Lead time needed
10-13 weeks
Quarantine
14 days
Route complexity
Moderate
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
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JP
IS

Pet Transport from Japan to Iceland

Moving a dog or cat from Japan to Iceland is very doable with the right preparation. Plan on roughly 10-13 weeks; the checklist is clear and the timing is manageable. Your pet will spend 14 days in quarantine after landing. A rabies titre test is part of the …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Japan to Iceland typically takes around 10-13 weeks. Expect 14 days of quarantine on arrival. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
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Step by step

The Japan to Iceland import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
Start of planning, at least 3 months before travel.
Implant the ISO microchip, then begin the rabies and leptospirosis vaccination course.

Responsible: Vet in Japan

2
Around 6-8 weeks before the projected travel window.
Draw blood for the titre test at least 30 days after vaccination, send to an EU-approved laboratory.

Responsible: Vet and laboratory

3
As soon as the result clears; no extra wait applies for Category 1.
Apply to MAST for the import permit once the titre result is confirmed.

Responsible: Owner or agent

4
As early as the travel window is realistic.
Book isolation station space at Reykjanesbae or Mosel.

Responsible: Owner or agent

5
Close to departure, within MAST's validity window.
Complete the AQS export inspection and health certificate.

Responsible: AQS-endorsed vet

6
On travel date, once the titre result and permit are in hand.
Fly Tokyo to a European hub via Japan Airlines or ANA, then on to Keflavik via Icelandair.

Responsible: Cargo handlers and MAST border check

7
Immediately after arrival.
Minimum 14 days in isolation before release.

Responsible: Quarantine station staff

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Iceland

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required, implanted before the rabies vaccination …
Rabies vaccination
Primary rabies vaccination after the microchip, alongside leptospirosis at least …
Rabies titre test
Required. Blood drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, minimum 0.5 …
Quarantine
Mandatory minimum 14 days at Einangrunarstoedin i Reykjanesbae or …
Import permit
Required from MAST before travel, submitted with the application form, a photo …
Health certificate
MAST's Category 1 import certificate, completed by an AQS-endorsed vet in Japan.
Export permit
Export inspection certificate from Japan's Animal Quarantine Service (AQS). No …
Costs

What this route typically costs

Vet fees, vaccinations and titre test in Japan: JPY 60,000-140,000
MAST import permit base fee: around ISK 40,000 (roughly GBP 230)
Quarantine, 14 days: around ISK 220,000 for a dog (roughly GBP 1,250), …
IATA-compliant travel crate: JPY 15,000-60,000
Two-leg cargo fare, Tokyo to a European hub to Keflavik: GBP …
Agent fee for the two-leg booking and MAST permit: GBP 400-800
Total typical range: GBP 3,000-5,000 for a dog, lower for a cat

Critical points

Japan's Category 1 status removes the extra 90-day wait, but not the titre test itself or the 14-day quarantine on arrival. Compare this to the US-to-Iceland route already covered on this site, where Category 2 status adds that 90-day wait on top of everything else, and this route is genuinely months shorter.

There is no canine influenza vaccination requirement tied to Japan specifically, unlike the US, Canada and Singapore routes. Do not add it to the schedule unless your vet has a separate reason to.

The 14-day isolation stay at Reykjanesbae or Mosel applies to every pet entering Iceland, Category 1 or not. Book the slot as soon as the travel window is realistic; summer dates fill first.

No airline flies Tokyo direct to Keflavik. Every routing runs through a European hub, adding a second cargo booking and a connection to manage.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Japan Airlines
Covers Tokyo to a European hub, the first leg of this route since no carrier flies Tokyo …
Cargo Only
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
An alternative for the Tokyo to European hub leg, well regarded for live animal handling.
Cargo Only
Icelandair
Handles the connecting leg from the European hub to Keflavik. Since 1 November 2024, pets …
Cargo Only

Iceland entry requirements at a glance

The path into Iceland is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.

Getting the details right

If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.

Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.

Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.

Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.

FAQ

Common questions

MAST classes Japan as a Category 1, rabies-free country, the same tier as Singapore and most of the EU. Once the titre test clears, roughly 30 days after vaccination, the pet can travel. The United States is Category 2, which adds a further 90-day wait from the same blood draw date on top of everything else, stretching that route out by roughly three months.
Yes. The mandatory 14-day isolation at Reykjanesbae or Mosel applies to every dog and cat entering Iceland, regardless of its Category 1 or Category 2 status. There is no waiver tied to origin.
No. That requirement is specific to dogs travelling from the United States, Canada or Singapore. It is not part of the standard schedule for a Japan-origin pet.
No. Japan Airlines or ANA fly Tokyo to a European hub, with Icelandair covering the final leg into Keflavik. The two legs are booked separately, so allow a realistic connection window rather than a tight same-day transfer.
Airline guides
  • Japan Airlines
  • All Nippon Airways (ANA)
  • Icelandair
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

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Move your pet to Iceland.

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JP ISJapan to Iceland
International pet transport route
Lead time10-13 weeks
Quarantine14 days
ComplexityModerate
Airlines3
ServiceDoor to door
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