Live animals

Importing live animals to Iceland is strictly prohibited. An import permit issued by MAST is required to import pets to the country. In addition to an import permit, dogs and cats must fulfill requirements of vaccinations and testing.

In November 2015 The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) issued new editions of certificates of health and origin for import of dogs and cats to Iceland. The changes consist primarily of improvements in the layout of the certificates in addition to changes in the wording with respect to vaccinations and testing requirements. Work is also under way to update the instructions and guidelines regarding the import of pets on the MAST website.   

Permitted arrival time for pets on quarantine admission days

The permitted hours for animals at Keflavík are between 05:00 and 17:00 on the quarantine admission days. It is possible to apply directly to MAST for permission for arrival outside of these specified hours. Such permission is not guaranteed and should be sought no later than 16:00 on the Wednesday immediately prior to the first quarantine admission day of that particular period. The arrival of an animal outside of the permitted hours of arrival will result in considerable additional costs payable by the importer in relation to inspection and supervision.


Import permits

Certificates og health and origin