Pet import requirements for Iceland

Iceland at a glance

The detail

Pets will go directly to quarantine station upon arrival for 14 days. Iceland is an island nation located in Northern Europe between the Greenland Sea and the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Arrival airports noted for this destination in clude REK and KEF.

Import requirements

After 15 weeks they will be allowed to enter Iceland

Importation of pets must comply with the MAST import conditions. 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. Please refer to the below in struction guides to help you understand the requirements relating to the different categories of approved countries.

Import / Export Live Animal Requirements

More than 5 animals imported is commercial except when imported for a race or pet show) and if not within +/- 5 days rule

Commercial is considered if it is bought or is without the +/- days rule

• Dogs from category 1 countries: Guidance notes D1
• Dogs from category 2 countries: Guidance notes D2
• Cats from category 1 countries: Guidance notes C1
• Cats from category 2 countries: Guidance notes C2
• Certified service dogs; importation and home quarantine: Guidance notes SD
• Guidance notes for parasite treatment of dogs prior to importation to Iceland
• Guidance notes for parasite treatment of cats prior to importation to Iceland
• List of EU approved laboratories for rabies antibody test for dogs and cats (EU and non-EU countries)

Pets in transit are not allowed to leave the airport proper. Most important is Import license from MAST and valid health certificate.

Identification and microchip

Pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant pet microchip that is 15 digit and non-encrypted. If not compliant, bring your own microchip scanner that is compatible. (This requirement can be waived for pets entering from rabies free countries where your pet was born in or has resided for a minimum of 6 months.) The microchip number should be stated in the vaccination booklet/certificate and on the in ternational health certificate.

Rabies and vaccinations

The dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination, Vaccination at least 45-60 days prior to importation. ie. Have received the appropriate basic immunization and it must have been maintained according to the in structions from the manufacturer. The vaccination must be valid when the antibody titer test is performed ie: antibody titer test cannot be performed if the vaccination is out of date.

Must have Rabies titer < 0,5 IU/ml

• Dogs and Cats -Valid Rabies vaccine
• Dogs- Leptospirosis, Canine distemper, Infectious canine hepatitis, Canine parvovirus, Canine parainfluenza.
• Cats: Feline panleukopenia, Feline rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus.
• Your pet needs a valid vaccination against the above-mentioned diseases, ie. have received the appropriate basic vaccination which has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer´s in structions. The last vaccination must be carried out at least 14 days before importation.

Tests and treatments

DOGS AND CATS:

• Rabies antibody test - 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. Rabies antibody titre should measure at least 0,5 IU/ml. The antibody test is valid as long as the rabies vaccination is kept up to date according to the manufacturer´s in structions. FOR PETS IN COUNTRY CATEGORY 2 - 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.
• Brucella canis – blood test-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. The test result must be negative and recorded in the Certificate of Health and Origin (D1).The laboratory report in English containing the laboratory name, microchip number, blood sample date and test result must accompany the certificate.
• Leishmania spp. – blood test- Applies only to in tact dogs (males and females). Within the last 30 days prior to importation, a blood sample shall be drawn from the dog for testing for leishmaniosis (Leishmania spp.). Approved laboratory tests for Leishmania spp.: PCR, ELISA. The test result must be negative and recorded in the Certificate of Health and Origin (D1). The laboratory report in English containing the laboratory name, microchip number, blood sample date and test result must accompany the certificate. In case of a positive test result, the dog may be imported after it has been neutered/spayed. Neutering/spaying (surgical removal of gonads) must be confirmed by a veterinarian. Chemical neutering is not approved.
• A.vasorum - blood test or fecal sample: Within the last 30 days prior to importation, a blood or fecal sample shall be taken and tested for A. vasorum. Approved laboratory tests for A. vasorum: ELISA, PCR (blood test), Baermann method (fecal sample). The test result must be negative and recorded in the Certificate of Health and Origin (D1). The laboratory report in English containing the laboratory name, microchip number, blood sample date and test result must accompany the certificate. 3/5
• • Part 6: Laboratory tests
• - Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) – blood test. Within the last 30 days prior to importation, a blood sample
• shall be drawn from the cat for testing for FeLV. Approved laboratory tests for: PCR, ELISA, IFA. Test
• kits (in house) for FIV/FeLV based on accredited methods are approved. Confirmation of a negative
• result shall be recorded in the Certificate of Health and Origin (C1) and the laboratory report in English
• containing the laboratory name, microchip number, blood sample date and test result must
• accompany the certificate. In case of in-house testing, a laboratory report is not required but details
• of the test kit used and date of testing must be in cluded in the C1 certificate accompanied with a
• signed, stamped and dated statement from the veterinarian containing details of the test kit used,
• microchip number, blood sample date, test result.
• - Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) – blood test. Within the last 30 days prior to importation, a blood
• sample shall be drawn from the cat for testing for FIV. Approved laboratory tests for: ELISA, Western
• blot. Test kits (in house) for FIV/FeLV based on accredited methods are approved. Confirmation of a
• negative result shall be recorded in the Certificate of Health and Origin (C1) and the laboratory report
• in English containing the laboratory name, microchip number, blood sample date and test result must
• accompany the certificate. In case of in-house testing, a laboratory report is not required but details
• of the test kit used and date of testing must be in cluded in the C1 certificate accompanied with a
• signed, stamped and dated statement from the veterinarian containing details of the test kit used,
• microchip number, blood sample date, test result

• Preventive treatment 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 eg: Advocate® or Advantage Multi®.
• First treatment against in ternal and external parasites: 21-28 days prior to importation the dog must be treated in ternal and external parasites. The veterinary medicinal product(s) used for external parasites must be registered for lice, fleas and ticks. The veterinary medicinal product(s) used for in ternal parasites must be registered for roundworm and tapeworm. For details see guidance notes for parasite treatment.
• • Second (last) treatment against in ternal and external parasites: 5-10 days prior to importation the dog must be treated in ternal and external parasites. The veterinary medicinal product(s) used for external parasites must be registered for lice, fleas and ticks. The veterinary medicinal product(s) used for in ternal parasites must be registered for roundworm and tapeworm. For details see guidance notes for parasite treatment

Must have a Parasite Certificate.

Health certificate and permits

A Declaration by Importer is required. By his/her signature the importer/owner of the dog confirms the following: that the dog has stayed in a category 1 country since birth or for at least 6 months prior to import; that the dog has not not mated in the last 60 days before importation (applies to in tact dogs); that upon importation, the dog does not need special medical treatment and is neither pregnant nor lactating.

Health Certifcate is required. 5-10 days prior to importation the dog must undergo a health examination. The veterinarian must confirm that the dog does not show any symptoms of contagious diseases or external parasites. For Dogs, special attention must be made to to ngue worm (Linguata serrata), scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei spp.), dermatophytosis (M. Canis, M. Gypseum, T. Mentagrophytes, T. Verrucosum) and canine transmissible venereal tumors (CTVT). At the same time the veterinarian must issue the Certificate of Health and Origin for a dog from a category 1 or 2 country. All fields of parts must be filled in, dated, and signed where appropriate. All required test results must accompany the certificate.

Category 1 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway (excluding Svalbard), Portugal, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.

Category 2 countries: Bosnia, Canada, Greenland, Herzegovina, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Taiwan, Turkey, USA.

• Certificate D1: import of a dog to Iceland from category 1 countries
• Certificate D2: import of a dog to Iceland from category 2 countries
• Certificate C1: import of a cat to Iceland from category 1 countries
• Certificate C2: import of a cat to Iceland from category 2 countries
• Certificate DS1: import of deep frozen dog semen from category 1 countries
• Certificate DS2: import of deep frozen dog semen from category 2 countries

Dogs and cats can only be imported to Iceland from approved exporting countries

Approved exporting countries are divided into two categories with regard to rabies. Category 1 countries are rabies-free countries. Category 2 countries are countries where rabies is present but well controlled. Dogs and cats that are to be imported to Iceland shall have remained in an approved exporting country for the last 6 months prior to importation (or from birth) or in another exporting country that is in the same category with regard to rabies.

• Category 1 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway (excl. Svalbard), Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.

Guide to Import Dogs from Category 1

Guide to Import Cats from Category 1

• Category 2 countries: Canada, Greenland, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Turkey, USA.

Guide to Import Dogs from Category 2

Guide to Import Cats from Category 2

If a country from which an importer in tends to import a dog or a cat is not on the list, the importer can apply for the country to be assessed by MAST as to whether that country can be considered an approved exporting country. The approved country list is revised twice a year by MAST.

However MAST may authorize the import of a dog or a cat from a non-approved country of export, when the following conditions are met:

• 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.
• 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.
• A dog/cat that is imported to Iceland on these grounds must meet the health conditions according to country category 2.
• Application for an import permit for a dog/cat from a non-approved country.
• If the required documentation is received by MAST later than 5 days prior to the scheduled date of arrival, the importation of the animal may be rejected. Import permit is completed by MAST when the dog has been pre-approved for importation.

MAST IMPORTS

• Application for an import permit for a dog
• Application for an import permit for a cat
• Application for an import and home quarantine permit for a certified service dog
• Application for an import permit for a dog/cat from a non-approved country.
• Application for an import permit for a pet rabbit / guinea pig / hamster / gerbil / degu
• Application for an import permit for a pet bird

Import Permit Applications and Health Certificates - http://www.mast.is/english/frontpage/import-export/import/liveanimals/

Quarantine

• Pets will go directly to quarantine station upon arrival for 14 days. There must be booked and confirm timeslot before departure
• Imported dogs are required to stay in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.
• The importer must make reservations in advance at a quarantine station.
• Deadlines for the completion and submission of the Certificate of Health and Origin (D1) must be taken into account when determining the import date.
• There are two approved quarantine stations for dogs and cats in Iceland: Einangrunarstöðin í Reykjanesbæ - Tel.no. +354 421 6949 / +354 893 6949

Mósel / Allir hundar ehf. - Tel. no. +354 868 3360

• Information regarding importation dates for dogs and cats are on the quarantine stations' websites.
• Pets are admitted by each quarantine station within a set three day period approximately three weeks apart.
• Quarantine admission (check-in) dates can be found on the relevant station´s website.
• In the case of a suspected in fectious disease in a quarantined animal, MAST may extend the period of quarantine for the animal concerned, or all animals at the station, depending on the nature of the in fectious agent

(18/8/2022: Exemption for import of pets from Ukraine no longer in force

Following Russia's in vasion of Ukraine, the Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries made a decision to allow the importation of dogs and cats owned by refugees from Ukraine even though they did not meet the health requirements for import. Most European countries had already granted exemptions from health requirements, as a large number of refugees travelled from Ukraine to neighboring countries and it is estimated that around 5-10% of them brought their pets with them.

Strict conditions applied to such imports to Iceland, which in cluded up to four months of quarantine, testing and treatment according to Regulation no. 590/2022 on the import of dogs and cats from Ukraine.

From the beginning of March until May, MAST received a number of in quiries regarding the import of pets from Ukraine. A new quarantine station was opened for this purpose only and on June 14th the first pets arrived in Iceland. A total of 18 pets owned by refugees from Ukraine have arrived and most of them are still in quarantine. However, some have already met all import requirements and have been released from quarantine.

As number of requests have significantly decreased, the above regulation has now been repealed. The quarantine station will stay open until all the pets have completed their quarantine and met all health conditions.)

• Imported dogs and cats are required to stay in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.

• The importer must make reservations in advance at a quarantine station.

• Deadlines for the completion and submission of the Certificate of Health and Origin (D1) must be taken into account when determining the import date.

• There are two approved quarantine stations for dogs and cats in Iceland:

• The quarantine station in Reykjanesbær (Hafnir) – Tel. +354 421 6949 / 893 6949
• Mósel quarantine station (Hella) – Tel. +354 892 3457

• Pets are admitted by each quarantine station within a set three day period approximately three weeks apart.

• Quarantine admission (check-in) dates can be found on the relevant station ́s website.

• In the case of a suspected in fectious disease in a quarantined animal, MAST may extend the period of quarantine for the animal concerned, or all animals at the station, depending on the nature of the in fectious agent.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Importation of the following is not permitted:

• Pregnant and lactating dogs or cats.

• Animals that have been in jured or undergone major surgery just prior to importation and require special

supervision or treatment of any kind, except with a special permission by MAST.

• Hybrids from wolves and dogs for at least 10 generations.

• The following dog breeds, as well as their cross breeds for at least 5 generations.

• Pit Bull Terrier/Staffordshire Bull Terrier/American Bulldog.
• Fila Brasileiro

• Tosa Inu
• Dogo Argentino

• Cane Corso
• Presa Canario

• Boerboel
• Other dog breeds or cross breeds, considered to be a risk in accordance with MAST.

Dogs with a comparable origin, physique and / or temperament as banned breeds according to the assessment of MAST. MAST shall justify its decision and take into account the available in formation on the dog breed in question, its origin and breeding standards, physique and temperament. Dog breeds that are closely related to the above mentioned breeds have been rejected by MAST. If in doubt about the type of dog you are planning to import, please contact MAST for further in formation.

Customs, agents, and airports

Quarantine station will arrange directly.

A destination agent is not typically required for Iceland.

International airport is Reykjavik called KEF “Keflavik airport”

KEF are served with several daily flight to and from CPH

Airports listed on this destination file: REK, KEF.

This will be arranged via MAST

Pets has to arrive within normal office hour and has to be arranged with MAST before departure

Export notes

MAST EXPORT

This is mainly rules of the receiving country

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

It is an island and they are very carefully with what they are letting in

Guidance notes: importation of pet rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and gerbils to Iceland

• Guidance notes: importation of cagebirds to Iceland
• Certificate of health and origin for import of apet rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and gerbils to Iceland
• Certificate of health and origin for import of a cagebird to Iceland
• Certificate of health and origin for import to Iceland of ornamental fish and other aquatic animals living in aquarium (up for renewal)

Generally traffic goes via Copenhagen CPH due to the many flight there is every day

General according to IATA Rules and regulation and the latest LAR

Official contacts

Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority

Dalshraun 1b

220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland

Switchboard Tel: +354 530-4800

Fax: +354 530-4801

Website: www.mast.is

Imports: petimport@mast.is

Main office

Austurvegi 64

800 Selfossi

Open 9-12 and 13-15

Office of import and export

Dalshrauni 1b

220 Hafnafirði

Quarantine Stations:Einangrunarstöðin í Reykjanesbæ

Tel: +354 421-6949 / +354 893-6949

Email: einangrun@einangrun.is

Website

Mósel / Allir hundar ehf.

Tel: +354 892-3457

Tel: +354 866-8236

Email: allirhundar@gmail.com

Website

MAST

Department Name: AVIPoint of Contact Name: Booking department

Phone:+45 32 52 32 58

Fax: None

Email: Booking@nanissen.dk

WebsiteCurrent as of May 2024

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-05-29.

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