Guide 2026
Taking a Dog to Iceland
Honestly - for a holiday in Iceland with a dog, the ferry is practically not an option. Here is why, and what the rules actually say.
- Iceland does not allow tourist imports of dogs or cats
- Every animal counts as an import - MAST permit and quarantine required
- Smyril Line does not carry pets to Iceland
Entry rules
What Iceland requires for entry
Iceland has some of the strictest entry rules in Europe. Every dog and cat counts as an import and must go into quarantine.
MAST import permit
Quarantine
Vaccinations & titre test
Parasite treatment
Guide
First, the key point, without detours: for a holiday in Iceland with a dog, the ferry is practically not an option. Iceland does not allow tourist imports of dogs or cats, and Smyril Line explicitly does not carry pets to Iceland. This page explains why, what Iceland's entry rules require, and how the Norröna handles pets.
Iceland's entry rules for dogs and cats
Iceland protects its animal population with some of the strictest rules in Europe. Legally, every dog and cat counts as an import, whether the animal is moving there for good or just staying for two weeks. There is no simplified route for holidays or short stays. The responsible authority is MAST (Matvælastofnun), Iceland's Food and Veterinary Authority. You need:
- Import permit: application to MAST, at least 30 days before the planned arrival.
- Rabies vaccination and titre test: the titre test taken no earlier than 30 days after the vaccination.
- Further vaccinations: leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza, at least 14 days before entry.
- Parasite treatment: two veterinary treatments (28 to 21 days and 10 to 5 days before entry), documented on the health certificate.
- Quarantine: at least 14 days in one of the two approved quarantine stations. Places are limited and allocated in intake batches.
MAST itself states that Iceland is not a suitable destination for a tourist trip with a pet. The ferry does not change that.
Pets on board the Norröna
Smyril Line does not carry pets to or from Iceland. That rules out the Norröna for travelling with a dog from the outset.
On the other routes, these rules apply: pets travel in booked kennels on board, not loose. The kennel must be booked together with the ticket, and carriage is at your own risk. Pets are not allowed in cabins; a cleaning fee applies if this rule is broken. Because the vehicle deck is locked during the crossing, an animal cannot stay in the vehicle either.
What about the Faroe Islands?
The Faroe Islands as a stopover are only an apparent solution. Smyril Line carries pets on the legs between Denmark and the Faroe Islands only in summer, and only for stays of more than three months under special conditions. The Faroe Islands also have their own import rules for dogs. For a short holiday, this detour does not work either.
If you are travelling by vehicle and want to bring your dog along, you are better off choosing a different destination. If you are travelling without a pet, you will find everything about the crossing on the homepage and in the timetable.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ - Taking a Dog to Iceland
The key questions about travelling to Iceland with a dog, answered honestly.
Can I take my dog on the ferry to Iceland?+
Practically not, for a holiday. Iceland does not allow tourist imports of dogs or cats, and Smyril Line explicitly does not carry pets to Iceland. Even if an animal meets every health requirement, it must still go into quarantine for at least 14 days after arrival. For a normal trip, that is not an option.
Why is Iceland so strict?+
Iceland is legally treated as an isolated island for animal disease control and protects its livestock and pets strictly. Every dog and cat is treated as an import, whether it is moving there permanently or just visiting for a few weeks - there is no shortcut for holidays or short stays. You need a permit from the MAST authority (applied for at least 30 days in advance), a rabies vaccination with titre test, further vaccinations, two parasite treatments and a quarantine period of at least 14 days.
Can my dog stay in the cabin or car during the crossing?+
No. Pets are not allowed in cabins on the Norröna (a cleaning fee applies if this rule is broken), and the vehicle deck stays locked during the crossing, so your dog cannot stay in the vehicle either. Animals travel only in booked kennels on board - and are not carried to Iceland at all in any case.
Can I at least take my pet to the Faroe Islands?+
Only to a limited extent. Smyril Line carries pets on the legs between Denmark and the Faroe Islands only in summer, and only for stays of more than three months under special conditions. The Faroe Islands also have their own import rules. For a short holiday with a dog, this route is not practical either.
How else could I get to Iceland with a dog?+
If at all, only by air, and only after fully meeting every MAST requirement including an import permit and the subsequent quarantine - not by ferry. That is expensive and time-consuming, and rarely worth it for an ordinary holiday. If you are travelling by vehicle but do not want to leave your dog behind, you are better off choosing a different destination; you will find our other routes on our ferry pages.
Continue to the ferry to Iceland
Planning to travel by vehicle instead? Check the Norröna's departures and the rules for the crossing.