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Iceland has some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet, but it's not a straightforward process to bring your furry friend along. You'll need to get your dog's rabies vaccination at least 30 days before arrival, as per Icelandic regulations.
It's essential to research and understand the country's pet import requirements to avoid any issues. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority sets the rules, so it's best to check their website for the latest information.
You'll also need to obtain an EU Health Certificate for your dog, which must be issued by an authorized veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This is a crucial step to ensure a smooth entry into the country.
Don't forget to pack your dog's favorite toys and treats to keep them comfortable and happy during the journey.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Icelandic Dog Names
Travel Requirements
To travel to Iceland with your dog, you'll need to meet some specific requirements. You'll need to arrange for a licensed vet to complete a document, the Iceland Veterinary Certificate of Health and Origin, around 5-10 days before travel.
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This certificate must be endorsed by a competent veterinary officer in the exporting country, and your pet must undergo a health examination around the same time. Your pet must also have a leptospirosis vaccination at least 14 days prior to entering Iceland.
Here are some key health requirements for your pet:
- Health examination around 5-10 days before travel
- Leptospirosis vaccination at least 14 days prior to entering Iceland
- Certificate of health and origin endorsed by a competent veterinary officer
Passport Documentation Requirements
To obtain a pet passport for Iceland, you'll need to gather certain documents and meet specific requirements. Your pet must be microchipped with a compliant microchip, which should be non-encrypted and 15 digits long.
You'll also need to apply to the Iceland Food and Veterinary Authority for a permit. This is a crucial step in the process, so be sure to allow enough time for it to be processed.
In the 30 days prior to travel, your pet will need to be tested for various common diseases. This includes diseases such as Leptospirosis, Canine Distemper, and Feline Panleukopenia.
Expand your knowledge: Iceland Dog
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You'll also need to have your pet vaccinated against several diseases, including rabies. The vaccination schedule for pet travel to Iceland requires that your pet be fully vaccinated against rabies and have blood drawn for a rabies antibody test at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
Here's a summary of the required vaccinations for dogs and cats:
Your pet's vaccination details must be recorded accurately in their documentation, along with the microchip number. This is an important part of the process, so be sure to double-check that everything is in order.
Banned Animals
If you're planning a trip to Iceland, it's essential to know about the banned animals in the country. Certain breeds of dogs, such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pitbull Terriers, and Brazilian and Argentine Mastiffs, are not allowed to enter Iceland due to their potential aggression.
Larger dog breeds may need to have their temperament assessed before receiving permission to enter Iceland. This is to ensure the safety of both the dogs and the Icelandic population.
If you have a pet bird or turtle that's protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), you'll need to obtain further documentation and permits to bring it into the country.
Prohibited
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If you're planning a trip to Iceland, there are some important restrictions to be aware of. Certain pets are prohibited from entering the country.
Iceland follows breed-specific legislation, which means that specific breeds are banned from import. This includes the Dogo Argentino, Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tosa Inu, as well as their crossbreeds for five generations.
Additionally, pregnant and lactating cats and dogs are not allowed in Iceland. This is likely due to concerns about animal welfare during travel.
Pet dogs and cats that have undergone major surgery before their travel also require special treatment and are not allowed in Iceland. This is a safety precaution to ensure the animals receive the care they need.
Wolf and dog hybrids are also prohibited in Iceland, with the restriction extending to ten generations.
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Import Age Restrictions
There are no age restrictions for importing pets to Iceland, but all requirements must be fulfilled.
Pets traveling from Category 1 countries must be at least 4.5 months old, while those coming from Category 2 countries must be at least 7 months old.
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Please note that these are the lowest possible ages for pets to have fulfilled all requirements, and it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your animal's age and how they will cope with the flight and quarantine stay.
If you're unsure about your pet's eligibility, don't hesitate to seek advice from a veterinarian or a qualified animal import expert.
Is Two-Week Travel Possible?
If you're planning a two-week trip to Iceland with your furry friend, you'll need to know the rules. All dogs and cats entering Iceland, regardless of the reason for their entry, are considered imports and must undergo 14-day quarantine at a designated station.
You might be thinking, "But I've heard of people bringing their pets to Iceland without any issues." Unfortunately, the rules are clear: all pets must meet the import conditions, which include a 14-day quarantine.
If your pet is traveling with you, you'll need to plan accordingly. You can't just assume you'll be able to bring your pet into Iceland without following the proper procedures.
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Here are the key things to keep in mind:
- No, your animal will not be subject to import conditions as it will not be entering Iceland.
- You don't require further approval from us, unless your animal is traveling in cabin as a service dog.
It's essential to note that these rules apply to all pets, regardless of the length of their visit. So, if you're planning a short trip or a longer stay, you'll still need to follow the same procedures.
Import Cost
Importing your pet to Iceland comes with a significant upfront cost. The import fee per animal is 39,270 ISK.
You'll also need to consider additional costs if your pet arrives outside of the approved arrival times of 06:00 – 17:00 on admission days. This can add to your overall expenses.
Fees for the 14-day quarantine will need to be paid directly to the quarantine stations. These fees are not included in the initial import cost.
Additional fees may apply if further treatment is necessary or if the quarantine needs to be prolonged due to biosecurity concerns. These costs can vary depending on the specific circumstances.
It's essential to note that fees are subject to change, so it's crucial to check the website for any updates or amendments to fees, policies, and procedures.
Travel
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Traveling with your pet to Iceland requires careful planning and attention to detail. You'll need to partner with an IPATA-accredited pet transport agency to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
To bring your pet into Iceland, you'll need an import permit and a certificate of health issued by MAST, the Icelandic food and veterinary authority. The import fees must be paid on receipt of the import permit notification.
Your pet must undergo a health examination around 5 to 10 days before they travel, and the vet must confirm that they're free from health issues and contagious diseases. This includes tongueworm, scabies, dermatophytosis, and canine transmissible venereal tumours for dogs.
The certificate of health and origin must be endorsed by a competent veterinary officer in the exporting country. The flight number and the date and time of arrival must be recorded on the certificate of health.
Petraveller is a great option to consider for your pet's travel to Iceland, offering zero-harm pet transport and a free pet travel quote.
Bringing Assistance Dogs Into
If you're planning to travel to Iceland with your assistance dog, you'll need to follow a specific process. The process for bringing a recognised Assistance Dog into Iceland is available on a separate page.
You won't need to undergo the standard 14-day quarantine, but you will need to visit the page on transit permit for service dogs at Keflavík airport for further approval.
Bringing In
You'll need to obtain an import permit for your pet to enter Iceland.
The permit will be valid for a full year once it's issued, so it's worth applying for it as soon as possible.
To get the permit, you'll need to apply to the Iceland Food and Veterinary Authority.
Your pet must be microchipped with a compliant microchip, which should be non-encrypted and 15 digits long.
You'll also need to have your pet vaccinated against several common diseases and have the paperwork to prove it.
In the 30 days prior to travel, your pet will need to be tested for various common diseases.
Here's a quick rundown of the requirements for bringing your pet into Iceland:
- Microchip your pet with a compliant microchip
- Apply to the Iceland Food and Veterinary Authority for an import permit
- Vaccinate your pet against several common diseases
- Test your pet for various common diseases 30 days prior to travel
Your pet will need to have a health examination around 5 to 10 days before they travel, and the vet must confirm that the pet is free from health issues and contagious diseases.
Pet Policy
Unfortunately, taking your dog to Iceland on vacation is not possible due to strict rules around importing dogs and pets in general into the country.
There are no short-term solutions, and obtaining a pet passport for your dog takes months.
Dogs were banned in Reykjavik for many years, from 1924 until 1984, in an effort to control the spread of a disease that could be passed from dogs to humans.
Cats are perhaps more popular in Iceland than dogs, so you might find that Icelandic people are generally more cat than dog people.
If you do plan to travel to Iceland with your pet, you'll need to fly with your cat or dog, as Keflavik international Airport is the only approved entry port for pets.
Animals on board carriers are not allowed to leave the carrier, including service animals, so be prepared for that.
Traveling with Pets
Pets are not as popular in Iceland as in many other countries, and dogs were even banned in Reykjavík for a few years to control the spread of a disease.
Cats are perhaps more popular than dogs in Iceland, making Icelandic people generally more cat than dog people.
All pets traveling to Iceland must be fully vaccinated according to the country's pet import requirements.
Dogs traveling to Iceland must be vaccinated against Leptospirosis, Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, and Canine Parainfluenza, and cats must be vaccinated against Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus.
To enter Iceland, your pet must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination, as well as a blood test for rabies antibodies at least 30 days after the vaccination.
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Traveling with Pets by Plane
To travel to Iceland with your pet, you'll need to fly with them, as Keflavik international Airport is the only approved entry port for pets. This means you'll need to book a flight that accommodates your pet.
Your pet will need to stay in their carrier at all times while in Iceland, and they're not allowed to leave the carrier, even if you're traveling together. This applies to both service animals and other pets.
If you're planning a two-week trip to Iceland, be aware that your pet will need to undergo 14-day quarantine at a designated quarantine station, in addition to meeting health requirements.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when traveling with your pet by plane:
- Keflavik international Airport is the only approved entry port for pets.
- Your pet must stay in their carrier at all times while in Iceland.
- 14-day quarantine is required for pets entering Iceland, regardless of the reason for their entry.
Relocating with Pets
Relocating to Iceland with your furry friends can be a bit of a challenge, but it's definitely doable with some careful planning. You'll need to consider the nature of your pet - are they prone to stress? - as air travel can be quite stressful for them.
It's also essential to think about the cost and your living situation in Iceland. If you're still set on bringing your pet along, start the process early to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Dogs were actually banned in Reykjavík for many years, from 1924 to 1984, due to disease concerns. Now, pet dogs are allowed everywhere in the country, but cats might be more popular among Icelandic people.
To bring your pet to Iceland, you'll need to follow the country's pet import requirements. This includes getting your pet fully vaccinated, with accurate documentation and a microchip.
Here's a list of required vaccinations for pets traveling to Iceland:
- Dogs: Leptospirosis, Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, and Canine Parainfluenza. Dogs from the United States, Canada, and Singapore also need a Canine Influenza vaccination.
- Cats: Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus.
Additionally, pets from certain countries need to wait a certain period after their rabies vaccination before traveling to Iceland. For example, pets from Category 2 countries must wait at least 90 days after the date of the rabies antibody test.
Pet Documents and Permits
To bring your dog to Iceland, you'll need to obtain an import permit and a certificate of health issued by MAST, the Icelandic food and veterinary authority. The import fees must be paid on receipt of the import permit notification.
Your pet's certificate of health and origin must be endorsed by a competent veterinary officer in the exporting country. This certificate is crucial and will accompany your pet during the travel, so make sure it's accurate and complete.
To get the certificate, your pet must undergo a health examination around 5 to 10 days before they travel. The vet must confirm that the pet is free from health issues and contagious diseases, especially tongueworm, scabies, dermatophytosis, and canine transmissible venereal tumours for dogs.
The flight number and the date and time of arrival must be recorded on the certificate of health. This ensures that your pet's documentation is up to date and accurate.
To ensure your pet's vaccination schedule is compliant with Iceland's pet import requirements, you must have them vaccinated against certain diseases. For dogs, this includes Leptospirosis, Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, and Canine Parainfluenza. For cats, the required vaccinations are Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus.
Here's a summary of the required vaccinations for your pet:
- Dogs: Leptospirosis, Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, and Canine Parainfluenza. Dogs travelling from the United States, Canada and Singapore must have a valid vaccination for Canine Influenza.
- Cats: Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus.
Arrival and Quarantine
When arriving in Iceland with your pet, you'll need to plan carefully to ensure a smooth entry process. Your flight must touch down within business hours at Keflavik International Airport, and you must arrive directly from your country of origin.
You'll need to book your pet's quarantine space in advance, as there are only certain set days approximately three weeks apart when pets are admitted to the quarantine station. There are two quarantine stations in Iceland: the Quarantine station in Hafnir, Reykjanesbær and the Mosel quarantine station.
Make sure to plan your pet's travel according to the pre-approved dates available online, as pets are only accepted into the station during three-day periods every month. This will ensure that you can reserve space in the quarantine station before beginning the export process.
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Arriving
Arriving in Iceland with your pet requires some planning, so let's get into the details.
All pets must travel to Keflavik International Airport, where they'll be quarantined for fourteen days.
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You'll need to arrive within a three-day entry window every month, so be sure to book your flights accordingly.
Flights must also land during business hours, so no late night or early morning arrivals are allowed.
You must arrive directly from your country of origin, no layovers or connections are permitted.
Upon arrival, an official veterinary officer will examine your pet to ensure they're healthy and disease-free.
They'll also process your pet's paperwork before releasing them into quarantine facilities.
Quarantine
Your pet will be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival in Iceland, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Arrival at Keflavik International Airport is the only option for importing pets, and you must arrive within a three-day window every month. Your flight must also touch down within business hours.
The quarantine centre is similar to an animal boarding centre, where pets are housed separately and monitored for any signs of illness.
There are two government-approved quarantine centres in Iceland: the Quarantine station in Hafnir, Reykjanesbær and the Mosel quarantine station.
You must book your pet in one of the centres before travelling, and pets are admitted only on pre-approved dates. These dates are available online, and you'll need to time your pet's travel accordingly.
Here are the quarantine stations in Iceland:
- Quarantine station in Hafnir, Reykjanesbær
- Mosel quarantine station
If your pet shows signs of ill health or is suffering from a contagious disease, quarantine will be extended depending on the nature of the illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are dogs restricted in Iceland?
Dogs were restricted in Iceland due to a housing shortage and concerns about the spread of a deadly tapeworm. This ban was enacted to protect public health and manage the city's resources.
Can I take my dog on ferry to Iceland?
Yes, you can take your dog on a ferry to Iceland, but only on select Stena Line ferries with special pet-friendly cabins, which have limited availability.
Sources
- https://www.campervaniceland.com/blog/travel-info/pets-iceland-travel
- https://petraveller.com.au/blog/international-pet-transport-to-iceland
- https://www.travelpaws.org/countries/iceland/
- https://petraveller.com.au/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-pet-quarantine-for-international-travel-to-iceland
- https://www.mast.is/en/import-export/import-of-live-animals/frequently-asked-questions
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