Iceland – Importing a Pet

Does Iceland allow pets to be imported, and are there restrictions on which animals are permitted?

Iceland does allow domestic pets — most commonly dogs and cats — to be brought into the country, but its rules rank among the toughest in Europe. Given how stringent these regulations are, it is essential to begin making arrangements well ahead of any planned relocation. The entire process falls under the authority of the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST), and an import licence issued by MAST is a prerequisite before any animal can legally enter Iceland.

Iceland groups source countries into two categories: Category 1 covers countries that are free of rabies, while Category 2 covers countries where rabies exists but is well managed and controlled. Dogs and cats must have lived continuously in an approved exporting country for the six months immediately preceding importation, or since birth. If your country of origin does not fall into either category, additional criteria apply — the animal must have been in the owner’s care for a minimum of six months before the move, and the owner must be a resident of that country who is relocating permanently to Iceland.

Several dog breeds are prohibited under Icelandic legislation governing dangerous dogs. The following breeds and their crosses going back at least five generations are not permitted entry: Pit Bull Terrier/American Staffordshire Terrier/Staffordshire Bull Terrier/American Bulldog, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Cane Corso, Presa Canario, Boerboel, and any other breed or crossbreed that MAST considers to represent a risk. Wolf-dog hybrids of at least ten generations are also banned. Dogs displaying aggressive or dangerous behaviour may also be refused entry, and MAST may require a temperament assessment for large breeds or any dog with a history of aggression.

Beyond cats and dogs, many other species face tight restrictions. Most reptiles are effectively prohibited as pets in Iceland — importing or owning snakes, lizards, or turtles requires an exceptional permit, such as those held by accredited zoo operators. Pets listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) — which may include certain birds or turtles — will need additional documentation and permits before they can enter the country. Smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils may be imported, but each one requires a dedicated import permit application submitted to MAST.

There are also restrictions based on an animal’s physical condition at the time of importation. Pregnant or nursing dogs may not enter Iceland. Cats that have sustained injuries or undergone surgery shortly before the planned import date and require specialist monitoring or treatment are similarly excluded unless MAST has specifically authorised their entry.

What vaccinations and health requirements do pets need before entering Iceland?

Iceland has maintained rabies-free status for decades, and MAST enforces rigorous health requirements for every animal entering the country in order to protect that status. This is why Iceland’s requirements go well beyond those typically seen elsewhere in Europe. In contrast to travel between EU member states — where an up-to-date rabies vaccination and a valid pet passport are normally all that is needed — Iceland requires additional testing and vaccination protocols on top of standard microchipping and rabies coverage.

Every dog or cat destined for Iceland must have received a rabies vaccination followed by a serology titer test conducted at least 30 days after that vaccination. The timing rules vary according to country category (as of 2025): for Category 1 (rabies-free) countries, the rabies antibody test must be carried out at least 30 days after a valid rabies vaccination, and once the result is in hand the animal may travel without any further delay. For Category 2 countries, the antibody test must similarly be performed at least 30 days after vaccination, but at least 90 days must then elapse from the date the blood sample was taken before the animal may be imported; the test result must show at least 0.5 IU/l.

Dogs are subject to a broader set of compulsory vaccinations. They must also be vaccinated against leptospirosis, canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus, and canine parainfluenza, with all doses administered at least 14 days before entry. If a leptospirosis vaccination course is being started fresh, two doses given three to four weeks apart are required, with travel possible at least 14 days after the second dose. Owners arriving from certain countries — including the United States and Canada — must also arrange vaccination against canine influenza; always verify the current list with MAST, as requirements are subject to revision.

Parasite treatment is also mandatory. Dogs must receive antiparasitic treatment targeting internal and external parasites on two occasions: once 28 to 21 days before arrival and again 10 to 5 days before arrival. Both treatments must be administered by an authorised veterinarian and recorded on the health certificate. Testing for diseases including brucella canis, salmonella, and angiostrongylus vasorum is also required within specified timeframes before travel — the exact schedule depends on your country category, so consult the MAST website or the relevant certificate guidance (D1/D2 for dogs, C1/C2 for cats) for current requirements. Laboratory results can take two to three weeks to arrive, so this lead time must be factored into your planning.

Cats are subject to a parallel but distinct set of vaccination and testing requirements. The general structure is similar — import licence, microchipping, health certificate, rabies vaccination and titer test, and a 14-day quarantine on arrival — but the specific vaccinations and tests differ from those required for dogs. Consult MAST’s C1 or C2 certificate guidance for the full list of feline requirements.

What is the application process for importing a pet into Iceland, and what paperwork is required?

If you have any questions at any stage, you can reach MAST by phone or by emailing [email protected]. An import permit issued by MAST is required before the animal enters Iceland, and all health requirements — including vaccinations, testing, and quarantine — must be fulfilled in a defined sequence. Steps must be completed in the correct order; departing from that order may invalidate your application. Start the process as early as possible — at least three to four months before your intended travel date is strongly recommended.

1. Microchip your pet before anything else. Your pet must carry a 15-digit microchip compliant with ISO standard 11784 or Annex A of ISO standard 11785. The microchip number must appear on all documentation. The chip must be implanted before any vaccinations are recorded, so that every subsequent document can be cross-referenced to it from the beginning.
2. Complete all required vaccinations and tests. Arrange the rabies vaccination and subsequent antibody test in a timely manner. Bear in mind that the dates shown in MAST’s online calculator represent the latest permissible dates — vaccinations may be administered earlier, provided the animal is of sufficient age. All vaccinations must be recorded by your authorised vet on the correct country-specific health certificate form.
3. Apply for an import permit from MAST. An import permit must be obtained before the animal enters Iceland, and the importer bears full responsibility for meeting all conditions. Applicants with an Icelandic ID number (kennitala) can apply online through the MAST portal. Those without an Icelandic ID must submit the relevant paper application by email to [email protected] — form 2.14 for cats from an approved country, 2.15 for dogs from an approved country, and 2.33 for animals from a non-approved country. Include a photograph of the animal with your application.
4. Pay the import permit fee. Once MAST receives your application, a payment request will be issued. The fee covers administration, the import inspection on arrival, and the discharge inspection at the end of quarantine. As of 2025, the permit fee is ISK 39,633 — this is the minimum, applicable when all satisfactory documents are submitted within the required timeframe.
5. Reserve a quarantine place. Quarantine capacity is limited and books up quickly, so reservations must be made well in advance. Admission sessions at quarantine stations take place over a three-day window approximately every three weeks. Check-in days — typically Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in the relevant week — are published on the quarantine centres’ websites.
6. Obtain the Certificate of Health and Origin. Between five and ten days before departure, arrange for a licensed veterinarian in your country of origin to complete the Certificate of Health and Origin. Use the form that corresponds to your animal type and country category (D1 for dogs from Category 1, D2 for dogs from Category 2, C1 or C2 for cats). All sections must be fully completed, dated, and signed as required.
7. Send documents to MAST at least five days before arrival. A copy of the completed health certificate and all relevant test results must be emailed to MAST at least five days before the animal’s arrival in Iceland. The submission address is printed at the foot of the health certificate. On travel day, bring original documents with you and fasten them securely to the transport crate — a waterproof envelope is advisable.
8. Arrive at Keflavík Airport within permitted hours on a scheduled quarantine admission day. Animals must reach Keflavík International Airport between 06:00 and 17:00 on one of the pre-approved quarantine admission days. On arrival, dogs are taken directly to the pet reception centre, where the import inspection takes place — this involves verifying the microchip number, confirming that all documentation has been submitted, and checking that the animal shows no visible signs of infectious disease before transfer to the quarantine station.

Does Iceland require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

A minimum 14-day quarantine at one of Iceland’s two approved quarantine stations is compulsory for all cats and dogs without exception. Separate arrangements apply for eligible certified assistance dogs. There is no provision to waive or curtail the quarantine period for standard pets, irrespective of vaccination history, health status, or country of origin. This places Iceland in a stricter category than EU member states, where compliant animals moving under the EU Pet Travel Scheme are not typically required to quarantine.

Revised regulations governing the import and quarantine of dogs and cats came into effect in March 2020, at which point the quarantine period was reduced from 28 days to 14 days — a meaningful improvement on the previous regime. Each quarantine station admits animals during a fixed three-day window that recurs roughly every three weeks, meaning travel dates must be carefully aligned with the published admission calendar available on the stations’ websites. Arriving outside a scheduled window is not permitted without prior authorisation from MAST.

Iceland has two approved quarantine stations: Einangrunarstöðin í Reykjanesbæ and Einangrunarstöðin Mósel. Both are staffed by trained professionals who will care for your animals throughout their stay. Should a quarantined animal show signs of a suspected infectious disease, MAST has the authority to extend the quarantine period for that individual animal or, depending on the nature of the condition, for all animals housed at the station. Quarantine fees are charged separately from the MAST import permit fee — contact the relevant station directly for current pricing, as rates are subject to change.

Owners of trained and certified assistance or service dogs — including psychiatric service dogs, but not emotional support animals — may apply for their dog to complete the mandatory 14-day quarantine at home rather than in a facility. Documentary evidence of the dog’s certified status is required. This home-quarantine arrangement involves official inspections and carries associated costs. Iceland’s quarantine model is comparable to that of other island nations with rabies-free or tightly controlled rabies status — Australia and New Zealand, for instance, also impose mandatory quarantine on incoming pets, though the specific durations and conditions vary.

Is Iceland part of any international pet travel scheme?

Iceland is not a member of the European Union and does not participate in the EU Pet Travel Scheme in the way that EU member states do. EU Pet Passports and EU health certificates are not recognised for entry into Iceland. This is a crucial point for anyone relocating from an EU country who might reasonably assume their existing EU pet passport will be accepted — it will not. Iceland maintains its own standalone import permit system administered by MAST, and every incoming pet must pass through that system regardless of its country of origin.

That said, Iceland does have a reciprocal arrangement with the EU when it comes to exporting animals. A pet leaving Iceland for an EU destination can travel on an Iceland-issued pet passport, meaning that Iceland-resident pets are able to enter EU countries using Icelandic documentation. This reflects Iceland’s participation in the European Economic Area (EEA). However, this reciprocal arrangement applies only to outward journeys — it does not simplify or replace the inbound process for animals being brought into Iceland.

A MAST import permit is required for entry to Iceland rather than the EU pet passport system used between member states. In practice, this means that owners arriving from any country — whether EU, EEA, or elsewhere in the world — must apply to MAST for a permit, adhere to Iceland’s specific vaccination and testing schedules, and route their pet through the approved quarantine system. The two-category country classification (Category 1 and Category 2) does reduce the burden somewhat for those arriving from rabies-free or well-controlled countries, but it neither replaces the import permit requirement nor exempts any pet from quarantine.

Do pet owners need to register or licence their pet after arriving in Iceland?

Once your pet has completed quarantine and been cleared for release into Iceland, a number of ongoing obligations come into play. Dogs must be registered, and an annual dog registration fee is payable. In addition, Icelandic law sets out strict requirements relating to residency, the use of leads, vaccination maintenance, and worming treatments, all of which dog owners must observe. These matters are administered at the municipal level, meaning exact fees and local by-laws can vary according to where in Iceland you are based. Always check the rules for your specific municipality — Reykjavík City, for example, has its own detailed regulations on dog ownership published on its official website.

All dogs in Iceland must be microchipped and kept up to date with their vaccinations, and certain breeds are banned outright. The microchipping requirement that formed part of the import process continues throughout the animal’s life in Iceland, serving as the primary means of identification for licensing and animal welfare purposes. Cats face fewer municipal restrictions by comparison, though microchipping remains strongly encouraged and is considered standard practice.

It is also worth knowing something of Iceland’s historical relationship with dogs. In 1924, Reykjavík banned residents from keeping dogs as pets — a measure intended to curb the spread of echinococcosis, a parasitic tapeworm. That ban has since been lifted, and dogs are now permitted in Reykjavík provided owners obtain a permit and comply with strict rules on residency, microchipping, vaccination, worming, and lead use. The legacy of that tight regulatory culture persists. Current Icelandic law grants considerable autonomy to local authorities in setting dog-keeping rules, and some areas impose additional restrictions, so it is always worth verifying the local requirements when you settle in a new municipality. For up-to-date registration fees in your area, contact your local municipal office directly.

Are there any additional rules or costs expats should be aware of when bringing a pet to Iceland?

One of the most significant recent changes concerns in-cabin transport. From 11 April 2024, it is no longer permitted to carry dogs or cats in the passenger cabin of aircraft travelling to Iceland. This restriction does not apply to certified service dogs or to pets transiting through Keflavík Airport. All standard pets must therefore travel as checked baggage in the aircraft hold or as air cargo. The transport crate must meet IATA standards and be spacious enough for the animal to stand upright, lie down, and turn around freely. It must be constructed from rigid, non-collapsible material that can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. If the crate cannot be sanitised after importation, it will be destroyed. Soft-sided carriers and fabric bags are not acceptable.

Pets may only be transported to Iceland by air, and Keflavík International Airport is the sole authorised port of entry. Arrival by sea is not permitted under any circumstances. This is a meaningful practical limitation — unlike some other northern European destinations, there is no ferry option available. If your itinerary involves a connecting flight, it is advisable to route through a country with controlled or absent rabies status; if your pet has a layover in an EU member state, you should confirm whether any additional requirements apply for that transit.

When a pet travels in the cabin — which now applies exclusively to certified service dogs — the handler must hand the animal to an airport service provider approved by MAST. Aviör currently provides this service at Keflavík Airport. The service provider transports the animal to the pet reception facility as promptly as possible, and the cost of this service must be paid in advance.

The total expense of bringing a pet to Iceland can be considerable. The MAST import permit fee stands at a minimum of ISK 39,633 as of 2025, and this figure does not include quarantine station fees, veterinary consultation charges for vaccinations and health certificates, laboratory costs for the rabies titer test, airline cargo fees, or the price of a compliant transport crate. The animal must have been resident in an approved category country for at least six months before importation, or since birth. Puppies can meet the import requirements from approximately four and a half months of age at the earliest — owners acquiring young animals should incorporate this into their planning.

For smaller animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and degus, a separate import permit application (form 2.24) must be submitted to MAST. Importing a pet bird to Iceland also requires its own import permit. Always consult the MAST website for the requirements specific to the species you are bringing, as health conditions and documentation differ by animal type.

Where can expats find official information about importing a pet into Iceland?

The single most authoritative source of information is the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST), known in Icelandic as Matvælastofnun. MAST’s import of live animals page is the definitive reference for all pet import requirements, covering country category lists, certificate forms (D1, D2, C1, C2), the online import timeline calculator for vaccinations and tests, application forms, approved quarantine station contact details, and the current permit fee schedule. MAST can be reached by telephone on +354 530 4800 or by email at [email protected].

The MAST website provides comprehensive instructions and detailed guidance on all aspects of importing dogs and cats, including an overview of associated costs and an online chat function through which you can submit enquiries. MAST also maintains a thorough FAQ section addressing specific scenarios, vaccination scheduling, and common errors — this should be one of your first stops for any question not covered by the main guidance documentation.

For country-specific advice on what your national veterinary authority may need to provide — such as endorsement procedures or approved laboratory lists — consult your own country’s agriculture or animal health authority in conjunction with MAST. For example, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) publishes dedicated guidance for US-based owners planning to travel to Iceland. MAST also publishes a list of EU-approved laboratories for the rabies antibody titer test, which covers both EU and non-EU countries — this is a useful reference when selecting a laboratory for your pet’s test.

For information specific to quarantine — including admission dates, charges, facilities, and booking procedures — contact the two approved quarantine stations directly: Einangrunarstöðin í Reykjanesbæ (tel. +354 421 6949) and Einangrunarstöðin Mósel (tel. +354 869 6888). Both stations publish information on importation dates for dogs and cats on their respective websites. Always confirm all details directly with MAST and the quarantine stations before finalising any travel arrangements, as regulations and fees are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I start preparing to bring my pet to Iceland?

A minimum of three to four months before your planned travel date is recommended — and in many cases longer is advisable. Vaccinations, blood sampling, and other preparatory steps must each be completed within tightly defined timeframes before importation. For pets arriving from Category 2 countries, the mandatory 90-day waiting period following the rabies titer blood sample can push the total timeline to four to six months or beyond. You must also account for the quarantine admission windows that occur only every three weeks, the time required to process the permit application, and the turnaround time for laboratory results.

What happens if my pet arrives in Iceland without the correct paperwork?

The importer is wholly responsible for ensuring all import conditions are met. An animal that arrives with incomplete or incorrect documentation may be refused entry and returned to its country of origin immediately upon arrival at the airport. Additional costs or enforcement action may also follow. To avoid this outcome, submit all documents to MAST at least five days before travel so that any deficiencies can be identified and corrected before your pet boards the plane.

Do the rules differ for cats versus dogs?

The broad framework — import permit, microchip, health certificate, rabies vaccination and titer test, 14-day quarantine — applies to both species. However, the specific vaccinations required differ considerably: dogs must be protected against a wider range of diseases including leptospirosis, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and parainfluenza, whereas cats follow a feline-specific vaccination and testing schedule. The correct certificate form also differs — D1 or D2 for dogs, C1 or C2 for cats — so always use the form that matches both your animal’s species and your country’s category. Cats are not subject to the breed prohibitions that apply to dogs.

Can I bring a rescue animal or a recently adopted pet to Iceland?

Dogs and cats must have resided continuously in an approved exporting country for at least the six months immediately preceding importation, or since birth. A recently rescued or newly adopted animal may not be eligible if it has not been in an approved country for that full period, or if its history cannot be adequately documented. Ownership and country of residence must be supported by verifiable documentation submitted to MAST. If the animal originates from a country outside the approved category lists, additional conditions apply. Contact MAST as early as possible to assess whether your specific situation qualifies.

How long does the full process typically take from start to finish?

The timeline is heavily influenced by your country of origin. For a pet from a Category 1 (rabies-free) country, a realistic minimum is around two to three months, accounting for vaccinations, the 30-day wait before the titer test, laboratory processing, the permit application, and securing a quarantine slot. For Category 2 countries, at least 90 days must pass from the date the blood sample was collected before the animal may enter Iceland, pushing the minimum to four to six months. On top of this, quarantine admission windows occur only every three weeks, so your travel date must coincide with an available slot.

Is there any way to avoid quarantine when bringing a pet to Iceland?

All cats and dogs are subject to a mandatory minimum 14-day quarantine at one of the two approved stations — there are no exceptions for standard pets. The sole partial alternative is available to owners of certified assistance or service dogs, who may apply to carry out the mandatory 14-day quarantine at home rather than at a facility. This option does not extend to emotional support animals, which are not recognised as assistance dogs under Icelandic law. Home quarantine for qualifying assistance dogs still involves official inspections and associated costs.

Can I bring more than one pet at a time?

Each animal requires its own separate import permit application to MAST and must individually satisfy all health requirements. There is no combined household or group permit. Each pet also needs its own quarantine booking at an approved station. Given that admission slots are limited and available only every three weeks, owners travelling with multiple animals should book quarantine places and plan travel dates well in advance. Contact MAST at [email protected] early to discuss the logistics of bringing more than one pet.

Can I visit Iceland short-term and bring my pet with me for a holiday?

The same rules apply whether the intended stay is temporary or permanent — there is no special provision for holiday visits, and pets are still required to undergo the full 14-day quarantine on arrival. Given that the quarantine period alone lasts two weeks and that pre-travel preparation can take several months, bringing a pet to Iceland for a short holiday is simply not practical for most owners. The process is structured around permanent or long-term relocation. If you are moving to Iceland indefinitely, the process is worthwhile; for a brief visit, it is not a feasible option.