Last updated on October 24, 2025
No, bringing a pet dog or cat into Iceland without pre-arranged quarantine and permits is not allowed. All pets must meet strict health, vaccination, and quarantine requirements, and an import permit from the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) is mandatory.
Furry Friends and Icelandic Frontiers
Iceland’s dramatic landscapes may seem like the perfect playground for your adventurous pup or curious cat. But before you book that ticket and pack your pet’s favorite toy, there’s a crucial reality to face: Iceland is one of the strictest countries in the world when it comes to importing animals.
This isn’t about being unfriendly to pets—it’s about protecting the island’s unique ecosystem and disease-free status. Iceland has no native rabies, and authorities intend to keep it that way. That’s why the process of bringing a dog or cat into the country is tightly regulated, and skipping the paperwork or quarantine is simply not an option.
Why the Strict Rules?
As an island nation with a relatively isolated animal population, Iceland has a vested interest in preventing the introduction of infectious diseases. The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) enforces these rules under Regulation No. 200/2020 on the Importation of Dogs and Cats.
Every pet entering Iceland must come from an approved exporting country and meet a long list of health requirements. These include vaccinations against rabies and leptospirosis, parasite treatments, and a microchip for identification. Even if your pet is perfectly healthy, it must still undergo a mandatory two-week quarantine upon arrival.
Permits, Paperwork, and Patience
Before you even think about boarding a plane, you’ll need to apply for an import permit from MAST. This application must be submitted well in advance—at least 30 days before your planned arrival. The permit process includes submitting veterinary certificates, proof of vaccinations, and confirmation of quarantine arrangements.
Quarantine facilities in Iceland are limited and operate on a strict schedule. Pets can only arrive during designated hours, and any deviation requires special approval. If your pet arrives without the proper documentation or outside the approved window, it may be denied entry—or worse, sent back at your expense.
Exceptions? Not Really
There are no shortcuts. Even pets from rabies-free countries must meet all requirements. The only minor flexibility applies to people relocating to Iceland from non-approved countries. In such cases, MAST may grant an exception if the pet has been in the owner’s care for at least six months and all health conditions are met. But even then, quarantine and permits remain mandatory.
Certain dog breeds are also banned entirely, including Pit Bull Terriers, Tosa Inus, and Dogo Argentinos, among others. If you’re unsure about your pet’s eligibility, MAST strongly advises contacting them before making any travel plans.
Plan Ahead, Travel Smart
Bringing your pet to Iceland is possible—but it’s not spontaneous. It requires planning, paperwork, and patience. The reward? A safe, healthy environment for all animals, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve followed the rules.
See more on Iceland
Sources
Import of live animals – Matvælastofnun
https://www.mast.is/en/import-export/import-of-live-animals
Accessed October 24, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions – Matvælastofnun
https://www.mast.is/en/import-export/import-of-live-animals/frequently-asked-questions
Accessed October 24, 2025