Taking Your Dog to Iceland
Iceland has some of the strictest dog import rules in Europe, including an import permit, rabies testing, parasite treatments, and mandatory quarantine on arrival.
Requirements for Bringing Your Dog to Iceland
ISO Microchip
Your dog must be identified with an ISO-compliant microchip, and the microchip must be verified each time the dog is examined, tested, or treated for import purposes.
Must be in place before import procedures and verified at every import-related vet visitImport Permit
An import permit from the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) is required before travel. MAST recommends applying at least 30 days before import, and the permit is valid for 1 year after issue.
Apply preferably at least 30 days before travelApproved Exporting Country Residency
Dogs imported from the United States must have remained in an approved exporting country for the last 6 months before import, or since birth. The U.S. is listed by MAST as a Category 2 approved exporting country.
Must be satisfied for the 6 months before import or since birthRabies Vaccination
Rabies vaccination is required and must be valid. For Iceland imports, the rabies vaccine must be given in time for the titer process; MAST notes vaccination at least 45-60 days before importation for planning purposes.
Vaccinate at least 45-60 days before import; vaccine must still be valid on arrivalRabies Titer Test
A rabies antibody titer test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after the current valid rabies vaccination, performed by an EU-approved laboratory, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. For Category 2 countries such as the U.S., MAST also flags that the titer must be done at least 90 days before import.
Blood draw at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before importCore Vaccinations
Your dog must have valid vaccinations for leptospirosis, canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus, and canine parainfluenza. The last vaccination for these must be given at least 14 days before importation.
Last required vaccination at least 14 days before importBrucella canis Test
A negative Brucella canis blood test is required. Approved tests include IFAT, RSAT, or TAT, and the English-language lab report must accompany the health certificate.
Within 30 days before importLeishmania Test
A negative Leishmania spp. blood test is required for intact male and female dogs. If positive, the dog may be imported after being neutered/spayed, subject to MAST rules.
Within 30 days before import; applies to intact dogs onlyA. vasorum Test or Preventive Treatment
For Angiostrongylus vasorum, Iceland requires either a negative test within 30 days before import or preventive treatment 5-10 days before import using an approved spot-on containing imidacloprid and moxidectin.
Either test within 30 days before import or treat 5-10 days before importParasite Treatment
Two internal and external parasite treatments are required. First treatment must be 21-28 days before import; second treatment must be 5-10 days before import. External products must cover lice, fleas, and ticks; internal products must cover roundworm and tapeworm.
First treatment 21-28 days before import; second treatment 5-10 days before importHealth Certificate
Use MAST Certificate D2 for dogs from Category 2 countries such as the U.S. The dog must undergo a health examination 5-10 days before import, and the signed certificate plus lab results must be sent to MAST for review and approval no later than 5 days before arrival. USDA APHIS states USDA endorsement is not currently required for pet dogs to Iceland.
Vet exam and certificate 5-10 days before import; submit to MAST no later than 5 days before arrivalQuarantine Period
All imported dogs must stay in quarantine in Iceland for a minimum of 14 days at an approved quarantine station. Reservations must be made in advance, and admission dates are set by the stations.
Minimum 14 days after arrivalArrival and Transport Rules
Pets must arrive at Keflavík Airport, and arrival by ferry is not permitted. MAST states dogs may arrive in cabin only if approved by the airline, as checked baggage, or as air cargo, but airline availability is limited and must be confirmed directly with the carrier.
Applies on day of travelBanned Breeds
Iceland does not permit import of wolf-dog hybrids for at least 10 generations and bans Pit Bull Terrier/American Staffordshire Terrier/Staffordshire Bull Terrier/American Bulldog, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Cane Corso, Presa Canario, Boerboel, and certain similar or crossbred dogs as assessed by MAST.
Must be confirmed before applying for importPregnancy and Medical Restrictions
Pregnant or lactating bitches and dogs that have undergone major surgery just before import and require special supervision or treatment are not permitted unless MAST grants special permission.
Must be compliant at time of importEstimated Costs
| Item | Cost(USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary exam | $75-200 | Typical U.S. exam cost for pre-travel visits; multiple visits are usually needed for Iceland prep. |
| Microchip | $25-75 | If your dog does not already have an ISO-compliant microchip. |
| Rabies vaccination | $25-60 | If a booster is needed to restart or maintain the rabies timeline. |
| Rabies titer test | $120-300 | Varies by veterinarian, lab, shipping, and handling. |
| Core vaccinations | $60-180 | May include leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza if boosters are needed. |
| Brucella canis test | $80-200 | Required within 30 days before import. |
| Leishmania test | $100-250 | Required for intact dogs only. |
| A. vasorum test or preventive treatment | $30-150 | Cost depends on whether testing or approved preventive treatment is used. |
| Parasite treatments | $40-120 | Two rounds of internal and external parasite treatment are required. |
| USDA health certificate endorsement | $0 | USDA APHIS currently states endorsement is not required for pet dogs to Iceland. |
| MAST import permit fee | $289 | MAST lists the permit fee as ISK 39,633, about USD 289 at an exchange estimate of 1 ISK = 0.0073 USD. |
| Quarantine station | $1,606-1,989 | Mósel lists 220,000 ISK for dogs in quarantine plus 2,500 ISK registration; some stations may also require a booking/confirmation fee. |
| Airline pet fee or cargo transport | $300-1,500+ | Varies widely by route and carrier. Icelandair states it cannot transport animals in the hold on international flights from November 1, 2024, so many travelers may need another airline or cargo arrangement. |
| Total | $2,750-5,000+ |
Returning to the US with Your Dog
As of 2026, CDC requires all dogs entering the United States to appear healthy on arrival and meet CDC entry rules. If your dog has only been in rabies-free or low-risk countries during the previous 6 months, the key federal requirement is a completed CDC Dog Import Form receipt before arrival. Iceland is generally treated as a low-risk/rabies-free origin for return planning, but you should verify your exact itinerary before travel. If your dog will visit or transit a country that CDC classifies as high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before returning, additional rules apply, including a Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination endorsed by USDA before you leave the United States for a U.S.-vaccinated dog. Keep copies of your dog’s microchip information, rabies records, Iceland import paperwork, quarantine release documents, and any USDA-endorsed paperwork used for outbound travel in case an airline or border official asks for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Iceland require quarantine for dogs?
Yes. Iceland requires imported dogs to complete a minimum 14-day quarantine at an approved quarantine station, and reservations must be made in advance.
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog to Iceland?
Yes. MAST requires an import permit before travel, and it is best to apply at least 30 days before import.
Is a rabies titer test required for Iceland?
Yes. Iceland requires a rabies antibody titer test from an EU-approved laboratory with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. For dogs coming from the United States, the blood draw must be at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before import.
Does USDA need to endorse my dog’s health certificate for Iceland?
USDA APHIS currently states that USDA endorsement is not required for pet dogs traveling to Iceland. However, you still need the correct MAST health certificate and supporting lab reports submitted to MAST on time.
Can my dog fly in the cabin to Iceland?
Possibly, but only if the airline allows it and MAST conditions are met. MAST says dogs may arrive in cabin if approved by the airline, but Icelandair says it cannot transport animals in the hold on international flights and service dogs have separate rules, so transport options should be confirmed directly with the airline well in advance.
Are any dog breeds banned from import to Iceland?
Yes. Iceland bans several breeds and related crossbreeds, including Pit Bull Terrier/American Staffordshire Terrier/Staffordshire Bull Terrier/American Bulldog, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Cane Corso, Presa Canario, and Boerboel, as well as certain similar dogs assessed by MAST.
How early should I start planning a move or trip with my dog to Iceland?
Start several months ahead. The rabies vaccine, rabies titer timing, import permit, quarantine booking, lab testing, and final certificate deadlines make Iceland one of the more time-sensitive destinations for dog travel.