Bringing a dog or cat to Iceland: official requirements

Entering Iceland

What your pet needs

In the order you do them. Rules marked “Applies when” are only for some pets, origins or routes.

1. Get ready

   Weeks or months ahead: the steps with waiting periods, so start here.

   1. Residence rule

      Coming from a country that isn't approved: MAST's authorisation

      Applies when: you travel from a country Iceland has not approved

      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.”

   2. Identification

      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”

   3. Vaccination

      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”

   4. VaccinationDogs only

      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.”

   5. VaccinationDogs only

      Canine influenza vaccination

      Applies when: you travel from the United States, Hawaii (US) or Canada, or you travel from a country Iceland has not approved

      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”

   6. VaccinationDogs only

      Canine influenza vaccination (dogs from Singapore)

      Applies when: you travel from Singapore

      MAST's category 2 guidance and certificate say dogs from Singapore need a canine influenza vaccination (last dose at least 14 days before import), but Singapore is a category 1 country and the category 1 certificate has no line for it. Ask MAST; vaccinating is the safe choice.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      “Dogs from USA, Canada and Singapore must have a valid vaccination for canine influenza.”

      “Vaccination against canine influenza only applies to dogs imported from USA, Canada or Singapore.”

   7. VaccinationCats only

      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.”

   8. Blood test

      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”

   9. Permit

      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

   Paperwork, treatments and stamps that must be recent when your pet travels.

   1. TestDogs only

      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. TestDogs only

      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. TestCats only

      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.”

   4. Treatment

      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. Treatment

      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. Paperwork

      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. Notice

      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

   How your pet travels and what happens at the border.

   1. Route

      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.”

   2. Quarantine

      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 casesDogs only

   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.”

Worked out from the rules

How long it takes from each country

For a pet coming from each country: the group Iceland’s rules put it in, and the least time the official waiting periods allow. Tap a country for the full route.

Money

What it costs to enter Iceland

Iceland’s government fees, exactly as the official pages state them, and what the rules make you pay for.

Where your pet comes from matters

Country groups

Iceland puts every country in a group, and the group decides some of the rules. Our short name comes first; the official name is underneath.

Check first

When this doesn’t work

• Not allowed

  When you do not travel from a country Iceland has not approved and your pet has been in a country Iceland has not approved in the last 6 months.

  Your pet has been in a country that isn't on MAST's approved list in the last 6 months. Dogs and cats must have stayed in approved exporting countries for the 6 months before import (or since birth). Wait until the pet has spent 6 months in approved countries, or ask MAST.

• Not covered by us yet

  When you travel from a Category 1 (rabies-free) country and your pet has been in a Category 2 country in the last 6 months.

  Your pet leaves from a category 1 country but has been in a category 2 country in the last 6 months. The category 1 certificate needs 6 months in category 1 countries, and the category 2 certificate needs a category 2 country of export, so we can't tell which rules MAST will apply. Ask MAST (petimport@mast.is) before you plan.

Dogs

Restricted breeds

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.

Notes

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.
• Iceland sets no minimum age, but with the vaccination, blood test and waiting times a pet from a category 1 country can be ready at about 4.5 months old at the earliest, and from a category 2 country at about 7 months.Applies when: your pet is under 8 months old on arrival, or you don’t know your pet’s birth date
• If the import is rejected, you pay the costs: extra quarantine, extra inspections, return flights, a new import permit and vet costs abroad.

Where this comes from

Official sources

Questions owners ask