Marco · with Mochi (French Bulldog, 6kg) “Mochi judges the queue length, not me.” Meet all guides →
About this guide ↓
This guide was generated by Pawgo's AI using verified data from official sources. Marco is a fictional persona — the data is real.
Here's what nobody tells you about Iceland: the rabies blood test has a threshold, and the lab result must come back at 0.5 IU/ml or higher. I learned the hard way that a vague "vaccinated, done" does not cut it with MAST. Mochi judges the queue length, and Icelandic paperwork has a queue of its own, so start early and keep every document in one folder.
Pet import to Iceland is regulated by Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST). The core requirements are summarized below: a microchip, a rabies vaccine within the right window, and a government-endorsed health certificate. Some destinations also require a titer test or short quarantine — those are flagged in the table.
How Iceland handles your pet
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.
Internal parasite treatment · Timing notesFirst treatment between 21 and 28 days (3-4 weeks) prior to importation; Second treatment between 5 and 10 days prior to importationverified 2026-07-15
Internal parasite treatment · Drug accepteda product registered for roundworm and tapewormverified 2026-07-15
Internal parasite treatment · Timing notesFirst treatment between 21 and 28 days (3-4 weeks) prior to importation; Second treatment between 5 and 10 days prior to importationverified 2026-07-15
Internal parasite treatment · Drug accepteda product registered for roundworm and tapewormverified 2026-07-15
Other rules
Pets accepted✓ Acceptedverified 2026-10-03
Timing chain
Day -90 microchip implant · Day -120 rabies vaccine deadline · Day 0 arrive at customs
Restricted breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog verified 2026-07-20
Ports of entry
Keflavík Airport
verified 2026-08-28
Iceland lets cats and dogs arrive in the cabin only when the airline approves, and MAST issues a statement covering cabin transport. The other routes are checked baggage in the hold and air cargo. Ask the airline for its written approval before paying for the ticket, and request the MAST statement for cabin travel alongside the import permit.
Iceland bans Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Fila Brasileiro and Tosa Inu, plus their crossbreeds for at least five generations. Check the breed and the parentage on the vet record against that list before booking anything. A crossbreed with one of these dogs in its recent ancestry falls under the same ban.
The Icelandic import permit carries a fee of 39,633 ISK, published by MAST. Convert that amount to the home currency at the current rate and add it to the budget before applying. Pay it as part of the permit application, since the permit must be in hand before the animal travels.
Iceland rewards the traveller who starts early: permit, quarantine station booking, blood test, all in the right order. Dates matter more than anything else here, and they depend on your departure and your pet's vaccination history. Build your personalized plan with Pawgo for your actual trip, and see every deadline laid out before you commit to a flight.
ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard.
FAVN
Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations.
Brachycephalic
Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk.
AVIH
Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: August 19, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Iceland require rabies vaccination for dogs?
Yes, Iceland requires a rabies vaccination for imported dogs. There is a 120-day waiting period after vaccination. Exact timing depends on your origin country — compute your timeline at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Is there a quarantine period for pets entering Iceland?
Yes, Iceland requires quarantine for imported pets. The quarantine period is 14 days. Exemptions may apply based on your origin country. Check your specific case at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Does Iceland require a microchip for pets?
Yes, Iceland requires an ISO-compliant microchip. The microchip must typically be implanted before rabies vaccination. Get your full checklist at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
What health certificate does Iceland require for pets?
Yes, Iceland requires a rabies titer test (FAVN). There is a 90-day waiting period after the test. Results must show ≥0.5 IU/ml. Plan your timeline at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Do I need a pet import permit for Iceland?
Yes, Iceland requires an import permit for pets. Lead time varies — apply well in advance. Get your full preparation timeline at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Does Iceland have breed restrictions for pets?
Yes, Iceland has breed-specific restrictions. Restricted breeds include: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Fila Brasileiro. Check if your breed is affected at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
How long before travel must the rabies vaccine be given for Iceland?
The rabies vaccine must take effect at least 120 days before entry, and can be given from 12 weeks of age. Travelling before that window makes the vaccination invalid at the border.Build my pet's travel plan →
What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity?
If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.Build my pet's travel plan →
What happens if I forget a document?
At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.Build my pet's travel plan →
Traveling to Iceland?
Get a personalized travel checklist with exact deadlines for your pet.
