COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Iceland (20 March Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Travel restrictions apply to all third-country citizens or individuals who are neither citizens of EEA/EFTA states nor citizens of Andorra, Monaco, San Marion or the Vatican. Current entry measures are in effect until 30 April 2021. The following categories of foreigners are allowed to travel to Iceland:

  • Foreign nationals with a valid residence permit or other types of right of residence or residence in Iceland or another EEA/EFTA state (including the United Kingdom) or nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, or the Vatican.

  • Foreign nationals who are in a close long-term relationship with a person who is legally resident in Iceland. Please note that the provision does not apply to parties in close contact with Icelandic citizens residing abroad.

  • Foreign nationals who have verifiably resided in and are entering from their country of residence from these countries: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. This list of countries can change with very little notice and updates may be found here.

  • Those passengers on essential travel, including active-duty military personnel, healthcare workers, transport workers, diplomats or staff of other international organizations, students, those in need of protection, and others with a need to travel to Iceland for purposes that cannot be postponed or performed abroad.

• Visitors with proof of a previous COVID-19 infection are allowed to enter.

• From 26 March 2021 travellers providing valid proof of a full vaccination or proof of prior infection will be exempt from travel restrictions (such as testing and self-isolation) to Iceland. This exemption will apply to citizens outside the Schengen-area. Details on accepted certificates of vaccination can be found at this link.

• Until 26 March 2021, a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 or confirmation of previous COVID-19 infection will not exempt individuals from the current travel restrictions. Those certificates can only exempt individuals who are already authorized to travel to Iceland from the quarantine and testing requirements. Third-country citizens who have had a full vaccination against COVID-19 or have a confirmed previous COVID-19 infection can therefore still not travel to Iceland unless they can upon arrival present the necessary documents to prove to be exempt from the current travel restrictions.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Transiting passengers who do not leave the airport terminal facilities will not have health screenings or be subject to quarantine. Travellers in transit will be required to complete the Declaration form for exemption from travel restrictions.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• All travellers arriving from risk areas are obligated to go into quarantine, regardless of the duration of the intended stay in Iceland or purpose of the visit. Travellers are required to undergo two tests to screen for COVID-19, with quarantine in between. The first test is performed upon arrival and the second one five (5) days later. Passengers coming from Greenland who have not stayed outside Greenland for the past 14 days are exempted from this requirement. All exemptions can be found at this link.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• COVID-19 PCR test certificates from other countries are accepted, Valid certificates must be in English, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish. Rapid antigen tests are not valid.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All arrivals (excluding from Greenland) must present a negative COVID-19 PCR certificate before boarding an aircraft or ship to Iceland and upon arrival in Iceland. The COVID-19 PCR test must be taken within 72 hours prior to departure to Iceland.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• All travellers arriving from risk areas are obligated to go into quarantine, regardless of the duration of the intended stay in Iceland or purpose of the visit. Travellers are required to undergo two tests to screen for COVID-19, with quarantine in between. The first test is performed upon arrival and the second one five (5) days later. Passengers coming from Greenland who have not stayed outside Greenland for the past 14 days are exempted from this requirement. All exemptions can be found at this link.

• Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days. Children born in 2005 and later are exempt from COVID-19 testing.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• All passengers travelling to Iceland are required to complete a pre-registration form before arrival, which includes their contact information, address(es) during their stay in Iceland, and a declaration of health. The form is available here. This form does not serve as an application for entry.

• Declaration forms stating the intent of travel to Iceland may be found here.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• A tracking app, Rakning C-19 app, is recommended for test results, screening, and tracing contacts and is available here.

Is Vaccination required?**

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country. However, travellers with proof of vaccination may avail exemptions from travel restrictions from 26 March 2021.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• Airports are open and commercial flights are operating.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Iceland's borders are open to other EU and Schengen states.

• Iceland does not grant any authorization before travelling to Iceland. Travellers must have the necessary documentation when they arrive at the border.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• No curfew is in place.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• At least a two-meter distance is mandatory for individuals who are not closely related.

• Until 09 April 2021, social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 50 people.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• There are no internal travel restrictions.

• Face masks are required on transportations.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Most shops are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels and other accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants can operate with limited capacity until 23:00 (local time).

Bars and cafes open?

• No

• Bars are closed.

Personal care services open?

• No

• Beauty salons and hairdressers are closed.

Museums and heritage sites are open?

• Yes

• Museums are open. Gatherings are allowed to a maximum of 200 people.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Places of worship are open with a limited number of attendees.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• Until 09 April 2021, up to 200 people may attend religious and philosophical gatherings, performing arts, cultural and sporting events, conferences, lectures, and similar events.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks should be worn in public spaces on public transport, during activities that require close contact, and in circumstances where the two-meter distance cannot be maintained.

Other Restrictions

• Until 09 April 2021, arcades, slot machines, ski resorts, fitness centres, nightclubs and pubs are open with limited capacity.

• Swimming pools are open with limited capacity.

• Colleges and universities are allowed to open with public health measures in place until 30 April 2021. In schools, at least two meters of physical distance must be maintained when not using face masks. A maximum of 150 staff and students are allowed in colleges and universities, 50 in kindergartens and daycares, and first through 10th grades.

• Until 09 April 2021, a maximum of 50 people are allowed to attend cinema theatres, cultural events, and performing arts during rehearsals and shows. The allowed seated audience capacity is increased to 200 people.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.