permit |
| 6 | Flight day | Check-in at Incheon International Airport and the flight to Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta). | Original documents travel with the puppy |
| 7 | On arrival | Indonesian quarantine officers inspect the puppy right at the airport, then she moves to the quarantine facility. In our experience this usually lasts 3–7 days (official guidance can be longer). | Original health certificate · original import permit |
| 8 | After release | Tsuki waited just 3 days, then went straight to her new home and into the show ring. | — |
Document checklist (print this)
- Microchip record (ISO 15-digit)
- 1st and 2nd rabies vaccination certificates
- Vaccine booklet with matching batch numbers
- Rabies antibody (titer) test report, at least 0.5 IU/ml
- Indonesian import permit (valid on arrival date)
- Parasite treatment record
- Korean government export health certificate
- Copies of everything, plus the originals in the travel pouch
The 8 steps explained
Step 1. Microchip and first rabies shot (about 3 months)
Everything starts with the microchip, because every test and certificate afterwards must show the same chip number. The first rabies vaccine is given once the puppy is old enough, at around 3 months.
Step 2. Second rabies shot (about 4 months)
A second rabies vaccination builds a strong, stable immunity, which is what the blood test in the next step will measure.
Step 3. Rabies antibody (titer) test
Korea is not a rabies-free country, so Indonesia asks for proof that the vaccine worked. A blood sample goes to an approved laboratory, and the result needs to be 0.5 IU/ml or higher. Results usually take a few weeks.
Step 4. Indonesian import permit
With the titer report in hand, the import permit is requested in Indonesia through Barantin. We coordinate this together with the new family. Keep an eye on the validity date so the puppy lands while the permit is still valid.
Step 5. Final preparation before departure
Parasite treatment is done, and the Korean government quarantine office (APQA) checks all the paperwork and issues the export health certificate. The vaccine batch numbers on every document must match the vaccine booklet exactly. When this is done, the paperwork is finished.
Step 6. Departure from Incheon
After the airport quarantine check and check-in, the puppy flies from Incheon to Jakarta. We crate-train our puppies for weeks before the trip so the travel crate already feels like a bedroom.
Step 7. Arrival inspection and quarantine
As soon as the plane lands, Indonesian quarantine officers inspect the puppy at the airport, and she then moves to the quarantine facility. In our experience it is usually 3–7 days. The exact length is decided by the quarantine officers, so ask Barantin for the current rules for your arrival port.
Step 8. Home, and a dog show!
Tsuki was released after only 3 days. Shortly after, she stepped into the ring at the PERKIN JAYA 104th All Breed Championship Show and came home with ribbons.
Why Indonesian families adopt from Korean breeders
Korean kennels are known for very sound, well-coated companion breeds, and many families in Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali already have dogs from Korea. What matters most is choosing a breeder who handles the whole export process for you: health-tested parents, vaccinations on the right dates, the titer test, the paperwork and a calm, crate-trained puppy. That is what we do at Kim's Pups for every family abroad, including all of our Coton de Tulear puppies.
Frequently asked questions
How old must a puppy be to fly from Korea to Indonesia?
Because of the two rabies vaccinations, the titer test and the import permit, most puppies are ready to fly at around 5–6 months old. Plan for at least 3–4 months of preparation.
Does Indonesia require a rabies titer test for dogs from Korea?
Yes. The rabies neutralising antibody test must show at least 0.5 IU/ml, and it must be done at an approved laboratory.
How long is dog quarantine in Indonesia?
Every puppy is inspected at the airport and then goes to a quarantine facility. In our experience it usually lasts 3–7 days. Tsuki was released after 3 days, but the officers decide the final length.
Who applies for the Indonesian import permit?
The permit is issued in Indonesia by Barantin. We prepare and send every document the new family needs and guide them through the application.
Can I adopt a Coton de Tulear from Korea if I live in Indonesia?
Yes. Tsuki is one example. We regularly send Coton de Tulear and other small-breed puppies to Indonesia and stay in touch after they arrive.
Rules can change. Always confirm the current requirements with Barantin (Badan Karantina Indonesia) and the Korean Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) before you book a flight.
Adopting a puppy from Korea to Indonesia?
Tell us your city and the breed you love. We will send you the full timeline, the document list and the real cost for your puppy, in writing.
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