Pet travel route
Dog or cat from South Africa to Iceland: the rules
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 13 more.
Rules checked up to 13 October 2026From 15 official pages
In short
- Dogs and cats differ on this route: choose Dog or Cat to see just yours.
- Iceland puts South Africa in the group “Country Iceland has not approved”, 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.
Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving South Africa publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. In South Africa a state veterinarian of your province certifies your pet's export health certificate. The national Department of Agriculture's pages on leaving with a pet don't open from our network, so this summary follows the Western Cape Department of Agriculture's guidance (its info sheets date from 2023 and 2024). Other provinces may book, charge and time things differently: ask your provincial state vet office, and check the destination's own requirements.
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
Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.
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
Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.
Which rules apply to you
Iceland puts South Africa in the group “Country Iceland has not approved”. See every group
Official name: Not an approved exporting country: import only with MAST's authorisation for an owner who lives there and is moving to Iceland (category 2 conditions)
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South Africa → Iceland
What your pet needs
In the order you do them. Each step says whether South Africa (leaving) or Iceland (entering) asks for it.
Dogs
Taking a dog or cat out of South Africa (provincial state vet): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.
Get ready
Residence ruleEntering Iceland
Coming from a country that isn't approved: MAST's authorisation
Your country isn't on MAST's approved list. MAST may still allow the import if you have owned and cared for the pet there for at least 6 months, you live there and you are moving to Iceland with it. Apply with MAST's form for non-approved countries and send documents proving ownership and residence. Your pet must then meet the category 2 conditions, including canine influenza vaccination for dogs.
Details and the official words
“The pet has been owned and cared for by the importer in the country of export for at least six months prior to importation, and”
“The owner/importer is a resident in the country of export and is moving to Iceland and bringing the pet with him/her.”
“A dog/cat that is imported to Iceland on these grounds must meet the health conditions according to country category 2 (including vaccination against canine influenza).”
“The ownership of the pet and the residency in the country of export must be confirmed with valid documents submitted to MAST along with this application form.”
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.”
VaccinationEntering Iceland
Canine influenza vaccination
Dogs from the USA, Canada or a non-approved country must be fully vaccinated against canine influenza, following the maker's instructions, with the last vaccination at least 14 days before import.
Details and the official words
“Dogs from USA, Canada and Singapore must have a valid vaccination for canine influenza.”
“Applies only to dogs imported from USA, Canada, Singapore, and non-approved countries of export”
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. 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.
“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 South Africa
Health check and health certificate from your private vet
Take your pet to your private vet for a health check. The vet completes a standard veterinary health certificate (blank forms from the state vet office, and Western Cape templates for many destinations) and must have done all the tests, treatments and vaccinations the destination asks for: ones not done by the vet are not accepted for certification. The province's general guide asks for the health check within 7 days of travel, depending on what the destination's import permit says.
Details and the official words
“Your pet should be taken to your local private veterinarian for a health check.”
“Your veterinarian should complete a standard Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC).”
“Your veterinarian must have completed all the tests, treatments and vaccinations indicated on the import permit.”
“A health check within 7 days of travel depending on what is specified on the import permit”
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 South Africa
State vet certifies the health certificate
Bring the signed health certificate, the destination's import permit (some destinations, such as EU countries and Namibia, don't issue one), your pet's vaccination booklet, supporting documents and your ID or driver's licence to the state vet office. The state vet certifies the certificate. You pay the application fee at the appointment (R200 per application in 2023 in the Western Cape).
Details and the official words
Fee: R200 per application in 2023 (Western Cape general info sheet; its EU info sheet says R209). It is set by the province's tariff list and may have changed.
“Pets travelling out of South Africa generally require a Veterinary Health Certificate certified by a state veterinarian.”
“An import permit from the country you are going to (some countries such as EU countries and Namibia do not issue these, for further information contact your local State Vet)”
“The signed VHC, import permit as well as your pet’s vaccination booklet and supporting documents should be brought to the SV office for certification.”
“Cost for application in 2023 is R200 each”
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 South Africa
Book an appointment with the state vet office
State vet offices certify pets by appointment only. In Cape Town, email vetexport@westerncape.gov.za with the time slot you want, the number of pets and their destination, at least 2 days ahead; other offices ask you to book in good time because the state vet is not always available.
Details and the official words
“To make an appointment, clients are required to send an e-mail to vetexport@westerncape.gov.za with their required time slot.”
“Clients are required to make an appointment at least 2 days in advance.”
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.
- Export certification is done by the veterinary services of your province, so contact the state vet office where you live. In the Western Cape: the Cape Town Veterinary Export Certification Office (34 Roeland Street, vetexport@westerncape.gov.za, by appointment Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 12:00) or the regional state vet offices.
- The destination sets the rules, and you are responsible for getting its import requirements. Check them with the destination's veterinary authority (or its representatives in South Africa) before each trip; the province's info sheets are only a guide.
- Coming back to South Africa later? Dogs and cats entering South Africa need a veterinary import permit from the national Department of Agriculture (vetpermits@dalrrd.gov.za).
Cats
Taking a dog or cat out of South Africa (provincial state vet): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.
Get ready
Residence ruleEntering Iceland
Coming from a country that isn't approved: MAST's authorisation
Your country isn't on MAST's approved list. MAST may still allow the import if you have owned and cared for the pet there for at least 6 months, you live there and you are moving to Iceland with it. Apply with MAST's form for non-approved countries and send documents proving ownership and residence. Your pet must then meet the category 2 conditions, including canine influenza vaccination for dogs.
Details and the official words
“The pet has been owned and cared for by the importer in the country of export for at least six months prior to importation, and”
“The owner/importer is a resident in the country of export and is moving to Iceland and bringing the pet with him/her.”
“A dog/cat that is imported to Iceland on these grounds must meet the health conditions according to country category 2 (including vaccination against canine influenza).”
“The ownership of the pet and the residency in the country of export must be confirmed with valid documents submitted to MAST along with this application form.”
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. 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.
“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 South Africa
Health check and health certificate from your private vet
Take your pet to your private vet for a health check. The vet completes a standard veterinary health certificate (blank forms from the state vet office, and Western Cape templates for many destinations) and must have done all the tests, treatments and vaccinations the destination asks for: ones not done by the vet are not accepted for certification. The province's general guide asks for the health check within 7 days of travel, depending on what the destination's import permit says.
Details and the official words
“Your pet should be taken to your local private veterinarian for a health check.”
“Your veterinarian should complete a standard Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC).”
“Your veterinarian must have completed all the tests, treatments and vaccinations indicated on the import permit.”
“A health check within 7 days of travel depending on what is specified on the import permit”
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 South Africa
State vet certifies the health certificate
Bring the signed health certificate, the destination's import permit (some destinations, such as EU countries and Namibia, don't issue one), your pet's vaccination booklet, supporting documents and your ID or driver's licence to the state vet office. The state vet certifies the certificate. You pay the application fee at the appointment (R200 per application in 2023 in the Western Cape).
Details and the official words
Fee: R200 per application in 2023 (Western Cape general info sheet; its EU info sheet says R209). It is set by the province's tariff list and may have changed.
“Pets travelling out of South Africa generally require a Veterinary Health Certificate certified by a state veterinarian.”
“An import permit from the country you are going to (some countries such as EU countries and Namibia do not issue these, for further information contact your local State Vet)”
“The signed VHC, import permit as well as your pet’s vaccination booklet and supporting documents should be brought to the SV office for certification.”
“Cost for application in 2023 is R200 each”
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 South Africa
Book an appointment with the state vet office
State vet offices certify pets by appointment only. In Cape Town, email vetexport@westerncape.gov.za with the time slot you want, the number of pets and their destination, at least 2 days ahead; other offices ask you to book in good time because the state vet is not always available.
Details and the official words
“To make an appointment, clients are required to send an e-mail to vetexport@westerncape.gov.za with their required time slot.”
“Clients are required to make an appointment at least 2 days in advance.”
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.
- Export certification is done by the veterinary services of your province, so contact the state vet office where you live. In the Western Cape: the Cape Town Veterinary Export Certification Office (34 Roeland Street, vetexport@westerncape.gov.za, by appointment Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 12:00) or the regional state vet offices.
- The destination sets the rules, and you are responsible for getting its import requirements. Check them with the destination's veterinary authority (or its representatives in South Africa) before each trip; the province's info sheets are only a guide.
- Coming back to South Africa later? Dogs and cats entering South Africa need a veterinary import permit from the national Department of Agriculture (vetpermits@dalrrd.gov.za).
Money
What it costs
Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in South Africa 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)
May also apply, depending on your case
State vet’s certificate application (Western Cape)Leaving South Africa200 ZAR
The Western Cape’s 2023 figure; its EU info sheet gives R209 for 2023. Each province sets its own tariff: ask your state vet office for the current amount.
“Certificate application cost can be found on the departments tariff register (Cost for application in 2023 is R200 each) each payable on appointment.”
Taking pet dogs and cats overseas: info sheet 'Dogs and cats general 2023' (Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Veterinary International Trade Facilitation) · as of 2023-03-20
What vets and labs charge Not official figures
Microchipyour vet · for: ISO microchip200–315 ZAR
South Africa: 2 published prices
- Vet House (Pietermaritzburg, KZN): Identipet microchip, supply and insertion200 ZAR · per animal · read 2026-10-13
- The Corner Vet (Bryanston, Johannesburg): Microchipping315 ZAR · per animal · read 2026-10-13
Rabies vaccinationyour vet · for: rabies vaccination250–412 ZAR
South Africa: 3 published prices
- Vet House (Pietermaritzburg, KZN): Rabies vaccine (Nobivac Rabies); the list does not say whether a consultation is included250 ZAR · per vaccination · read 2026-10-13
- Vitalvet (George / Mossel Bay, Western Cape): Rabies-only vaccination (the same price is shown in two of the three branch price tables on the page; the page does not label which table is which branch)300 ZAR · per vaccination · read 2026-10-13
- The Corner Vet (Bryanston, Johannesburg): Rabies-only vaccination for an adult dog (vaccinations section is headed 'Wellness exam and vaccination')412 ZAR · per vaccination · 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, parainfluenza, canine influenza vaccination520–879 ZAR
South Africa: 2 published prices
- Vet House (Pietermaritzburg, KZN): Annual dog/cat core vaccination together with rabies (vaccine prices exclude dewormer)520 ZAR · per vaccination · read 2026-10-13
- The Corner Vet (Bryanston, Johannesburg): Adult dog annual vaccination: 5-in-1 (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) plus rabies879 ZAR · per vaccination · read 2026-10-13
Vet examinationyour vet · for: health check and health certificate from your private vet590 ZAR
South Africa: 2 published prices
- Vet House (Pietermaritzburg, KZN): Normal consultation (routine care price list)590 ZAR · per consultation · read 2026-10-13
- The Corner Vet (Bryanston, Johannesburg): Wellness exam (nose-to-tail consultation)590 ZAR · per consultation · read 2026-10-13
No published prices yet for South Africa: parasite treatment, health certificate (vet’s fee).
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 South Africa
Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves South Africa (dogs).
The trip back asks for 6 steps: veterinary import permit (before the animal leaves), ISO microchip (tattoos are not accepted), rabies vaccination (not needed from Australia, New Zealand and the UK) and dogs: blood tests for five diseases within 30 days of export and more.
Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves South Africa (cats).
The trip back asks for 5 steps: veterinary import permit (before the animal leaves), ISO microchip (tattoos are not accepted), rabies vaccination (not needed from Australia, New Zealand and the UK) and veterinary health certificate within 10 days of departure and more.
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 pets and products (Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services)
- Taking pet dogs and cats overseas: info sheet 'Dogs and cats general 2023' (Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Veterinary International Trade Facilitation)
- Non-commercial export of dogs and cats to the European Union: info sheet (Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Veterinary International Trade Facilitation, 2024)
- South African policy on export certification for animals and animal products (Department of Agriculture, Government Notice 1325, Government Gazette 31680, 12 December 2008; gov.za copy)
Last checked against the official pages: 2026-10-13.
Questions owners ask
Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from South Africa 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 South Africa 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 13 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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