If you are planning a trip to Iceland with your pet (dog or cat), you should be aware that pets can only be brought into this country from approved countries. Careful preparation will be required, so check the veterinary requirements in advance.

Approved countries include two groups of countries: group 1 – countries free from rabies in animals, and group 2 – countries where cases of rabies infection may be recorded, but its spread is well controlled.

Group 1 includes: most EU countries, Australia, Great Britain, United Arab Emirates, Faroe Islands, Japan.

Group 2 includes: Greenland, Canada, Poland, Romania, Singapore, USA, Turkey.

Pets from non-approved countries may be allowed, but the owner must apply for entry and go through a special preparation procedure. Detailed information on the conditions for importing animals from non-approved countries can be found here.

Veterinary requirements for the importation of pets:

• All animals must be identified with an ISO compatible microchip;

• Pets must be vaccinated against rabies. Animals of group 1 can enter Iceland 45-60 days after the introduction of the vaccine, animals of group 2 – after 120 days;

• To enter Iceland, all animals, regardless of country of origin, must be tested for rabies antibody titer. The minimum acceptable test result is 0.5 IU/ml. Group 2 animals may only enter Iceland 90 days after receiving a satisfactory test result;

• Other mandatory vaccinations for dogs: against leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and canine influenza (only for dogs from Canada, USA, and Singapore);

• Other compulsory vaccinations in cats: against feline rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and calicivirus;

• In addition to testing for rabies antibody titer, dogs should be tested for brucellosis, leishmaniasis, and angiostrongilosis (not required if the dog has been treated for angiostrongilosis);

• In addition to testing for rabies antibody titer, cats should be tested for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus;

• All animals must be treated for external and internal parasites in 2 stages;

• 5-10 days prior to departure to Iceland, the animals undergo a clinical examination by a veterinarian to obtain a health certificate.

To travel to Iceland with a pet, it is important to follow these guidelines:

1. First, the pet owner must obtain an import permit from the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST). It is recommended to obtain a permit at least 30 days before travel. To obtain a permit, the owner will have to pay a fee of 39,270 ISK. The import permit is valid for 1 year from the date of receipt;

2. It is necessary to obtain a Certificate of Health and Origin, completed by the competent doctor of the country of export according to the MAST model. The certificates differ depending on which pet you are bringing into Iceland (dog or cat) and which country you are coming from. You can find a suitable certificate template on the MAST website in the Import of Pets section. The certificate must contain information about the owner, personal data of the pet, identification information (microchip number) and all vaccinations of the pet;

3. The owner must attach to the certificate a written statement confirming that the dog (or cat) has been in the country of his group since birth or at least 6 months before leaving for Iceland; that the animal is completely healthy, does not need special treatment, is not pregnant or lactating;

4. Upon arrival in Iceland, pets are subject to mandatory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. For this, the owner must book a place for his pet at one of the quarantine stations. There are only 2 quarantine stations in Iceland for pets. In this regard, animals are allowed to be imported within 3 days with breaks of 3 weeks;

5. Remember that pets can only enter Iceland through Keflavik Airport.

Contact details of quarantine stations in Iceland:

• Quarantine station in Reykjanesbar (Hafnir): tel. +354 421 6949 / 893 6949;

• Quarantine station Moselle (Hella): tel. +354 892 3457.

The following categories of pets are not allowed to enter Iceland:

• Pregnant and lactating females;

• Animals that were injured immediately prior to departure;

• Animals requiring special care or treatment;

• Hybrids of wolves and dogs in 10 generations.

The following dog breeds are prohibited from being imported into Iceland:

• Pit Bull Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier / Staffordshire Bull Terrier / American Bulldog;

• Fila Brasileiro;

• Tosa Inu;

• Dogo Argentino;

• Cane Corso;

• Presa Canario;

• Boerboel;

• Other dog breeds or crossbreeds considered dangerous by the MAST.