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Pet travel route

Dog or cat from Serbia to Iceland: official requirements

Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least about 4 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination and dog vaccinations: leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and 11 more.

Rules checked up to 13 October 2026From 13 official pages

In short

Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving Serbia publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. Serbia's Veterinary Directorate publishes its request form for an export certificate for live animals, with notes for pets, and answers on travelling to the EU. It doesn't say how long before departure to apply. Send the request early: the form gives the inspection up to 30 days to decide.

At a glance

How early to start (dogs)

about 4 months

if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet

Set by: Rabies blood test (titer) (at least 90 days between the blood sample and import)

about 3 months

if it is already microchipped and vaccinated

Set by: Rabies blood test (titer) (at least 90 days between the blood sample and 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)

about 4 months

if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet

Set by: Rabies blood test (titer) (at least 90 days between the blood sample and import)

about 3 months

if it is already microchipped and vaccinated

Set by: Rabies blood test (titer) (at least 90 days between the blood sample and 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 Serbia in the group “Category 2 country”. See every group

Official name: Category 2 (rabies present but well controlled): blood test at least 90 days before import; canine influenza vaccination for dogs from the USA and Canada

Prefer a feed reader? Serbia rule changes · Iceland rule changes

Serbia → Iceland

What your pet needs

In the order you do them. Each step says whether Serbia (leaving) or Iceland (entering) asks for it.

Dogs

  1. Get ready

    1. 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”

    2. 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”

    3. 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.”

    4. Blood testSerbia and 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. Because you're coming from a category 2 country (or a non-approved one), at least 90 days must pass after the sample before your pet can be imported. 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.

      Antibody test at the Pasteur Institute, Novi Sad: If your destination asks for a rabies antibody test, Serbia's export form asks for the FAVN test report from the Pasteur Institute in Novi Sad.

      “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”

      “Извештај о испитивању на антитела на беснило ФАВН тестом”

      “За псе и мачке када то земља увозница захтев”

      “Пастеров институт, Нови Сад”

    5. 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.”

  2. In the days before you travel

    1. 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.”

    2. 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”

    3. Vet examLeaving Serbia

      Health confirmation from your vet, no more than 48 hours old

      A veterinary station or practice confirms your pet's health (уверење о здравственом стању). For a pet, this confirmation must be no more than 48 hours old when the veterinary inspection issues the export certificate.

      Details and the official words
    4. 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.”

    5. 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”

    6. 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.”

    7. Official stampLeaving Serbia

      Export certificate from a Serbian veterinary inspector

      Send the request for an export certificate for live animals to the Veterinary Directorate's veterinary inspection (also by email to vetinspekcija@minpolj.gov.rs) with the vet's health confirmation, the pet passport, the antibody test report and the import permit if your destination asks for them, and proof that you paid the two administrative taxes (420 + 9,160 = 9,580 dinars, one payment possible). As a pet owner you don't need an approved export establishment or a disinfection certificate for the vehicle. A Serbian veterinary inspector issues the certificate.

      Details and the official words

      The form gives the inspection up to 30 days from the request to decide, and treats a request as incomplete if missing documents aren't sent within 8 days. It doesn't say how long before departure to apply: ask the veterinary inspection, and allow for the 48-hour limit on the vet's health confirmation.

      “За некомерцијално кретање кућних љубимаца неопходан је ветеринарски сертификат који издаје надлежни ветеринарски инспектор Републике Србије.”

      “ЗАХТЕВ ЗА ИЗДАВАЊЕ СЕРТИФИКАТA ЗА ИЗВОЗ ЖИВИХ ЖИВОТИЊА”

      “Не достављају држаоци спортских коња, голубова, паса, мачака, птица кућних љубимаца, зечева и пчела”

      “Није потребно за извоз кућних љубимаца”

      “Само када је то захтев земље у коју се отпремају животиње”

      “vetinspekcija@minpolj.gov.rs”

      “Рок за решавање поднетог захтева 30 дана од покретања поступка”

      “420,00 РСД”

      “Такса се плаћа заједно и за захтев и за издавање сертификата”

    8. 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.”

  3. Travel day and arrival

    1. CheckLeaving Serbia

      Pet passport (original)

      Bring your dog's or cat's original pet passport, issued by a veterinary station, with the request. The microchip and a valid rabies vaccination remain required for travel to the EU.

      Details and the official words
    2. 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.”

    3. 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

  1. 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.

Cats

  1. Get ready

    1. 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”

    2. 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”

    3. 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.”

    4. Blood testSerbia and 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. Because you're coming from a category 2 country (or a non-approved one), at least 90 days must pass after the sample before your pet can be imported. 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.

      Antibody test at the Pasteur Institute, Novi Sad: If your destination asks for a rabies antibody test, Serbia's export form asks for the FAVN test report from the Pasteur Institute in Novi Sad.

      “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”

      “Извештај о испитивању на антитела на беснило ФАВН тестом”

      “За псе и мачке када то земља увозница захтев”

      “Пастеров институт, Нови Сад”

    5. 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.”

  2. In the days before you travel

    1. 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.”

    2. Vet examLeaving Serbia

      Health confirmation from your vet, no more than 48 hours old

      A veterinary station or practice confirms your pet's health (уверење о здравственом стању). For a pet, this confirmation must be no more than 48 hours old when the veterinary inspection issues the export certificate.

      Details and the official words
    3. 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.”

    4. 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”

    5. 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.”

    6. Official stampLeaving Serbia

      Export certificate from a Serbian veterinary inspector

      Send the request for an export certificate for live animals to the Veterinary Directorate's veterinary inspection (also by email to vetinspekcija@minpolj.gov.rs) with the vet's health confirmation, the pet passport, the antibody test report and the import permit if your destination asks for them, and proof that you paid the two administrative taxes (420 + 9,160 = 9,580 dinars, one payment possible). As a pet owner you don't need an approved export establishment or a disinfection certificate for the vehicle. A Serbian veterinary inspector issues the certificate.

      Details and the official words

      The form gives the inspection up to 30 days from the request to decide, and treats a request as incomplete if missing documents aren't sent within 8 days. It doesn't say how long before departure to apply: ask the veterinary inspection, and allow for the 48-hour limit on the vet's health confirmation.

      “За некомерцијално кретање кућних љубимаца неопходан је ветеринарски сертификат који издаје надлежни ветеринарски инспектор Републике Србије.”

      “ЗАХТЕВ ЗА ИЗДАВАЊЕ СЕРТИФИКАТA ЗА ИЗВОЗ ЖИВИХ ЖИВОТИЊА”

      “Не достављају држаоци спортских коња, голубова, паса, мачака, птица кућних љубимаца, зечева и пчела”

      “Није потребно за извоз кућних љубимаца”

      “Само када је то захтев земље у коју се отпремају животиње”

      “vetinspekcija@minpolj.gov.rs”

      “Рок за решавање поднетог захтева 30 дана од покретања поступка”

      “420,00 РСД”

      “Такса се плаћа заједно и за захтев и за издавање сертификата”

    7. 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.”

  3. Travel day and arrival

    1. CheckLeaving Serbia

      Pet passport (original)

      Bring your dog's or cat's original pet passport, issued by a veterinary station, with the request. The microchip and a valid rabies vaccination remain required for travel to the EU.

      Details and the official words
    2. 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.”

    3. 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.

Money

What it costs

Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in Serbia publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.

Government fees on this route

Government fees in total: 9,580 RSD + 39,633 ISK (each currency separately)

What vets and labs charge Not official figures

No published prices yet for Serbia: microchip, rabies vaccination, other vaccinations, parasite treatment, health certificate (vet’s fee), vet examination.

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 Serbia

Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Serbia.

The trip back asks for 3 steps: microchip, before the rabies vaccination, rabies vaccination at 12 weeks or older, 21 days before entry and pet passport (EU and listed European countries).

Every step from Iceland to Serbia

Nearby routes

Other routes

Where this comes from

Official sources

Questions owners ask

Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from Serbia 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 Serbia to Iceland?

With nothing done yet, start at least about 4 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination and dog vaccinations: leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and 11 more.

Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake

Read next

Turn this into dates for your pet

Where from, where to, when. You get every step with its deadline and the official page it comes from.

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