If you’re planning to move to Iceland with your pet, you’ll need to know the rules and regulations for importing pets into the country. In this article, we’ll provide information on the restrictions, requirements, and procedures for bringing pets to Iceland.
Iceland’s Pet Importation Rules
Iceland allows the import of pets, but there are strict regulations and requirements for bringing pets into the country.
Restrictions on types of pets
According to the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority, the import of some types of pets is prohibited. These include all types of rodents, ferrets, reptiles, amphibians, and some dog breeds. Icelandic authorities are particularly concerned about the risk of infectious diseases being introduced into the country, and pets are screened for these diseases upon arrival.
Vaccination Requirements
Before bringing your pet to Iceland, you’ll need to make sure they have certain vaccinations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Required vaccinations
The following vaccinations are required for pets entering Iceland:
- Dogs: Rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis.
- Cats: Rabies, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I, and feline panleukopenia.
It’s important to ensure that your pet is up-to-date on all their vaccinations before traveling. You should obtain a vaccination certificate from your veterinarian, which should be presented to Icelandic authorities upon arrival.
Importation Application Procedure in Iceland
If you’re planning to bring your pet to Iceland, you’ll need to follow a specific application process. The process can be complicated, so it’s important to start early and make sure you have all the necessary paperwork and documentation.
Required paperwork and other requirements
The following documents and requirements are necessary for importing a pet to Iceland:
A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in your home country, which confirms that your pet is healthy and free from any infectious diseases.
A certificate of vaccination against rabies, issued by a licensed veterinarian. The certificate should show that your pet has been vaccinated at least 21 days before arrival in Iceland.
An electronic identification microchip implanted under your pet’s skin. The microchip should comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards and must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
An import permit from the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority. To obtain this permit, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
A copy of your pet’s health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate.
A copy of your passport or other identification document.
Payment of the required fees.
Application process
To start the application process, you should contact the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority. After submitting the required documents and paying the fees, it may take up to 30 days to process the import permit. It’s important to note that the permit is only valid for 4 months from the date of issue, so make sure to plan your travel accordingly.
Quarantine Requirements
All pets entering Iceland are subject to a quarantine period. The length of the quarantine period depends on the country of origin and the vaccination status of your pet. For example, pets coming from a non-EU country or a country with a high risk of rabies are subject to a 4-month quarantine period.
International Travel Scheme
Iceland is not part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme, so pets traveling from EU countries must meet the same requirements as pets traveling from non-EU countries.
Pet license requirements
In Iceland, pet owners are required to register their pets with the local authorities within 2 weeks of arrival. This registration is mandatory for all dogs and cats over the age of 3 months. To register your pet, you’ll need to provide the following:
Proof of microchip implantation.
Proof of vaccination against rabies.
Payment of the required fees.
Failure to register your pet can result in a fine or other penalties.
Relevant Government Websites
If you are planning to bring your pet to Iceland, the website of the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority is a useful resource for information on the requirements and procedures for importing pets. The website provides detailed information on the application process, required documents, and fees for importing pets to Iceland. You can also find contact information for the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority if you have any questions or concerns.
Link to the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority website:
https://www.mast.is/english/frontpage/import-export/import-of-animals/pets/
Bringing your pet to Iceland requires careful planning and preparation, but with the right documentation and procedures, it is possible to make the journey safely and legally. It is important to follow the rules and regulations regarding the import of pets to avoid any delays or problems upon arrival. By obtaining the necessary paperwork, ensuring that your pet is up-to-date on all their vaccinations, and following the application process, you can make the transition to Iceland with your furry friend as smooth as possible.