Short answer: most destinations release fully compliant pets without quarantine — the US, EU, UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Singapore (Schedule I) among them. The countries that do quarantine are the ones protecting rabies-free or island status: Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Hong Kong, China, Singapore (Schedule III), Fiji, Malaysia, Indonesia, Türkiye and others. This is the full 2026 list, and how to avoid being caught by it.
How quarantine logic works
Quarantine exists for one reason: to keep rabies out of a country that is either rabies-free (Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland) or has a strict rabies-control regime (Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong). The pattern is consistent — quarantine is the penalty for incomplete documentation, not a standard requirement. Every destination on this list has a compliant path that avoids or minimises confinement. The work is doing that path before you fly, not at the border.
Full 2026 quarantine list (data reviewed 2026-09-29)
| Destination | Quarantine rule (2026) | Compliant path |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | All dogs/cats: ≥10 days, Sydney/Melbourne | Release at 10 days if fully compliant |
| New Zealand | ≥10 days MPI-approved facility | Compliant release at 10 days |
| Iceland | All dogs/cats: ≥14 days, approved station | Mandatory — no exemption path |
| Hong Kong | Group III: 30-day AFCD quarantine | Group I/II: no quarantine; residence exemption may reduce |
| China | Non-compliant: 30-day facility quarantine | Compliant via 10 designated ports |
| Singapore | Schedule III: 30 days at SFA facility | Schedule I: quarantine-free; Schedule II: exemption or 10 days |
| Fiji | All arrivals: BAF Koronivia PEQ. Group A: ≥7 days; Group B: longer | Group A (AU/NZ/HI) shortest stay |
| Malaysia | Non-exempt origins: ≥7 days, extendable to 6 months | Exempt origins (UK/Ireland etc.): no quarantine |
| Indonesia | Rabies-endemic origins: 7–14 days facility | Origin-dependent |
| Türkiye | 21 days if no valid titer (owner's expense) | Valid titer = no quarantine |
| India | Non-compliant: 30 days – 3 months | Compliant: same-day release (baggage channel) |
| United States | No valid titer: 28-day CDC-approved ACF quarantine | Valid documents: no quarantine |
| South Korea | Same-day release if documents in order | Compliant: no quarantine |
| Israel | Exempt if documents in order | Compliant: no quarantine |
| Kenya | Exempt if owner accompanies + documents in order | Compliant: no quarantine |
| Macau | From 2026-06-12: compliant pets (chip + vaccine + titer + cert) released | Compliant: no quarantine |
| Hawaii | 5-Day-or-Less (USD 244) / Direct Airport Release (USD 185) | Pre-review documents ≥10 days before arrival |
| Guam | Same Hawaii program (USD 244 / 185) | Pre-review documents ≥10 days before arrival |
Data reviewed 2026-09-29 from official authority sources cited on each destination page. Quarantine rules change — always verify on the destination page before booking.
Quarantine-free doesn't mean document-free
The EU, UK, US, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Singapore (Schedule I) all release compliant pets immediately. "Compliant" is the operative word: ISO microchip, valid rabies vaccination, titer where required, and certificates issued in the right window. One expired vaccine or a chip number mismatch is all it takes to turn an easy entry into a quarantine stay. The documents that matter are covered in the microchip, titer and EU passport/AHC guides.
Budgeting for quarantine
- Australia: AUD 2,000–4,000 for the 10-day facility stay
- New Zealand: similar range for ≥10 days
- Hawaii: USD 244 (5-Day-or-Less) or USD 185 (Direct Airport Release)
- Facility fees elsewhere: country-specific; always ask the facility for a written quote
FAQ
Which countries quarantine imported dogs?
Australia (≥10 days), New Zealand (≥10 days), Iceland (≥14 days), Hong Kong (up to 30 days), China (up to 30 days), Singapore (up to 30 days), Fiji (≥7 days), Malaysia (≥7 days), Indonesia (7–14 days), Türkiye (21 days without titer), India (30 days–3 months non-compliant). Hawaii/Guam use fee-based release programs.
How long is quarantine for pets entering Australia?
At least 10 days in an approved facility (Sydney/Melbourne); released at 10 days if fully compliant.
Can my dog avoid quarantine entirely?
Yes for most destinations — the US, EU, UK, Japan, South Korea, Canada and Singapore (Schedule I) release compliant pets. Quarantine is the consequence of incomplete documentation.
How much does pet quarantine cost?
Australia AUD 2,000–4,000; New Zealand similar; Hawaii USD 244 or 185; other facilities country-specific.
Does the UK quarantine imported dogs?
No. The UK releases compliant dogs immediately; quarantine only for incomplete documentation. Same for the EU and US.