Pet travel route
Dog or cat from Australia to Iceland: official requirements
Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least 5 weeks ahead for a dog. The main steps: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination and dog vaccinations: leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and 12 more.
Rules checked up to 12 October 2026From 12 official pages
In short
- Dogs and cats differ on this route: choose Dog or Cat to see just yours.
- Iceland puts Australia in the group “Category 1 (rabies-free) country”, which decides part of the rules.
- On this route: rabies blood test needed, import permit needed, quarantine on arrival, parasite treatment before travel, extra disease test, official stamp on the certificate, tell the authority in advance and arrive at a set entry point.
At a glance
How early to start (dogs)
5 weeks
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: Health examination and MAST's certificate of health and origin (5–10 days before import)
3 weeks
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: First parasite treatment (21–28 days before import) (21–28 days before import)
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (dogs)
- Rabies blood test needed
- Import permit needed
- Quarantine on arrival
- Parasite treatment before travel
- Extra disease test
- Official stamp on the certificate
- Tell the authority in advance
- Arrive at a set entry point
How early to start (cats)
5 weeks
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: Health examination and MAST's certificate of health and origin (5–10 days before import)
3 weeks
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: First parasite treatment (21–28 days before import) (21–28 days before import)
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (cats)
- Rabies blood test needed
- Import permit needed
- Quarantine on arrival
- Parasite treatment before travel
- Extra disease test
- Official stamp on the certificate
- Tell the authority in advance
- Arrive at a set entry point
Which rules apply to you
Iceland puts Australia in the group “Category 1 (rabies-free) country”. See every group
Official name: Category 1 (rabies-free): rabies vaccination and blood test, no waiting time after the blood sample
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Australia → Iceland
What your pet needs
In the order you do them. Each step says whether Australia (leaving) or Iceland (entering) asks for it.
Dogs
Get ready
IdentificationEntering Iceland
ISO microchip
Your pet needs an ISO-compliant microchip. Its number must be on every laboratory report (including the rabies blood test), so the chip has to be in place before the blood sample. The vet checks it at every visit for the import.
Details and the official words
“The microchip must be ISO compliant.”
“The microchip number shall be verified each time the dog is examined, tested or treated for import purposes.”
“No sampling date and/or microchip number on the report”
VaccinationEntering Iceland
Rabies vaccination
Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination, given when it was at least 12 weeks old and kept up to date (each booster within the validity of the previous one). This applies from rabies-free countries too.
Details and the official words
“The dog was at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination and any subsequent revaccination was carried out within the period of validity of the preceding vaccination.”
“The cat was at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination and any subsequent revaccination was carried out within the period of validity of the preceding vaccination.”
“every dog/cat planning to enter Iceland must have a rabies vaccination and a serology titer test at least 30 days after the vaccination”
VaccinationEntering Iceland
Dog vaccinations: leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza
Your dog must be fully vaccinated, following the maker's instructions, against leptospirosis, canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus and canine parainfluenza, with the last vaccination at least 14 days before import. A leptospirosis primary course is 2 injections 2–4 weeks apart with the same product (then a yearly booster); if the course was broken it must be restarted.
Details and the official words
MAST recommends Lepto 4 (L4) or Lepto 6 (L6); its leptospirosis guide lists the approved intervals for common vaccines.
“The last vaccination must be carried out at least 14 days before importation.”
“All leptospirosis vaccinations require a primovaccination (initial vaccination) which consists of 2 injections 2-4 weeks apart”
“If there has been a breach in coverage, primovaccination will need to be restarted.”
Blood testEntering Iceland
Rabies blood test (titer)
A blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination (vaccination day = day 0), tested at an EU-approved laboratory, must show at least 0.5 IU/ml. The vaccination must still be valid when the sample is taken. From a category 1 country your pet can travel as soon as the result is in; the test stays valid while the rabies vaccination is kept up to date.
Details and the official words
MAST warns that the certificate can take 2–3 weeks to arrive: do the vaccination and blood test in good time.
“Blood samples for antibody testing shall be taken at the earliest 30 days after vaccination.”
“Antibody testing shall be carried out by a laboratory approved by the European Union for this purpose.”
“The dog may be imported to Iceland when at least 90 days (3 months) have passed after the date of the blood sampling for an antibody test with a satisfactory result.”
“The cat may be imported to Iceland when at least 90 days (3 months) have passed after the date of the blood sampling for an antibody test with a satisfactory result.”
“Once the result is available, the animal is able to travel without any waiting period (as long as all other requirements are fulfilled).”
“Rabies titer < 0,5 IU/ml”
PermitEntering Iceland
Import permit from MAST
Apply to MAST for an import permit (with a photo of your pet), preferably at least 30 days before import: online on the MAST portal if you have an Icelandic ID number (kennitala), otherwise with MAST's English form emailed to petimport@mast.is. MAST then sends a payment request; the permit is issued once you pay and is valid for one year. Its number goes on the health certificate.
Details and the official words
MAST asks for the application preferably at least 30 days before import.
Permit fee: ISK 39.633 on MAST's import page (updated 5 Oct 2026); its FAQ (updated 11 Mar 2026) still says ISK 40,648. It is a minimum fee: late or unsatisfactory documents are billed extra at the hourly rate.
“Importers must apply for an import permit to MAST and the pets must fulfill health requirements (vaccinations and testing) in addition to staying in quarantine for 2 weeks upon arrival.”
“It is preferable that the application be submitted to MAST at least 30 days prior to import.”
“The import permit is valid for one year after the date of issue.”
“The permit fee is ISK 39.633.”
“Import fee per animal is 40,648 ISK.”
In the days before you travel
TestEntering Iceland
Brucella canis blood test (dogs)
A blood sample taken within the 30 days before import must test negative for Brucella canis (IFAT, RSAT or TAT). The English lab report, with the lab's name, microchip number, sample date and result, goes with the certificate. Results can take 1–3 weeks.
Details and the official words
“Within the last 30 days prior to importation, a blood sample shall be drawn from the dog for testing for brucellosis (Brucella canis).”
“Approved laboratory tests for B. canis: IFAT, RSAT, TAT.”
TestEntering Iceland
Angiostrongylus vasorum: test or treatment (dogs)
Choose one: a blood (ELISA, PCR) or faeces (Baermann) sample taken within the 30 days before import that tests negative for A. vasorum, or a preventive spot-on treatment containing imidacloprid and moxidectin (e.g. Advocate or Advantage Multi) 5 to 10 days before import, which your vet can give at the second parasite treatment.
Details and the official words
“the dog must either be tested for infection or treated preventively for A. vasorum.”
“Within the last 30 days prior to importation, a blood or fecal sample shall be taken and tested for A. vasorum.”
“5-10 days prior to importation the dog must be treated preventively for A. vasorum with an approved antiparasitic medicinal product (spot-on) containing imidacloprid and moxidectin”
Vet examLeaving Australia
Final health and welfare exam with your registered vet
Your registered vet examines your pet and you both sign the pre-export veterinary health and welfare declaration. It must be within 72 hours of departure (or the period the importing country sets), and before your DAFF appointment.
Details and the official words
If the importing country sets a shorter or longer period, that period applies instead; check its requirements.
“This must be within 72 hours of departure, or a period set by the importing country.”
TreatmentEntering Iceland
First parasite treatment (21–28 days before import)
Between 28 and 21 days before import, the vet treats your pet against internal parasites (a product registered for roundworm and tapeworm) and external parasites (registered for lice, fleas and ticks). See MAST's parasite treatment guide for suitable products.
Details and the official words
“21-28 days prior to importation the dog must be treated internal and external parasites.”
“21-28 days prior to importation the cat must be treated internal and external parasites.”
“The veterinary medicinal product(s) used for internal parasites must be registered for roundworm and tapeworm.”
TreatmentEntering Iceland
Second parasite treatment (5–10 days before import)
Between 10 and 5 days before import, the vet treats your pet again against internal parasites (roundworm and tapeworm) and external parasites (lice, fleas and ticks). A long-acting external-parasite product given at the first treatment can count for the second if it is still valid on import.
Details and the official words
“5-10 days prior to importation the dog must be treated internal and external parasites.”
“5-10 days prior to importation the cat must be treated internal and external parasites.”
“Long-acting products for external parasites given as a 1st treatment, may be valid as the 2nd treatment as well, if it is still valid at the time of importation”
PaperworkEntering Iceland
Health examination and MAST's certificate of health and origin
Between 10 and 5 days before import, an authorised vet in the exporting country examines your pet and completes MAST's own certificate (D1 or C1 from a category 1 country, D2 or C2 otherwise), filling in every box (no correction fluid) and attaching the test reports in English. The pet must be imported within 10 days of the exam.
Details and the official words
“5-10 days prior to importation the dog must undergo a health examination.”
“5-10 days prior to importation the cat must undergo a health examination.”
“Only certificate form D2 issued by MAST is valid for this purpose.”
“The dog is to be imported to Iceland within maximum 10 days.”
Official stampLeaving Australia
DAFF pre-export appointment: export permit and health certificate
At your pre-export appointment with DAFF's certifying veterinary officer (a pet transport company can go for you; some countries need DAFF to see your pet, in which case you bring it), DAFF checks all your documents and issues the export permit and health certificate. You pay at or before the appointment. Your pet must then leave Australia within 72 hours of the permit being issued.
Details and the official words
If this is missed: DAFF issues the permit and certificate only when satisfied the animal was prepared in line with the importing country's requirements.
“This appointment must be before your appointment with our certifying veterinary officer.”
“Your animal must be exported from Australia within 72 hours after the permit is issued. This is a condition of the export permit.”
“Your export permit and health certificate will be issued when we are satisfied the:”
NoticeEntering Iceland
Email the certificate and lab reports to MAST
Email a scanned copy of the signed certificate and all lab reports to petimport@mast.is no later than 5 days before your pet arrives. MAST works on weekdays only; if everything is in order it signs the certificate and sends you an approval. Late papers can mean the import is rejected.
Details and the official words
MAST lists 'Paperwork submitted less than 5 days prior to import and later than 12 pm on the previous Friday' among the most common reasons for a declined import. Leave yourself a margin before the weekend.
“must be sent to MAST for review and approval no later than 5 days prior to date of arrival of the dog.”
“must be sent to MAST for review and approval no later than 5 days prior to date of arrival of the cat.”
“All import correspondence is dealt with during MAST business hours (weekdays only).”
“Paperwork submitted less than 5 days prior to import and later than 12 pm on the previous Friday.”
NoticeLeaving Australia
Submit a Notice of Intention (NOI) to Export
Complete the NOI to Export Live Animals (other than Livestock) form with your supporting documents and email it to DAFF's regional office in your state or territory, at least 10 working days before departure (or before any pre-export isolation starts). Use the same form to book your pre-export appointment, and book the final vet exam at the same time. If the destination needs an import permit, send it with the NOI.
Details and the official words
If your destination requires pre-export isolation, the 10 working days run to the start of isolation, not to departure. Check the importing country's requirements for the isolation dates.
NOI approval doesn't guarantee DAFF will issue the export permit and health certificate.
“Email the NOI and documents to the regional office in the state or territory of departure. Do this at least 10 working days before the departure date or start of isolation.”
Travel day and arrival
RouteEntering Iceland
Fly into Keflavík on a quarantine admission day (06:00–17:00)
Your pet must arrive by air at Keflavík Airport, the only entry point for pets, between 06:00 and 17:00 on one of your quarantine station's admission days (no weekends). It travels in a hard, IATA-compliant cage with the import permit (copy), the original certificate and the original lab reports in an envelope attached. At the pet reception MAST checks the microchip and papers, then the station collects your pet.
Details and the official words
A pet flying in the cabin (if the airline allows it) must be handed to MAST's approved airport service provider (Aviör at Keflavík), paid in advance.
To arrive outside these hours, contact the quarantine station; pets can't stay overnight at the airport.
“Keflavik airport is the only approved entry port for pets.”
“Permitted time for arrival of animals at Keflavik airport is between 06:00 and 17:00 on the quarantine admission dates.”
“Weekend arrivals are not approved.”
“If a dog/cat is transported in the aircraft’s passenger cabin, the animal’s handler must deliver it to an airport service provider approved by the MAST at the location specified in the import permit.”
QuarantineEntering Iceland
Book 14 days at a quarantine station
Every dog and cat stays at least 14 days in one of Iceland's two approved quarantine stations (Reykjanesbær/Hafnir or Mósel/Hella), at your cost. Book in advance: each station takes pets only during set three-day admission periods about three weeks apart, so pick your arrival date from the station's calendar. The booking goes on the health certificate.
Details and the official words
Home quarantine isn't possible, except for certified assistance dogs (apply at least one month before import).
MAST may extend the quarantine if an infectious disease is suspected.
“Imported dogs are required to stay in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.”
“Imported cats are required to stay in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.”
“The importer must make reservations in advance at a quarantine station.”
“Pets are admitted by each quarantine station within a set three-day period approximately three weeks apart.”
“All cats and dogs must undergo a minimum of 14 days quarantine at one of the two quarantine stations.”
Only in some cases
Test · only in some casesEntering Iceland
Leishmania blood test (dogs that aren't neutered)
If your dog isn't neutered or spayed, a blood sample taken within the 30 days before import must test negative for Leishmania (PCR or ELISA), with the English lab report sent with the certificate. A neutered dog doesn't need it. After a positive result the dog can only be imported once neutered (surgically).
Details and the official words
“Applies only to intact dogs (males and females).”
“In case of a positive test result, the dog may be imported after it has been neutered/spayed.”
Good to know
- Iceland bans these dogs and their crosses for 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 and Boerboel, plus other breeds MAST considers a risk or comparable, and wolf-dog hybrids for at least 10 generations. If in doubt, ask MAST before you prepare.
- Pregnant or nursing animals can't be imported, nor animals just injured or operated on that need special care (unless MAST gives special permission).
- Every dog and cat entering Iceland counts as an import, even for a short visit: it needs the permit, all the health requirements and 14 days in a quarantine station. Pets can't come by ferry or private plane, and pets on a ship or plane stopping in Iceland may not leave it.
- If you have owned the pet for less than 12 months, you pay VAT on its purchase price on import (customs report with the sales receipt), before it leaves quarantine.
- If the import is rejected, you pay the costs: extra quarantine, extra inspections, return flights, a new import permit and vet costs abroad.
- DAFF says each country has its own health requirements, which can be complex and can change without notice. Get the importing country's requirements in writing (and an import permit if it needs one) and give them to your registered vet.
- Planning to bring your pet back to Australia? Contact DAFF's imports team before you export. Within 6 months of export, extra pre-export requirements may apply, and some animals can't be imported or returned under any circumstances.
- Your pet's crate must meet IATA standards, and your registered vet must inspect it before it is used. Some countries (including Fiji and Singapore) require the crate to be sealed; DAFF provides the seal.
- DAFF charges a fee to assess the Notice of Intention, a time-based fee to prepare the health certificate and a fee for the export permit. We don't show these amounts yet; see DAFF's charging guidelines.
Cats
Get ready
IdentificationEntering Iceland
ISO microchip
Your pet needs an ISO-compliant microchip. Its number must be on every laboratory report (including the rabies blood test), so the chip has to be in place before the blood sample. The vet checks it at every visit for the import.
Details and the official words
“The microchip must be ISO compliant.”
“The microchip number shall be verified each time the dog is examined, tested or treated for import purposes.”
“No sampling date and/or microchip number on the report”
VaccinationEntering Iceland
Rabies vaccination
Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination, given when it was at least 12 weeks old and kept up to date (each booster within the validity of the previous one). This applies from rabies-free countries too.
Details and the official words
“The dog was at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination and any subsequent revaccination was carried out within the period of validity of the preceding vaccination.”
“The cat was at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination and any subsequent revaccination was carried out within the period of validity of the preceding vaccination.”
“every dog/cat planning to enter Iceland must have a rabies vaccination and a serology titer test at least 30 days after the vaccination”
VaccinationEntering Iceland
Cat vaccinations: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus
Your cat must be fully vaccinated, following the maker's instructions, against feline panleukopenia, feline rhinotracheitis and calicivirus, with the last vaccination at least 14 days before import.
Details and the official words
“The last vaccination must be carried out at least 14 days before importation.”
“Vaccinations done less than 14 days prior to import.”
Blood testEntering Iceland
Rabies blood test (titer)
A blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination (vaccination day = day 0), tested at an EU-approved laboratory, must show at least 0.5 IU/ml. The vaccination must still be valid when the sample is taken. From a category 1 country your pet can travel as soon as the result is in; the test stays valid while the rabies vaccination is kept up to date.
Details and the official words
MAST warns that the certificate can take 2–3 weeks to arrive: do the vaccination and blood test in good time.
“Blood samples for antibody testing shall be taken at the earliest 30 days after vaccination.”
“Antibody testing shall be carried out by a laboratory approved by the European Union for this purpose.”
“The dog may be imported to Iceland when at least 90 days (3 months) have passed after the date of the blood sampling for an antibody test with a satisfactory result.”
“The cat may be imported to Iceland when at least 90 days (3 months) have passed after the date of the blood sampling for an antibody test with a satisfactory result.”
“Once the result is available, the animal is able to travel without any waiting period (as long as all other requirements are fulfilled).”
“Rabies titer < 0,5 IU/ml”
PermitEntering Iceland
Import permit from MAST
Apply to MAST for an import permit (with a photo of your pet), preferably at least 30 days before import: online on the MAST portal if you have an Icelandic ID number (kennitala), otherwise with MAST's English form emailed to petimport@mast.is. MAST then sends a payment request; the permit is issued once you pay and is valid for one year. Its number goes on the health certificate.
Details and the official words
MAST asks for the application preferably at least 30 days before import.
Permit fee: ISK 39.633 on MAST's import page (updated 5 Oct 2026); its FAQ (updated 11 Mar 2026) still says ISK 40,648. It is a minimum fee: late or unsatisfactory documents are billed extra at the hourly rate.
“Importers must apply for an import permit to MAST and the pets must fulfill health requirements (vaccinations and testing) in addition to staying in quarantine for 2 weeks upon arrival.”
“It is preferable that the application be submitted to MAST at least 30 days prior to import.”
“The import permit is valid for one year after the date of issue.”
“The permit fee is ISK 39.633.”
“Import fee per animal is 40,648 ISK.”
In the days before you travel
TestEntering Iceland
FeLV and FIV blood tests (cats)
A blood sample taken within the 30 days before import must test negative for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV: PCR, ELISA or IFA) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV: ELISA or Western blot). In-house test kits are accepted with a signed vet statement; otherwise the English lab report goes with the certificate.
Details and the official words
“Within the last 30 days prior to importation, a blood sample shall be drawn from the cat for testing for FeLV.”
“Within the last 30 days prior to importation, a blood sample shall be drawn from the cat for testing for FIV.”
Vet examLeaving Australia
Final health and welfare exam with your registered vet
Your registered vet examines your pet and you both sign the pre-export veterinary health and welfare declaration. It must be within 72 hours of departure (or the period the importing country sets), and before your DAFF appointment.
Details and the official words
If the importing country sets a shorter or longer period, that period applies instead; check its requirements.
“This must be within 72 hours of departure, or a period set by the importing country.”
TreatmentEntering Iceland
First parasite treatment (21–28 days before import)
Between 28 and 21 days before import, the vet treats your pet against internal parasites (a product registered for roundworm and tapeworm) and external parasites (registered for lice, fleas and ticks). See MAST's parasite treatment guide for suitable products.
Details and the official words
“21-28 days prior to importation the dog must be treated internal and external parasites.”
“21-28 days prior to importation the cat must be treated internal and external parasites.”
“The veterinary medicinal product(s) used for internal parasites must be registered for roundworm and tapeworm.”
TreatmentEntering Iceland
Second parasite treatment (5–10 days before import)
Between 10 and 5 days before import, the vet treats your pet again against internal parasites (roundworm and tapeworm) and external parasites (lice, fleas and ticks). A long-acting external-parasite product given at the first treatment can count for the second if it is still valid on import.
Details and the official words
“5-10 days prior to importation the dog must be treated internal and external parasites.”
“5-10 days prior to importation the cat must be treated internal and external parasites.”
“Long-acting products for external parasites given as a 1st treatment, may be valid as the 2nd treatment as well, if it is still valid at the time of importation”
PaperworkEntering Iceland
Health examination and MAST's certificate of health and origin
Between 10 and 5 days before import, an authorised vet in the exporting country examines your pet and completes MAST's own certificate (D1 or C1 from a category 1 country, D2 or C2 otherwise), filling in every box (no correction fluid) and attaching the test reports in English. The pet must be imported within 10 days of the exam.
Details and the official words
“5-10 days prior to importation the dog must undergo a health examination.”
“5-10 days prior to importation the cat must undergo a health examination.”
“Only certificate form D2 issued by MAST is valid for this purpose.”
“The dog is to be imported to Iceland within maximum 10 days.”
Official stampLeaving Australia
DAFF pre-export appointment: export permit and health certificate
At your pre-export appointment with DAFF's certifying veterinary officer (a pet transport company can go for you; some countries need DAFF to see your pet, in which case you bring it), DAFF checks all your documents and issues the export permit and health certificate. You pay at or before the appointment. Your pet must then leave Australia within 72 hours of the permit being issued.
Details and the official words
If this is missed: DAFF issues the permit and certificate only when satisfied the animal was prepared in line with the importing country's requirements.
“This appointment must be before your appointment with our certifying veterinary officer.”
“Your animal must be exported from Australia within 72 hours after the permit is issued. This is a condition of the export permit.”
“Your export permit and health certificate will be issued when we are satisfied the:”
NoticeEntering Iceland
Email the certificate and lab reports to MAST
Email a scanned copy of the signed certificate and all lab reports to petimport@mast.is no later than 5 days before your pet arrives. MAST works on weekdays only; if everything is in order it signs the certificate and sends you an approval. Late papers can mean the import is rejected.
Details and the official words
MAST lists 'Paperwork submitted less than 5 days prior to import and later than 12 pm on the previous Friday' among the most common reasons for a declined import. Leave yourself a margin before the weekend.
“must be sent to MAST for review and approval no later than 5 days prior to date of arrival of the dog.”
“must be sent to MAST for review and approval no later than 5 days prior to date of arrival of the cat.”
“All import correspondence is dealt with during MAST business hours (weekdays only).”
“Paperwork submitted less than 5 days prior to import and later than 12 pm on the previous Friday.”
NoticeLeaving Australia
Submit a Notice of Intention (NOI) to Export
Complete the NOI to Export Live Animals (other than Livestock) form with your supporting documents and email it to DAFF's regional office in your state or territory, at least 10 working days before departure (or before any pre-export isolation starts). Use the same form to book your pre-export appointment, and book the final vet exam at the same time. If the destination needs an import permit, send it with the NOI.
Details and the official words
If your destination requires pre-export isolation, the 10 working days run to the start of isolation, not to departure. Check the importing country's requirements for the isolation dates.
NOI approval doesn't guarantee DAFF will issue the export permit and health certificate.
“Email the NOI and documents to the regional office in the state or territory of departure. Do this at least 10 working days before the departure date or start of isolation.”
Travel day and arrival
RouteEntering Iceland
Fly into Keflavík on a quarantine admission day (06:00–17:00)
Your pet must arrive by air at Keflavík Airport, the only entry point for pets, between 06:00 and 17:00 on one of your quarantine station's admission days (no weekends). It travels in a hard, IATA-compliant cage with the import permit (copy), the original certificate and the original lab reports in an envelope attached. At the pet reception MAST checks the microchip and papers, then the station collects your pet.
Details and the official words
A pet flying in the cabin (if the airline allows it) must be handed to MAST's approved airport service provider (Aviör at Keflavík), paid in advance.
To arrive outside these hours, contact the quarantine station; pets can't stay overnight at the airport.
“Keflavik airport is the only approved entry port for pets.”
“Permitted time for arrival of animals at Keflavik airport is between 06:00 and 17:00 on the quarantine admission dates.”
“Weekend arrivals are not approved.”
“If a dog/cat is transported in the aircraft’s passenger cabin, the animal’s handler must deliver it to an airport service provider approved by the MAST at the location specified in the import permit.”
QuarantineEntering Iceland
Book 14 days at a quarantine station
Every dog and cat stays at least 14 days in one of Iceland's two approved quarantine stations (Reykjanesbær/Hafnir or Mósel/Hella), at your cost. Book in advance: each station takes pets only during set three-day admission periods about three weeks apart, so pick your arrival date from the station's calendar. The booking goes on the health certificate.
Details and the official words
Home quarantine isn't possible, except for certified assistance dogs (apply at least one month before import).
MAST may extend the quarantine if an infectious disease is suspected.
“Imported dogs are required to stay in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.”
“Imported cats are required to stay in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.”
“The importer must make reservations in advance at a quarantine station.”
“Pets are admitted by each quarantine station within a set three-day period approximately three weeks apart.”
“All cats and dogs must undergo a minimum of 14 days quarantine at one of the two quarantine stations.”
Good to know
- Pregnant or nursing animals can't be imported, nor animals just injured or operated on that need special care (unless MAST gives special permission).
- Every dog and cat entering Iceland counts as an import, even for a short visit: it needs the permit, all the health requirements and 14 days in a quarantine station. Pets can't come by ferry or private plane, and pets on a ship or plane stopping in Iceland may not leave it.
- If you have owned the pet for less than 12 months, you pay VAT on its purchase price on import (customs report with the sales receipt), before it leaves quarantine.
- If the import is rejected, you pay the costs: extra quarantine, extra inspections, return flights, a new import permit and vet costs abroad.
- DAFF says each country has its own health requirements, which can be complex and can change without notice. Get the importing country's requirements in writing (and an import permit if it needs one) and give them to your registered vet.
- Planning to bring your pet back to Australia? Contact DAFF's imports team before you export. Within 6 months of export, extra pre-export requirements may apply, and some animals can't be imported or returned under any circumstances.
- Your pet's crate must meet IATA standards, and your registered vet must inspect it before it is used. Some countries (including Fiji and Singapore) require the crate to be sealed; DAFF provides the seal.
- DAFF charges a fee to assess the Notice of Intention, a time-based fee to prepare the health certificate and a fee for the export permit. We don't show these amounts yet; see DAFF's charging guidelines.
Money
What it costs
Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in Australia publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.
Government fees on this route
MAST import permitEntering Iceland39,633 ISK
Covers the paperwork and MAST’s checks on arrival and on release from quarantine. The quarantine station charges separately. Late or incomplete documents are billed extra by the hour.
“This fee covers administration as well as the import control on arrival and upon discharge of the dog/cat from the quarantine station. The permit fee is ISK 39.633.”
Import of live animals (MAST) · as of 2026-10-05
Government fees in total: 39,633 ISK (each currency separately)
What vets and labs charge Not official figures
Microchipyour vet · for: ISO microchip66–90 AUD
Australia: 4 published prices
- Maclean & Yamba Vets (Maclean, NSW): Standard microchipping66 AUD · per pet · read 2026-10-13
- Springwood Veterinary Clinic (Springwood, NSW): Standard microchipping80 AUD · per pet · read 2026-10-13
- Walkerville Vet: Microchip including implantation86.80 AUD · per pet · read 2026-10-13
- My Local Vet (Capalaba, QLD): Microchipping including registration (done online the same day)90 AUD · per pet · read 2026-10-13
Rabies blood test: the lab’s own pricean approved laboratory; your vet adds the blood draw and the courier · for: rabies blood test (titer)Prices from 8 countries
Austria: 1 published price
- AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety), Institute for Veterinary Investigations Mödling: Lab price for the rabies antibody titre test for pets (EU-recognised lab), samples sent from EU countries, 20% VAT included; transport to the lab paid by the sender97.26 EUR · per sample · read 2026-10-13
France: 2 published prices
- Laboratoire départemental de la Haute-Garonne (LD31 EVA): Lab price for the FAVN (WOAH/OMSA method) rabies antibody test, VAT included, price guaranteed until 31/12/2026 (from the lab's order form)99 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Inovalys (laboratory): Lab price only: rabies antibody titration (COFRAC accredited), ordered online by the owner; the page says the blood sample is taken by your vet and sending it to the lab is the owner's responsibility (no amounts given for those)99.18 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United Kingdom: 2 published prices
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats for pet travel (test code TC0712), single sample, excluding VAT72.30 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats, extended method (test code TC0570), single sample, excluding VAT106 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
Japan: 1 published price
- Research Institute for Animal Science in Biochemistry and Toxicology (RIAS, 一般財団法人生物科学安全研究所): Lab fee only: rabies antibody test at RIAS (a MAFF-designated lab), tax included, paid in advance by bank transfer; vet's blood draw and shipping not included15,000 JPY · per sample · read 2026-10-13
Poland: 1 published price
- National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet-PIB), Puławy: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test, standard service (max 21 calendar days), electronic report only, gross (VAT included)280 PLN · per test · read 2026-10-13
Sweden: 1 published price
- Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA): Lab price for the FAVN rabies vaccination-check antibody test (article D142410), excluding VAT (exkl. moms)1,365 SEK · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United States: 1 published price
- University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for pet travel/export (University of Missouri VMDL One Health-Rabies Laboratory); shipping not stated79 USD · per test · read 2026-10-13
South Africa: 1 published price
- Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR): Lab price for the rabies neutralization (antibody) test per clear serum sample, VAT included; the price list does not name FAVN or RFFIT (ARC-Onderstepoort diagnostic price list, PDF created May 2026)2,030 ZAR · per clear serum sample · read 2026-10-13
Other vaccinationsyour vet · for: dog vaccinations: leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza140–165 AUD
Australia: 4 published prices
- Maclean & Yamba Vets (Maclean, NSW): Dog C5 vaccination140 AUD · per dose · read 2026-10-13
- Lort Smith Animal Hospital (North Melbourne, VIC): Dog C5 vaccination, standard (non-concession) weekday price142 AUD · per dose · read 2026-10-13
- Grange Vet Clinic: Dog annual vaccination, price includes a standard 20-minute consultation145 AUD · per dose · read 2026-10-13
- My Local Vet (Capalaba, QLD): Dog C5 vaccination including a 30-minute vet consultation165 AUD · per dose · read 2026-10-13
Parasite treatmentyour vet · for: first parasite treatment (21–28 days before import), second parasite treatment (5–10 days before import)223–605 AUD
Australia: 1 published price
- Springwood Veterinary Clinic (Springwood, NSW): Yearly tick/flea injection for dogs, dosed by exact weight; page gives approximate prices from about $223 for a 10kg dog to about $605 for a 50kg dog (a tick/flea treatment, not a tapeworm treatment)223–605 AUD · per injection (by weight) · read 2026-10-13
Health certificate (vet’s fee)your vet · for: health examination and MAST's certificate of health and origin250 AUD
Australia: 1 published price
- Evervet (Prahran / South Yarra, VIC): Pet export consultation (extra-time appointment for export health checks and paperwork); tests and treatments charged separately250 AUD · per consultation · read 2026-10-13
Vet examinationyour vet · for: final health and welfare exam with your registered vet90–128 AUD
Australia: 4 published prices
- Grange Vet Clinic: Standard 20-minute consultation90 AUD · per consultation · read 2026-10-13
- Lort Smith Animal Hospital (North Melbourne, VIC): Standard weekday consultation (about 20 minutes), non-concession price98 AUD · per consultation · read 2026-10-13
- Maclean & Yamba Vets (Maclean, NSW): Regular consultation110 AUD · per consultation · read 2026-10-13
- Armadale Veterinary Hospital (Armadale, VIC): Standard consultation128 AUD · per consultation · read 2026-10-13
No published prices yet for Australia: rabies vaccination.
Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices
Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.
Round trip
Coming back to Australia
This country is approved, but Australia has not yet agreed a health certificate with it — so dogs can't currently be exported from here to Australia.
This country is approved, but Australia has not yet agreed a health certificate with it — so dogs can't currently be exported from here to Australia.
Nearby routes
Other routes
Where this comes from
Official sources
- Import of live animals (MAST)
- Import of live animals: frequently asked questions (MAST)
- Guidance notes D1: importation of dogs from category 1 countries (MAST, 1 Jul 2025)
- Guidance notes D2: importation of dogs from category 2 countries (MAST, 1 Jul 2025)
- Guidance notes C1: importation of cats from category 1 countries (MAST, 1 Jul 2025)
- Guidance notes C2: importation of cats from category 2 countries (MAST, 1 Jul 2025)
- Certificate D1: import of a dog to Iceland from a category 1 country (MAST)
- Certificate D2: import of a dog to Iceland from a category 2 country (MAST, 3 Jun 2026)
- Certificate C2: import of a cat to Iceland from a category 2 country (MAST)
- Guidance notes for the vaccination against leptospirosis prior to importation of dogs to Iceland (MAST)
- Application: importation of a dog/cat from a non-approved country (MAST, 21 Feb 2025)
- Exporting companion animals and other live animals
Last checked against the official pages: 2026-10-12.
Questions owners ask
Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from Australia to Iceland?
Yes: A blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination (vaccination day = day 0), tested at an EU-approved laboratory, must show at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Iceland?
Yes: Apply to MAST for an import permit (with a photo of your pet), preferably at least 30 days before import: online on the MAST portal if you have an Icelandic ID number (kennitala), otherwise with MAST's English form emailed to petimport@mast.is.
Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Iceland?
It can be: Every dog and cat stays at least 14 days in one of Iceland's two approved quarantine stations (Reykjanesbær/Hafnir or Mósel/Hella), at your cost.
How early should I start preparing my pet for Australia to Iceland?
With nothing done yet, start at least 5 weeks ahead for a dog. The main steps: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination and dog vaccinations: leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and 12 more.
Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake
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