Traveling to Iceland during COVID-19 – practical information for summer 2021

We’ve all been witnesses to the effects of the pandemic. Thankfully it’s been progressively getting better in some parts of the world, including Iceland! That means it is open and fully ready to welcome back the long missed tourists. Here you can find the updated rules about entering Iceland including PCR tests, quarantine, and wearing masks. Let’s go!

THE BORDER RULES if you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

  • You have to pre-register here before the arrival and confirm the departure date if that’s possible. After registering you’ll receive a barcode that lets you go through airport screening.
  • You have to show a certificate of full vaccination against COVID or a certificate of previous COVID infection. The rules of accepted certificates can be learned here and here.
  • You don’t need to show an active PCR test.
  • You have to go through arrival testing and quarantine if you arrive before June 30. From July 1 the testing at the airport is no longer required. 
  • If you come to Iceland before or on June 30, you have to wait about 5-6 hours up to 24 hours for the test results at your quarantine place.
  • You have to to spend the awaiting time in one of the quarantine hotels that are free of charge or at the accommodation chosen by you. Such accommodation must fulfill certain rules that can be found here. After you get the test results, you’re free to roam!
  • Remember to download the government app Rakning C-19 that makes the whole process a lot smoother.
  • You’re kindly asked to get informed about coming back to your home country before the arrival to Iceland. Different rules may apply and you might have to take a PCR test before leaving Iceland. Here’s a list of testing centers around the country.

 

THE BORDER RULES if you HAVEN’T been vaccinated against COVID-19 or HAVEN’T been infected

Who can enter Iceland?

  • You’re welcome to visit Iceland if you’re from EEA/EFTA countries (EU member states plus Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). 
  • External Schengen borders are closed to USA and Canada, therefore we are currently not possible to welcome US or Canadian passport-holders who do not hold proof of vaccination or prior infection, although there are some exceptions that can be learned here. 
  • There’s a list of countries which residents (it’s not based on nationality) are free to enter Iceland and the countries are: Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, although the list constantly changes. For updated visit this site. 

 

Before and after the arrival

  • You have to pre-register here before the arrival and confirm the departure date if that’s possible. After registering you’ll receive a barcode that lets you go through airport screening.
  • You need to provide a negative PCR test before boarding. The results cannot be older than 72 hours.
  • You must go through double screening. The first one takes place at the airport. Afterwards you’ve got to take a 5-6 day long quarantine and take the second test.
  • The quarantine is best to be spent at a hotel that’s been accustomed to it. It’s free of charge with meals included. 
  • After taking the second test at the hotel, you’re free to go!
  • Remember to download the government app Rakning C-19 that makes the whole process a lot smoother.
  • You’re kindly asked to get informed about coming back to your home country before the arrival to Iceland. Different rules may apply and you might have to take a PCR test before leaving Iceland. Here’s a list of testing centers around the country.

 

 

AT THE AIRPORT

There is a certain order of events after landing in our stunning country. We’ve gathered the info for you so you’re feeling calm and relaxed, knowing what’s ahead of you.

  1. First of all, you have to go through border control if you’re outside the Schengen countries (including USA and UK). Here you’ve got to show your passport.
  2. Then you’re free to to baggage claim hall from where you can also head to the duty free section. Just follow the crowd, you’ll get there!
  3. The third step is going through document verification. Make sure you’ve got your passports, PCR tests or vaccination certificates ready and on the go.
  4. You’re almost there! The fourth step is to undergo the COVID-19 testing outside the terminal. Don’t worry, you’ll be guided. Remember that you’re free from the testing after July 1 if you’ve got a valid vaccination or recovery certificate! 
  5. Then you’re free to re-enter the terminal and choose your option of transport to the accommodation. You can choose between hopping on a Flybus, getting a taxi or picking up a rental car. 

 

 

THE QUARANTINE RULES

What you’re allowed to do:

  • go for a short walk close by your place of quarantine 
  • use the Flybus from the airport 
  • drive a private car from the airport 
  • take a taxi from the airport 
  • go to the doctor, but call first

What you’re NOT allowed to do:

  • go to touristic places or go sightseeing 
  • go to the volcanic eruption site 
  • be in crowded places 
  • use the bus, domestic flights or public transportation 
  • go for a drive 
  • go shopping or to a restaurant 
  • stay in a mobile home 
  • stay in a hostel

 

 

THE SOCIAL RULES (from June 15)

  • The general gathering limit is 300 people. 
  • Restriction numbers do not apply to public transport and domestic flights. 
  • A 1-meter social distancing rule is in force. 
  • The obligation to wear face masks is relaxed, for example it is abolished in shops and workplaces. It is required at some events and services (such as hairdressing salons, buses). 
  • Stores have limits on customer numbers based on their size. 
  • Swimming pools and bathing facilities, campsites, skiing facilities, galleries and museums may open and admit the full number of guests for which they are licensed. 
  • Gyms and spas may admit the full number of guests for which they are licensed (so long as not more than 300 guests occupy each separate area at a time). 
  • Restaurants, nightclubs and bars may open until midnight, and guests have to leave the premises by 1am.

UPDATE ON SOCIAL RULES – as of June 26th 2021 no restrictions on gatherings due to COVID-19 apply in Iceland

  • Limits to the number of people at gatherings are none
  • Social distancing rules are none
  • Masks are not mandatory anywhere
  • Restrictions on any kind of operations are no longer applicable, neither the obligation to register guests nor restrictions on opening hours

 

 

Sooo… what if I test positive in Iceland?

Well, you unfortunately must go through a certain isolation period. You will ge guided by the authorities and if you’re not sure about something, it’s best to get in touch through covid.is website. Here you can find the isolation rules that are pretty straightforward to follow.

The good new is that if you fly with IcelandAir, they rebook a passenger for their return home, free of charge, after you’ve served the mandatory self-isolation period. It applies if you’re holding a round-trip ticket. Contact IcelandAir for further information and please check the guidelines if you fly with other airlines. 

 

 

How has Iceland handled to coronavirus? Is it safe?

The backstory

The first wave that happened during spring 2020 has been successfully contained, which resulted in rather low case numbers during the summer of 2020. Another wave took place in fall but thanks to the stricter rules it has been contained as well. The authorities have decided to considerably tighten the restrictions on March 25, 2021 after the so-called British variant but they’ve been relaxed since April 15, 2021 and ever since Iceland has been doing great. Some may say that the border rules are too much but they’ve been proven very effective and safe. It’s important to keep the track on the actively changing rules on covid.is website as well as download the Rakning C-19 app. On June 25, 2021 there are only 12 infected patients in the whole Iceland. 

 

What makes Iceland a safe country to travel to?

  • First of all, Iceland has been pretty strict and consistent about the rules. The rules were proved to be working and if they’ve been relaxed too soon, the authorities reacted quickly. 
  • The vast majority of population respects the set rules, trusting and believing the authorities. Only a small group of people was trying to oppose.
  • There’s only about 340,000 people living in the country and 70% of them live in the capital region. A smaller country means it’s easier to tacks the virus and react quickly.
  • The low population density plays a big role in Iceland being safe. Only 3 people live here per square kilometer, where as in US it’s 36 or in China it’s 153.
  • You’ll probably meet people in certain tourists spots and attractions, as well as at restaurants and cafes. Majority of activities take place in the nature, like hiking or admiring waterfalls and beaches so it’s easy to keep distance from the others.
  • Nearly half of the population has been already fully vaccinated, although the herd immunity could be achieved by the end of summer 2021.
  • If you know and follow the most recent rules, you’re most probably completely safe!

 

 

A list of important websites:

We do understand that this amount of information a rules may me difficult to process but we promise, it’s SO worth to go through it! Iceland is a stunning place to visit, where you can fully relax on a well deserved vacation. We’re waiting for you with open arms! ☺️

 

All of the photos included in the article have been sourced at unsplash.com.