Bringing your cat from the United States to Hong Kong
Bringing a cat to Hong Kong from a Group I/II country is relatively simple: an AFCD Special Permit obtained in advance, a microchip, rabies vaccination and a health certificate. No quarantine, no rabies titre.
You must obtain the AFCD Special Permit BEFORE travelling — a cat cannot be imported without it. From Group I/II countries (most of the EU, UK, USA, Canada) there is no rabies titre test and cats are exempt from quarantine when fully compliant.
Calculate your deadlines
Enter your travel date: we work back in time to give you the deadline for each step, personalised for United States → Hong Kong.
The 5 steps, in order
1. Implant an ISO-compliant microchip
Have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted. It identifies your cat on the permit and documents.
2. Rabies vaccination
Vaccinate the cat against rabies (after the microchip) and keep it valid through to entry.
3. AFCD Special Permit
Apply for the Special Permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) before travel. Processing takes about 5 working days. The permit is mandatory.
4. Veterinary health certificate
Have the required veterinary health certificate issued and endorsed shortly before travel.
5. Travel to Hong Kong
The cat arrives with the Special Permit and documents. No quarantine for compliant Group I/II animals.
From another country?
Official sources:
Pawscleared provides preparation guidance based on official sources. The binding conditions are those published by the AFCD. Group III (higher-risk) countries face stricter rules (titre, quarantine). Always confirm with official sources.