PetTravelCheck Know before you go

Iceland pet travel requirements
for dogs, cats, and ferrets

Iceland has the strictest pet entry rules in Europe: titer test, two-step tapeworm treatment, 5-day pre-notification, and a 14-day quarantine.

Rabies 21-day rule Titer test Tapeworm treatment Quarantine Pre-arrival notice

What your pet needs for Iceland entry

  1. 1

    Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

    Must be implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination.

  2. 2

    Rabies vaccination — 21-day wait for primary vaccines

    Boosters given within validity have no wait. Lapsed boosters restart the 21-day clock.

  3. 3

    Rabies antibody titre test

    Blood sample ≥30 days after vaccination, result ≥0.5 IU/ml, taken ≥3 months before travel.

  4. 4

    First tapeworm treatment

    21–28 days before arrival (dogs, cats, ferrets).

  5. 5

    Second tapeworm treatment

    5–10 days before arrival (dogs, cats, ferrets).

  6. 6

    Pre-arrival notification — 120h advance notice

    Notify the destination veterinary authority before arrival.

  7. 7

    Quarantine on arrival — 14 days

    At an approved facility on arrival.

  8. 8

    Leptospirosis vaccination

    Required for Iceland entry in addition to rabies.

  9. 9

    Distemper vaccination

    Required for Iceland entry.

  10. 10

    Hepatitis vaccination

    Required for Iceland entry.

  11. 11

    Parvovirus vaccination

    Required for Iceland entry.

  12. 12

    Parainfluenza vaccination

    Required for Iceland entry.

  13. 13

    EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

    EU/EEA-origin pets need a valid EU Pet Passport; arrivals from other countries need a government-endorsed AHC issued within 10 days of travel.

Check your compliance

Vaccination type

The date the rabies vaccine was administered

When you plan to cross the border with your pet

Pet type

Travelling to Iceland with your pet

Iceland is one of the world's last remaining rabies-free countries and operates the strictest pet entry rules in Europe. Unlike other EEA members, Iceland does NOT accept EU Pet Passports as standalone travel documents — an official import certificate is required from all origins, issued by MAST (Matvælastofnun).

Your pet also needs a rabies antibody titre test (blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination, result ≥0.5 IU/ml, blood draw at least 3 months before arrival), a two-step tapeworm treatment (first treatment 21–28 days before arrival; second treatment 5–10 days before arrival), and advance notification to MAST at least 5 days before arrival. On arrival, pets are placed in a 14-day quarantine at an approved facility. Dogs additionally need vaccinations against leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.

Due to the complexity and cost, plan at least 6 months ahead and contact MAST directly.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the 14-day quarantine in Iceland cost?
Iceland's quarantine facility (Gæludýrakarantínan at Hvammstangi) charges approximately €60–€100 per day per animal, totalling roughly €840–€1,400 for the full 14-day stay. Costs are borne by the owner. Book your slot through MAST (mast.is) well in advance — capacity is limited.
Does Iceland accept EU Pet Passports?
No. Iceland does not accept EU Pet Passports as standalone entry documents, unlike other EEA/Schengen countries. An official import certificate issued by MAST is required for all pets regardless of origin. Contact MAST directly to obtain the required documentation well before travel.
Do the quarantine and tapeworm rules apply to cats and ferrets too?
Yes. The two-step tapeworm treatment, titre test, pre-notification, and 14-day quarantine apply to dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Iceland. The additional vaccinations (leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) are documented for dogs — check MAST for current requirements for cats and ferrets.

Related resources

Rabies 21-Day Rule Calculator

Standalone rabies timing check for all EU/UK destinations

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