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Pet travel from the United States to Iceland

What you need, in order

  1. Microchip recorded (ISO 11784/11785)
  2. Rabies vaccination valid
  3. Rabies serology titre (FAVN/RNATT ≥0.5 IU/ml)
  4. Leptospirosis vaccination valid (dogs) (Applies to: dog)
  5. Official Iceland import health certificate

Recommended lead time: start about 120 days before travel.

Requirements reviewed against the destination authority's published instructions on 2026-09-18. Steps decided outside Petra are listed below.

Last reviewed
2026-09-18
Recommended lead time
120 days
Ruleset
Iceland (MAST)
Check my trip for this corridor

Requirements

  • Microchip recorded (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination valid
  • Rabies serology titre (FAVN/RNATT ≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Leptospirosis vaccination valid (dogs)

    Applies to: dog

  • Official Iceland import health certificate

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Owner checklist

  • Apply for the MAST import permit Required

    An import permit from MAST is required before travel (fee ISK 39,633 per the owner-captured MAST page, 2026-09-18). Apply well in advance; entry without it is refused. Confirmed both by MAST directly and by APHIS: "An import permit issued by Iceland Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) is required to import pets to the country." No USDA endorsement is required for pet dogs or cats to Iceland — see the checklist note below.

  • No USDA endorsement is required for dogs or cats

    APHIS is explicit: "At this time USDA endorsement is NOT required for pet dogs or cats to Iceland." Do not seek or pay for a USDA endorsement for this route.

  • Reserve a quarantine space (≥14 days) before travel Required

    Imported dogs and cats are held in quarantine at an approved facility for at least 14 days. A confirmed quarantine reservation is mandatory before travel.

  • 6-month pre-export residency Required

    The animal must have resided in the origin (export) country for at least 6 months before export, or since birth. MAST's own D2 guidance: dogs can meet the import requirements at the earliest around 7 months of age (docs/verification-packages/iceland-primary-2026-09/). Confirm this before travel; Petra does not track residency history.

  • Rabies titre drawn at least 30 days after vaccination Required

    The rabies serology sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination. (Separately, from a Category-2 origin including the US, Petra already checks that you wait at least 90 days after the sampling date before travel.) Confirm the 30-day vaccination-to-sample gap; Petra does not track vaccination-vs-titre sequencing.

  • Internal + external parasite treatment 21-28 days before importation Required

    MAST's D2 guidance (dogs only): "21-28 days prior to importation the dog must be treated internal and external parasites." Have your vet record the product, date, and active ingredient.

    Applies to: dog

  • Second internal + external parasite treatment AND health exam, 5-10 days before importation Required

    MAST's D2 guidance (dogs only): "5-10 days prior to importation the dog must be treated internal and external parasites" and "5-10 days prior to importation the dog must undergo a health examination." Both are separate, mandatory pre-export steps in this window.

    Applies to: dog

  • Single port of entry: Keflavík

    Animals may only enter Iceland through Keflavík airport.

Still decided outside Petra

  • The Iceland import health certificate is completed outside Petra (Phase 2); Petra records that it was accepted, not that Petra issued it.
  • The MAST import permit and the quarantine facility placement/outcome are MAST's own external process; Petra records that you applied/reserved, not that MAST approved or released the animal.

Primary sources

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Frequently asked questions

How far ahead do I need to start?

Petra's recommended lead time for the United States to Iceland is 120 days before travel.

Does my dog or cat need a rabies titer test?

Yes — Rabies serology titre (FAVN/RNATT ≥0.5 IU/ml).

What certificate do I need?

Official Iceland import health certificate

What is this based on?

Petra's Iceland (MAST) ruleset for this corridor, last reviewed 2026-09-18 (see Primary sources below).

Is this verified?

Requirements reviewed against the destination authority's published instructions on 2026-09-18. Steps decided outside Petra are listed below.

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