Bringing a pet to Iceland

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Iceland applies one of Europe's strictest pet-import regimes. Rules differ by origin: dogs from EU/EEA countries and a few recognised rabies-free territories follow a streamlined process, while dogs from most other countries face additional requirements such as a rabies titre test, an import permit, and possibly quarantine. Start planning at least 4–6 months ahead and confirm every step with the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST), because missing a requirement can lead to refusal of entry or quarantine at the owner's expense.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Iceland.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Iceland does not ban specific dog breeds, but airlines may refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers due to respiratory risks. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or microchip number recorded on the health certificate)
  • Owner's declaration of non-commercial movement

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200. No titre test, import permit, or quarantine is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAST.

For dogs from EU/EEA countries and other territories recognised by Iceland as rabies-free with controlled veterinary services. The dog must travel with the owner or an authorised person, and the movement must be non-commercial (maximum 5 pets).

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Iceland does not ban specific dog breeds, but airlines may refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers due to respiratory risks. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by MAST before travel
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titre test result from an approved laboratory
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's declaration of non-commercial movement

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titre test ~$100–250, import permit ~$50–150. No quarantine is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAST.

For dogs from countries with controlled rabies status but not fully EU-equivalent (e.g. USA, UK, Japan, Australia). A rabies titre test and an import permit are mandatory. The dog must be at least 3 months old at import. No quarantine if all conditions are met.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
14 days
Quarantine is served at a designated facility in Iceland (e.g. in Reykjavík or at Keflavík). The dog must be pre-booked and the owner is responsible for all costs. Quarantine may be extended if documentation is incomplete or the titre test result is not satisfactory.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Iceland does not ban specific dog breeds, but airlines may refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers due to respiratory risks. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by MAST before travel
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titre test result from an approved laboratory
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's declaration of non-commercial movement
  • Quarantine booking confirmation

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titre test ~$100–250, import permit ~$50–150, quarantine ~$500–1000. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAST.

For dogs from countries with high rabies risk (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East). A 14-day quarantine is mandatory even if all other conditions are met. The dog must be at least 3 months old at import. Quarantine must be booked well in advance.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Iceland allows a maximum of 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) per person for non-commercial movement. If you bring more than 5, the shipment is considered commercial and requires additional trade certificates and veterinary inspections.
It depends on the origin country. Dogs from EU/EEA countries and recognised rabies-free territories do not need a titre test. Dogs from most other countries (including the USA, UK, Japan, Australia) must have a FAVN rabies neutralising antibody titration test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days before travel.
Quarantine applies only to dogs from high-risk rabies countries. The quarantine period is 14 days at a designated facility in Iceland, and you must book it in advance. Dogs from EU/EEA and low-risk countries with complete documentation do not undergo quarantine.
No. Iceland does not grant any exemption from import requirements for emotional support, therapy, or service animals. All dogs must meet the same microchip, vaccination, health certificate, and permit requirements. Airlines may also have their own policies for service animals in the cabin.
The dog must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of import. This is because the rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and a 21-day waiting period after vaccination is required before travel.
Yes, unless your dog is from an EU/EEA country or a recognised rabies-free territory. For all other origins, you must obtain an import permit from the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) before travel. Apply at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
If the dog does not meet all requirements, it may be refused entry and returned to the origin country at your expense, or placed in quarantine until the requirements are met. Quarantine costs are your responsibility and can exceed $1000. Always verify with MAST before travelling.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Iceland.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for the entire journey
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Pet passport (for EU/EEA origin, if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, rabies vaccination $20–50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST).

Iceland applies EU Pet Travel Scheme rules for cats from EU/EEA countries and territories considered rabies-free. The cat must be microchipped before or at the time of rabies vaccination, and the rabies vaccination must be valid for the entire journey.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for the entire journey
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Pet passport (for EU/EEA origin, if applicable)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (for USA origin)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, rabies vaccination $20–50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and MAST.

For cats from low-risk countries such as the USA, UK, Japan, and Australia, Iceland requires compliance with EU Pet Travel Scheme non-commercial movement rules. No rabies titer test or quarantine is required. A pet passport is acceptable for UK origin; a USDA-endorsed health certificate is required for USA origin.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for the entire journey
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit issued by the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, rabies vaccination $20–50, FAVN titer test $100–250, import permit fee $50–100. No quarantine fee applies if all conditions are met. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and MAST.

For cats from high-risk countries such as Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, Iceland requires a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. An import permit must be obtained from MAST prior to travel. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 pets (cats, dogs, ferrets) per traveller. More than 5 is considered a commercial movement and requires additional veterinary certification and possibly an import permit.
No. All cats must comply with microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and any applicable titer test or permit rules. Airline cabin policies do not change import regulations.
A kitten must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination, then wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. The minimum age for entry is therefore approximately 15 weeks (3 months and 21 days).
No. The USA is low-risk for rabies, so no titer test is required. The cat must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, and accompanied by a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.
Yes, but additional requirements apply. Thailand is high-risk for rabies, so the cat must have a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days old, a FAVN titer test result of at least 0.5 IU/ml taken at least 90 days before travel, an import permit from MAST, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met.
The official veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the cat's arrival in Iceland.
No. Iceland does not impose breed-specific restrictions on cats. All domestic cat breeds are allowed if they meet health and documentation requirements.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Iceland.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival and not expired
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implantation (or microchip number recorded on the vaccination and health certificates)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. No titer test or import permit applies to this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAST.

Ferrets are not covered by the EU Pet Travel Scheme for Iceland; Iceland applies its own national rules. Entry must be through Keflavík Airport, and MAST must be notified at least 24 hours before arrival. Ferrets are a non-native species in Iceland and import is only permitted for specific purposes, such as already-owned pets moving with their owner.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival and not expired
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implantation (or microchip number recorded on the vaccination and health certificates)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. No titer test or import permit applies to this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAST.

Same requirements as the free tier. Iceland does not differentiate between EU/EEA and other low-risk countries for ferrets. Entry must be through Keflavík Airport, and MAST must be notified at least 24 hours before arrival. The EU pet passport is not sufficient on its own because ferrets are not a listed species under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by MAST prior to travel
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival and not expired
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml, sampled at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before arrival)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implantation (or microchip number recorded on the vaccination and health certificates)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$50–150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAST.

A MAST import permit must be obtained before travel, and a FAVN titer test is mandatory. The 90-day wait after vaccination before blood sampling means the total process can take 4–6 months. Entry must be through Keflavík Airport with 24-hour advance notification to MAST. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met, but MAST may impose quarantine on a case-by-case basis if documentation is incomplete.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not covered by the EU Pet Travel Scheme and are treated as a non-native species. Import is only allowed for pets moving with their owner (non-commercial), not for resale or breeding. You must enter through Keflavík Airport, notify MAST at least 24 hours in advance, and meet all vaccination, microchip, and health certificate requirements. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries also need an import permit and a FAVN titer test.
Iceland does not publish a specific numeric cap for ferrets, but the general principle is that non-commercial movement applies to a small number of pets (typically up to 5) travelling with the owner or a person responsible for them. If you are moving more than 5 ferrets, the shipment is likely to be classified as commercial, which triggers additional veterinary certification and possibly a different import permit. Confirm with MAST before travelling with more than 5.
No. Iceland does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from import requirements. A ferret must have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, an official health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) an import permit and FAVN titer test. There is no waiver for assistance animals.
The FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation) test measures rabies antibodies in the blood. It is required only if your ferret is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East). The blood must be sampled at least 90 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before arrival in Iceland. The result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. The test is valid for 12 months from sampling.
For low-risk or free origins: at least 21 days after rabies vaccination, plus time to get the health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival). For high-risk origins: at least 90 days after vaccination before the FAVN blood sample, then another 90 days before arrival — so plan for 4–6 months minimum. Add time for the import permit application (allow 2–4 weeks).
If documentation is incomplete or the ferret does not meet requirements, MAST may refuse entry, order the animal returned to the origin country at the owner's expense, or place it in quarantine at the owner's expense. Quarantine conditions and duration are decided by MAST on a case-by-case basis. Do not travel without confirming all documents are in order.
Yes. The ferret must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip number must be recorded on the rabies vaccination certificate and the official health certificate. If the ferret was vaccinated before the microchip was implanted, the vaccination is not considered valid — the microchip must be implanted first, then the rabies vaccination given.

Good to know

All dogs must have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate. Iceland does not accept the EU pet passport for all origins; an import permit and pre-notification to MAST are required for many countries. Quarantine, when applicable, takes place at a designated facility in Iceland. Airlines may impose extra restrictions, especially for brachycephalic breeds.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Iceland, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Iceland's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.