CUSTOMS

IMPORT REGULATIONS

Pets

Importation of dogs must comply with Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) import conditions.

Countries Approved for Importing

• Dogs and cats can only be imported to Iceland from approved exporting countries. Approved countries are split into two categories: Category 1 (rabies free) and category 2 (rabies is present but well controlled). You can find the list of countries and their categories here.
• If a country is not on this list, dogs and cats are not permitted to enter Iceland. However, the traveller can apply for the country to be assessed by MAST as to whether that country can be considered an approved country. The list is revised twice a year by MAST.
• MAST may authorise a country if the pet has been owned and cared for by the traveller in country of origin for at least six months prior to departure, the traveller is a resident from the country of origin, valid documents proving ownership of the pet and residency in the country and that the dog or cat must meet necessary health conditions according to country category 2.

Dogs and cats from Category 1 Countries

• The importer must have obtained an import permit issued by MAST before the date of arrival.
• The petmust have remained in a category 1 country since birth or at least six months prior to arrival. Puppies can meet the requirements at the earliest four months old.
• An authorised veterinarian in the country of origin must perform all the required medical procedures.
• A signed certificate must be sent to MAST 5-10 days prior to departure for approval.
• These should include the following: Identification of the traveller (which should match the details on the import permit);
• Identification (usually with a microchip), which will be verified by a veterinarian;
• A declaration by the owner/traveller confirming the above information;
• Flight and quarantine station information;
• Details of vaccinations and antibodies test;
• laboratory tests; and
• a health examination which is confirmed with a health certificate.
• The pets will be required to stay in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. The owner must make reservations in advance at a quarantine station.
• Pets are admitted by each quarantine station within a set three-day period approximately three weeks apart.
• If an animal is suspected of carrying an infectious disease, MAST may extend the period of quarantine for the animal concerned, or all animals in the station, depending on the nature of the disease.

Dogs from Category 2 Countries

• The importer must have obtained an import permit issued by MAST before the date of arrival.
• The pet must have remained in the approved country since birth or at least six months prior to departure. Dogs can meet the import requirements at the earliest around seven months of age.
• An authorised veterinarian in the country of origin must perform all the required medical procedures.
• A signed certificate must be sent to MAST 5-10 days prior to departure for approval.
• These should include the following: Identification of the traveller (which should match the details on the import permit);
• Identification (usually with a microchip), which will be verified by a veterinarian;
• A declaration by the owner/traveller confirming the above information;
• Flight and quarantine station information;
• Details of vaccinations and antibodies test (the dog can be imported into Iceland when at least 90 days have passed after the date of the blood sampling for an antibody test with a satisfactory result);
• laboratory tests; and
• a health examination which is confirmed with a health certificate.
• Imported pets are required to stay in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. The owner/importer must make reservations in advance at a quarantine station. Pets are admitted by each quarantine station within a set three-day period approximately three weeks apart.
• If an animal is suspected of carrying an infectious disease, MAST may extend the period of quarantine for the animal concerned, or all animals in the station, depending on the nature of the disease.

Guidance for importation of pets other than dogs or cats

• Other pets, such as rabbits, gerbils and caged birds, will require an import permit which should include details of all the necessary health requirements. The veterinarian from the country of origin should issue a health certificate.
• These pets must quarantine at home for four weeks upon arrival in Iceland. They must be taken to directly from the airport to the home quarantine.
• The following requirements will need to be met during the quarantine period:
• The pet shall be kept in a separate space with limited traffic;
• One family member shall be assigned to take care of the pet;
• No other animals can stay or visit the premises during quarantine;
• The pets cannot have any contact with other animals;
• The person in charge must take precautions regarding cleanliness and sanitation. This includes washing and disinfecting hands after handling the pets;
• Feces and other waste shall be enclosed in a double layer of plastic bags before being trashed; and
• In the event of illness or injury to the pet during quarantine, MAST must be notified as soon as possible.
  

For further information, please visit the MAST website.

Free to Import

Alcohol (restricted to travellers 20 years and over)

One of the following combinations:

• 1 litre of spirits, 0.75 litre of wine and 3 litres of beer;
• 3 litres of wine and 6 litres of beer;
• 1 litre of spirits and 6 litres of beer;
• 1.5 litres of wine and 2 litres of beer; or
• 18 litres of beer;
• Any other combination found on this table.

Tobacco (restricted to travellers 18 years and over)

One of the following:

• 200 cigarettes; or
• 250 grams other tobacco.

Currency

• Any amount up to €10,000 (or foreign equivalent) can be freely imported or exported.
• Travellers must report anything over this amount to customs when they arrive or leave.
• For further information on this recommendation, please visit Cash declaration.

Other goods

• Gifts up to 88,000kr in value.
• Children under the age of 12 can have duty-free groceries for 44,000kr.
• Up to 10kg of food not exceeding 25,000kr in value.

Prohibited

The following are goods which cannot be brought into the country.

• Narcotics and dangerous drugs.
• Uncooked and dry meats, such as salami and uncooked poultry, from countries outside the European Economic Area.
• Uncooked eggs and dairy products from countries outside the European Economic Area.
• The following weapons: daggers with blades exceeding 12cm, switchblades, flick stilettos, knuckledusters, various truncheons, crossbows, and handcuffs.
• Finely powdered snuff and moist snuff to be used orally.

Restricted

These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to arrival.

• Angling gear, although it is not permitted to use the equipment for fishing in freshwater without prior disinfection, provided that a satisfactory certificate is not available.
• Firearms and ammunition may only be imported with a permit from the police authorities. Travellers from Europe staying less than three months do not need this permit if they only intend to engage in hunting or practice sports shooting. For further information, please visit The Icelandic Police.
• Various telephone and communications equipment is subject to a permit from the Post and Telecom Administration.
• Used horse riding gear, including saddles, halters, bridles, and whips of leather can be imported as long as it has been disinfected before the goods are imported alongside a certificate of disinfection. If this is not available, it will be carried out in Iceland at the expense of the person in question.
• Hazardous or toxic substances.
• Medicines for personal use in quantities that are based on a maximum of 100 days of use by the person concerned, provided that it is clear what that quantity is. Customs officers may require the traveller to provide satisfactory proof that they are required to take the medicines in the quantities specified (for example, with a medical certificate).
• Travellers may bring a bunch of flowers up to 25 plants, 2kg of bulbs, tubes, and roots from Europe in unbroken packaging, and up to 3 pot-plants from Europe. Any further amount will require a phytosanitary certificate issued by the relevant authorities in country of origin, endorsed by the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority.

EXPORT REGULATIONS

Prohibited

The following are goods which cannot be taken out of the country.

• Illegal narcotics.

Restricted

These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to departure.

• Birds, eggs, and nests require an exemption from the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate.
• The export of animals and animal products is regulated by the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority.
• Plants may require a phytosanitary certificate.
• Firearms, weapons, ammunition, explosives, and fireworks require an export permit from The Icelandic Police.
• Protected species and products protected under CITES. A permit is required for export.
• Objects of historical or archaeological interest may require a licence for export. For further information, please visit Icelandic Museum of Natural History.
• Antiques may require an export licence from The Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland.

For further information, please visit the Icelandic Iceland Revenue and Customs.