Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026
Importing a pet to Iceland is a marathon, not a sprint. The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) runs a tight ship, and skipping a step could mean your pet is sent back—or worse. Start your engines at least 4 to 6 months before your move!
The Golden Ticket: The Import Permit
You cannot simply show up with a dog and a dream.
- The Permit: You must apply for an import permit from MAST at least 30 days before arrival.
- The Cost: The permit fee for 2026 is approximately 39,633 ISK (around $290 USD). This covers the paperwork and the airport inspection.
- Validity: Once issued, your permit is good for one year, but it’s tied to a specific quarantine reservation.
Vaccinations: The “Shield”
Iceland requires a full medical fortress for your pet.
- Microchipping: Must be ISO-compliant. This is Step Zero—everything else must happen after the chip is scanned.
- Rabies: Mandatory for all. It must be administered at least 30 days before travel but no more than 12 months.
- The “Cocktail” (Dogs): You’ll need proof of vaccination against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis.
- The “Cocktail” (Cats): Proof of vaccination against Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia is required.
The Blood Work (Titers & Tests)
Iceland doesn’t take your word for it—they want the receipts.
- Rabies Titer Test: Mandatory for Category 2 countries (where rabies is controlled but present). The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the vaccine and at least 90 days before import.
- Specific Tests: Dogs must be tested for Brucella canis, Leishmania, and Angiostrongylus vasorum. Cats are tested for FIV and FeLV.
The “No-Fly” List: Breed Restrictions
Iceland has a “no-huff-and-puff” policy. Certain breeds are strictly prohibited:
- Banned Dogs: Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, and any wolf hybrids.
- Breed Doubt: If your dog looks like a banned breed, MAST may ask for a DNA test or pedigree papers to prove they aren’t on the list.
The Staycation: Mandatory Quarantine
Unless you are a service animal (and even then, rules apply), your pet is going to “pet boarding school” upon arrival.
- The Duration: All pets must stay in an approved quarantine station for 2 weeks (14 days).
- The Booking: There are only two main stations: Mósel and Reykjanes. They book up months in advance, and you can only arrive on specific “intake days” (usually once a month).
- The Price: Budget roughly 220,000 ISK (~$1,600 USD) for the stay.
💡 Expert Tips for 2026:
Parasites: Your vet must treat your pet for internal (tapeworms) and external (fleas/ticks) parasites twice: once 21–28 days before travel, and again 5–10 days before travel.
Direct Flights Only: Iceland prefers your pet to fly direct. If you have a layover in a “high-risk” country, your pet may be denied entry.
The “Keflavik Only” Rule: Your pet must arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) between 05:00 and 17:00 on scheduled quarantine days.
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Quarantine Rules
The requirements for bringing a dog into Iceland are strict, requiring several forms to be filled out, a fee to be paid, and a 2-week quarantine period.
Approved quarantine stations for dogs and cats in Iceland:
Einangrunarstöðin and Reykjanesbæ – Tel. +354 421 6949 / +354 893 6949, webpage
Mosel / Allir hundar ehf . – Tel. no. +354 868 3360, webpage
Information about the dates for importing dogs and cats is available on the websites of the quarantine stations.
Import Permit
It is mandatory to obtain an import permit from the Icelandic Ministry of Agriculture.
Application for an import permit for a dog
Application for an import permit for a cat
Application for an import permit for a dog/cat from a non-approved country
Application for an import permit for a pet rabbit / guinea pig / hamster / gerbil / degu
Application for an import permit for a pet bird
Approved export countries are divided into two categories with respect to rabies.
Category 1 countries are rabies-free countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway (except Svalbard), Portugal, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.
Category 2 countries are countries where rabies is present but well controlled: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Greenland, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Taiwan, Turkey, United States.
If your country is not in categories 1 and 2, the following additional conditions apply to your import permit application:
• The pet has been in the importer’s possession and care in the country of export for at least six months prior to import, and
• The owner/importer is a resident of the country of export and is moving to Iceland bringing the pet with them.
• Ownership of the pet and residence in the country of export must be proven by valid documents submitted to MAST with this application form.
• A dog/cat imported to Iceland for these reasons must meet the health conditions of country category 2 (including vaccination against canine influenza).
• Application for an import permit for a dog/cat from a non-approved country
Additional information
Third-country nationals may be required to complete a declaration on the non-commercial nature of the import of the animal
Please note:
Cats and dogs are not permitted to be brought into Iceland in the cabin of an aircraft, regardless of airline or flight duration.
Оther pets
Unauthorized Imports
Cats:
The following animals may not be imported:
• Pregnant or lactating cats.
• Cats that have been injured or have undergone surgery immediately prior to importation and require special observation or treatment of any kind, unless specifically authorized by MAST.
Dogs:
The following animals may not be imported:
• Pregnant or lactating bitches.
• Animals that have been injured or have undergone major surgery immediately prior to importation and require special observation or treatment of any kind, unless specifically authorized by MAST.
• Wolf-dog hybrids of at least 10 generations.
• The following dog breeds and their crosses of at least 5 generations.
– Pit Bull Terrier/American Staffordshire Terrier/Staffordshire Bull Terrier/American Bulldog
– Fila Brasileiro
– Tosa Inu
– Dogo Argentino
– Cane Corso
– Presa Canario
– Boerboel
– Other dog breeds or crossbreeds considered to pose a risk by MAST.
Dogs with comparable ancestry, conformation and/or temperament as prohibited breeds by MAST evaluation.
MAST will base its decision on and take into account the available information about the dog breed in question, its ancestry and breeding standards, conformation and temperament.
Transit
No permits are required for transiting animals. Your pet will be transported by ground staff at the airport, from one plane to the next. More about pet transit
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Choose a pet friendly airline
From Iceland
Document requirements
1. Export Permit:
An export permit must be obtained from the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST).
2. Microchipping: All animals must be identified by a microchip that complies with the ISO standard.
3. Vaccinations: Animals must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine is valid for 21 days after administration.
4. Rabies Antibody Testing: A rabies antibody titer test must be performed, regardless of the animal’s country of origin.
5. Other Vaccinations: Dogs may require additional vaccinations such as leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and canine influenza (depending on the country of departure). Cats may require vaccinations against feline rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and calicivirus.
6. Disease tests: Dogs may be required to be tested for brucellosis, leishmaniasis and angiostrongylosis, and cats for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus.
7. Parasite treatment: A two-stage treatment for external and internal parasites is required.
8. Veterinary certificate: A veterinary health certificate must be obtained 5-10 days prior to departure, confirming that the animal is healthy and meets all requirements.
Vaccination requirements
Vaccinations: Animals must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine is valid for 21 days after administration.
Other Vaccinations: Dogs may require additional vaccinations such as leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and canine influenza (depending on the country of departure).
Cats may require vaccinations against feline rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and calicivirus.
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