Can you take Spanish embutido to Iceland?
Iceland is one of the favourite holiday destinations for Spanish travellers. However, finding authentic Spanish products there is far from easy, and food prices across the country are notoriously high. It’s no surprise, then, that many people ask the same question before travelling: 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) regulates the import of food into Iceland. Under Act No. 25/1993, it is strictly forbidden 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 on arrival are not always particularly strict, so you may hear stories from people claiming they managed to bring these products into Iceland in their luggage without any problems. Even so, we strongly recommend that you do not take the risk if you're only visiting for a few days.
— Raw meat (jamón ibérico, embutidos)
— Raw eggs
— Unpasteurised dairy products >1 kg
Permitted (small quantities, EEA origin):
— Processed or cooked foods
— Cooked ham
— Cheese
— Tinned goods (tuna, etc.)
If you live in Iceland and don't want to miss your favourite delicacies
Our recommendation is to buy one of our vacuum-packed sliced selections and ask a friend or family member to send it to you. Because the products are vacuum sealed, they can last up to 90 days and will arrive in excellent condition.
What food can you take to Iceland?
Cooked ham
Processed product of EEA origin, permitted in small quantities.
In small quantities. Once you see how expensive food is in Iceland, you'll be glad you brought it.
Tinned goods
Tinned tuna and other processed foods are excellent options to help reduce the cost of your trip.
Why are these restrictions in place?
Iceland has its own horse breed. Once an Icelandic horse leaves the country, it is never allowed to return. This rule exists to protect the purity of the breed. The exact same philosophy applies to food products.
The reason behind these rules is simple: protecting Iceland's agriculture and livestock from potential diseases that could be introduced from abroad. To preserve the island's unique ecosystem, Iceland has some of the strictest import regulations in Europe when it comes to meat, fish, live animals, and even pets.
Food import regulations have been in place for more than 25 years, but they have become increasingly important over the last decade as tourism has grown dramatically.
In recent years, Iceland has become one of Europe's most popular travel destinations, attracting millions of visitors every year, including a growing number of tourists from Spain. Iceland prohibits travellers from bringing jamón ibérico, jamón serrano, chorizo, salchichón, and other raw cured meat products into the country. So now that you know the answer is no, make sure to look at the other permitted alternatives!
If you're staying in Iceland for an extended period and don't want to go without your favourite products, vacuum-packed sliced jamón is the safest and most practical option. At Enrique Tomás, we offer a wide range of premium sliced jamón and embutido, carefully vacuum packed so you can continue enjoying authentic Spanish flavours wherever you are.
Travelling outside of Spain? Discover what you can take in our guide about embutido and hand luggage.
