Covid-19 in Iceland

Latest update: July 21st, 2021

Is it safe to travel to Iceland during Covid?

Here you will find information about traveling to Iceland during Covid, travel restrictions and border policy, and Covid vaccination certificate.

Iceland is managing to keep national infection figures below the average for most countries. This success in containing the pandemic is due to several factors.

Tracking and testing policy

Iceland has put its efforts into a powerful tracking system with great professional teams with very clear protocols, thanks to this it is possible to control and contain any source of infection in the community very quickly.

It is also worth highlighting the ease for the population and the clear organization to access the testing resources, obtaining the results of the samples very quickly.

Geographical advantages

Being an island, it is easier to control the entry of people to the country, since there are only 2 access points to the country, and this advantage makes border controls very efficient.

The low population density is also a key factor for the low spread of the virus. With a total population of about 360,000 inhabitants and a population density of 3.5 / km2, it is easy to contain possible outbreaks of infection, and at the same time allows tourists to move around without the need to interact with large crowds of people.

Nature tourism

Iceland is characterized by its wonderful nature and its wide spaces, which means that people is almost constantly in open and natural spaces, making their trip a safe experience and without worrying about crowds. Iceland offers nature tourism, hikes, outdoor activities... in short, safe and exciting tourism.

Travel restrictions and border policies

Third-country citizens are still not authorized to travel to Iceland unless exemptions apply.

Travel restrictions do not apply to other EEA/EFTA-citizens and citizens of Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican.

Travel restrictions do not apply to foreign citizens who can provide appropriate proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a prior COVID-19 infection that fulfils requirements set forth by the Chief Epidemiologist.

The prohibition does not apply to foreigners residing in Iceland, family members of Icelandic citizens and foreigners residing in Iceland, and foreigners who have a long-term domestic partnership with Icelandic.

Covid vaccination certificate

People who present a vaccination certificate or a certificate of previous infection are allowed to enter to Iceland. Here you can find information about the type of certificates and the information they must contain.

The border policies

Arriving from all countries but Greenland, without a vaccination certificate or a certificate of previous infection:

-Pre-register before arriving to Iceland. Pre-registration here

-A COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate is required (rapid antigen tests are not valid). The PCR test must be performed within 72 hours prior to the departure of the first leg of the trip.

-Upon arrival at Keflavík airport, everyone must undergo for a PCR test, no exceptions.

-Travelers must quarantine for 5 days upon arrival and perform another PCR test at the end of the 5-day quarantine.

-Everyone should quarantine until a negative result is obtained from the border testing. Here is a list of accommodations that welcomes guests in quarantine.

Those who must quarantine for 5 days (because have not been vaccinated or cannot prove a previous infection) may quarantine at home if their accommodation meets certain conditions according to the rules dictated by the Chief Epidemiologist. Or they can choose an accommodation that have been specially indicated to welcome visitors for quarantine from that list. If they are unable or unwilling to isolate themselves in housing on their own, they need to stay at the governments quarantine facility during their quarantine.

-Go directly to the quarantine location from the border entry point by airport bus, taxi, rental car or private car.

-Children born in 2005 or later are tested at the border. They are exempt from the obligation to present a negative PCR certificate upon arrival. If a child travels with a person who is required to be quarantined, the child stays with them and is released from quarantine if the second test from the companion is negative.

-The second testing is done at health centers around Iceland. A bar code is sent to a mobile phone the night before testing.

-All travelers are recommended to download the app Rakning C-19, is used to communicate negative testing results and helps to trace possible infection outbreaks.

-Rules at the borders are in force until August 15th 2021. For detailed and updated information visit the official website of Covid in Iceland: www.covid.is

Arriving travelers who can provide appropriate proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a prior COVID-19 infection:

-Pre-register before arriving to Iceland. Pre-registration here

-FROM JULY 27: All passengers with vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of prior COVID-19 infection need to present a negative PCR test certificate against COVID-19. Rapid antigen tests are also valid. The test must have been taken within 72 hours before departure on the first leg of the journey..

-Present an approved vaccination certificate or a certificate of previous infection at the border. Certificate is valid when 14 days have passed from the second dose (or 14 days from Janssen/Johnson & Johnson dose). If the time is shorter than 14 days, the traveler needs to undergo testing at the boarder and follow rules on home quarantine until a negative result is obtained. If a certificate is not valid the individual needs to undergo 2 tests and quarantine for 5 days in between.

-All travelers are recommended to download the app Rakning C-19, is used to communicate negative testing results and helps to trace possible infection outbreaks.

-For detailed and updated information visit the official website of Covid in Iceland: www.covid.is

Current restrictions, Covid in Iceland today

Starting from June 26, 2021, Iceland lifts all its restrictions within the country, becoming the first Nordic country to do so.

We ask you to check the official website of Iceland with updated information on Covid-19: Effective restrictions

PCR test before departure

Some countries require negative PCR certificates to enter their borders, if this is the case, travelers can have a PCR test in Iceland before returning home. To request an appointment for the test, you must register on this page: travel.covid.is

After registration, the traveler will be assigned a barcode for the test and a time and address to attend.

The results will arrive via SMS in 24 hours, but keep in mind that not all countries accept SMS certificates, if you need a paper certificate you must contact the health center and you can get the certificate in English or Icelandic.