Importing a Pet to Iceland: MAST Rules, EEA Status and Biosecurity Requirements

Iceland is in the European Economic Area (EEA) and aligns closely with EU standards on animal health, but it is not an EU member state. For pet import purposes, Iceland applies rules broadly equivalent to EU third-country import regulations for animals arriving from outside the EEA. The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (Matvaela- og Vetterinaeriradvuneyti, known as MAST) is the regulatory body.

Iceland’s Status for Pet Travel

From EU and EEA countries (excluding Iceland itself): An EU pet passport with a current rabies vaccination and ISO microchip is generally accepted. Iceland participates in the EEA single animal health area and recognises EU pet passports.

From the UK (post-Brexit): The UK is now a third country for EEA/EU purposes. An Animal Health Certificate (AHC), ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination and evidence that the animal meets Iceland’s import requirements apply. Iceland aligns with EU third-country rules for UK pets – confirm whether the UK is on Iceland’s approved non-EEA third country list and whether a titre test is required with MAST directly before travel.

From the USA, Canada, Australia and other non-EEA countries: Third-country import rules apply. These typically include: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, FAVN titre test at an approved laboratory, and the applicable waiting period, plus a government-endorsed health certificate in a format acceptable to MAST.

Import Permit

An import permit from MAST is required before importing a pet to Iceland. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel. MAST can be contacted at: mast@mast.is (confirm current contact details on the MAST website).

Approved Entry Points

Keflavik International Airport (KEF), operated as Reykjavik/Keflavik, is the only international airport in Iceland for practical purposes. All commercial international flights arrive here. The veterinary inspection on arrival is carried out by the Border Inspection Post (BIP) at KEF.

Pre-notification of your arrival at the BIP is required. This is typically coordinated through the TRACES NT system for EU/EEA arrivals or through direct pre-arrival notification to MAST for non-EEA arrivals.

Biosecurity Context

Iceland has a unique position as an island nation with very limited agricultural exposure to many of the diseases that are endemic in mainland Europe and Asia. The country has historically maintained very strict biosecurity. Horses, in particular, face a blanket import ban (once an Icelandic horse leaves Iceland, it cannot return). Cats and dogs are not subject to such extreme restrictions, but the overall framework is conservative by EEA standards.

Living in Iceland with a Pet

Reykjavik has a compact urban core with good green space. Iceland has a cold, damp climate with very long winter nights in the far north, but the main population areas in the southwest are not as extreme as their latitude suggests. Veterinary care is available in Reykjavik; more rural areas have limited access. Vaccinations must be kept current as Iceland registers pets with a national database.

Sources: MAST (Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority, mast.is); European Commission EEA pet travel framework; IATA Live Animals Regulations 50th Edition.