Can you take Spanish embutido to Iceland?
Iceland is one of the favourite travel destinations for Spanish tourists. Since it is difficult to find authentic Spanish products there and food prices are among the highest in Europe, it's only natural to wonder: can you take Spanish embutido to Iceland? Unfortunately, the answer is no. At Enrique Tomás, we'll explain why and what your alternatives are.
Why can't you take embutido to Iceland?
The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) is responsible for regulating food imports into Iceland. According to Act No. 25/1993, travellers are not allowed to bring raw meat products into the country. This restriction includes jamón ibérico and all types of embutido, raw eggs, and unpasteurised dairy products weighing more than one kilogram.
That said, customs checks are not always particularly strict, so you may hear stories from travellers who managed to enter Iceland with these products in their luggage. Our recommendation is simple: if you're only visiting Iceland for a few days, don't take the risk.
— Raw meat (jamón ibérico, embutidos)
— Raw eggs
— Unpasteurised dairy products >1 kg
Permitted (small quantities, EEA origin):
— Processed or cooked foods
— Cooked ham
— Cheese
— Canned goods (tuna, etc.)
If you live there and don't want to miss your favourite delicacies
A much better option is to order one of our vacuum-packed sliced selections and ask a friend or family member to send it to you. Thanks to the vacuum packaging, your products will last up to 90 days and arrive in excellent condition.
What food can you bring to Iceland?
Cooked ham
Processed product of EEA origin, permitted in small quantities.
In small quantities. Once you see the price of food in Iceland, you'll appreciate having it with you.
Canned goods
Canned tuna and other processed foods are excellent options to reduce your food expenses while travelling.
Why are these restrictions in place?
Iceland has its own horse breed. Once an Icelandic horse leaves the country, it is not allowed to return. This measure helps preserve the purity of the breed. The same philosophy applies to food products.
The reason is simple: to protect Iceland's local agriculture and livestock from diseases that could be introduced from abroad. To preserve the island's unique ecosystem, Iceland has very strict regulations regarding the import of meat, fish, live animals, and even pets.
Food import regulations have existed for more than 25 years, but they have become increasingly important over the last decade as tourism has grown significantly. In 2016, the number of tourists was five times higher than the island's total population.
1.7M
Tourists in Iceland in 2016
330K
Inhabitants of Iceland in 2016
5x
More tourists than inhabitants that year
Today, Iceland welcomes millions of visitors every year, including an increasing number of travellers from Spain. Iceland does not allow travellers to bring jamón ibérico, jamón serrano, chorizo, salchichón, or any other raw cured meat products into the country. So now that you know the answer is no, make sure to make the most of the other permitted options!
At Enrique Tomás, you'll find a wide selection of premium sliced jamón and embutido, vacuum packed so you can continue enjoying authentic Spanish flavours wherever you are.
Travelling outside of Spain? Discover what you can bring in our guide about embutido and hand luggage.
