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Import of pets

Follow these instructions to import a cat or dog to Iceland. If you have any questions, contact us through our live chat at the bottom right of this page (visible Mon-Fri 9-12 & 13-15 GMT) or you can send us an e-mail to petimport@mast.is

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 instruction guides to help you understand the requirements relating to the different categories of approved countries. 

Importation of pets owned by Ukrainian refugees

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine an exemption has been made for the importation of dogs and cats owned by refugees from Ukraine to Iceland. A regulation to this effect has now been issued, stipulating special risk-reducing measures to prevent infectious diseases entering the country. The pets will need up to four months' quarantine upon arrival, and by the end of the quarantine period they shall have fulfilled all import requirements as applies to regular import of pets to Iceland.

  • There is a limited number of kennels at the quarantine station and importers must apply for an import permit before bringing their pet to Iceland.
  • Applications must be submitted to MAST on a special form (which will be sent to those who request it by email to petimport@mast.is) along with available documents on the pets identity and health, as well as a photo of the pet.
  • If information or supporting documents are missing, the application will not be valid until it has been completed.
  • Applications will be answered within 5 working days.
  • The length of stay in quarantine depends on what health requirements the pet has fulfilled prior to arrival to Iceland.

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

If a country from which an importer intends 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.

Guidance notes for importing dogs and cats to Iceland

Certificate of health and origin for import of dogs and cats

Pet import planner

Preparing for import requires several visits to a veterinarian in the exporting country. The pet import planner creates a calendar that takes into account the country category and the date of arrival of the cat/dog.

Calculator for pet import to Iceland 

Approved quarantine stations for dogs and cats in Iceland

Import permit applications

Transit permit for service dogs - Keflavik Airport

  • For transit in Keflavik airport with a service animal you must have a MAST transit permit.
  • A transit permit application must be submitted to MAST at least 48 hours (two business days) prior to departure. Applications are processed during office hours Mondays to Fridays.
  • You must comply with airline regulation regarding the eligibility of service dogs.

The following applies to service dogs in Keflavik airport

  • You and your service dog will be escorted by airport staff directly to your new boarding gate.
  • In case of delays, you and your service dog must wait in a designated area, as advised by the ground staff. If your service dog needs to relieve itself, there is a specific transit facility for pet animals in the building, where the dog can be taken to. This facility can also be used as a waiting area for your service dog in the event of delays.
  • Your service dog may under no circumstances leave the airport and enter the country. This will be considered illegal importation.
  • Your service dog must be treated with a veterinary medicinal product licensed for the treatment of fleas and other external parasites no more than 120 hours and no less than 24 hours before the flight to Iceland. This treatment must be registered in your service dog's vaccination booklet/passport and submitted to customs or airport staff upon request.

Guidance notes and certificates for pets other than dogs and cats

Frequently Asked Questions

We have collected frequently asked questions to help you with your import preparation. If you still have enquiries regarding importation of pets you can contact MAST, office of import and export; tel: +354 530 4800 / e-mail: petimport@mast.is 

Importing deep frozen dog semen to Iceland

  • The importer must obtain an import permit issued by the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) before importing the deep-frozen dog semen.
  • The importer shall ensure that the importation complies with all import conditions.
  • Failure to comply with the import conditions may result in rejection of the importation.
  • An authorised veterinarian in the country of export must perform all veterinary procedures.
  • Only certificate forms DS1 (category 1 countries) and DS2 (category 2 countries) are valid for this purpose.
  • The signed certificate must be sent to MAST for approval no later than 10 days after semen collection.

 

 

Updated 08.06.2022
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