Covid-19 Information About Traveling to Iceland
Iceland Removes All Domestic and Border Restrictions
What is the border policy in iceland right now, is it safe to travel to iceland right now, the current covid-19 status in iceland, what makes iceland safe during covid-19, how do i get a pcr test before returning home, what if covid-19 affects my travel booking.
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Are businesses and tours still operating?
Can i book after i arrive, am i safe to make a booking with guide to iceland.
Iceland is one of the world's top travel destinations for travelers. On this page, you can find up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 in Iceland and what impact it may have on your travel plans when visiting Iceland.
Below you can read about the latest COVID-19 numbers in Iceland, the current Icelandic border policy, how to safely travel in Iceland during COVID-19, the vaccination progress in Iceland, and the COVID-friendly policies at Guide to Iceland, among others.
ICELAND IS OPEN! After two years of COVID-19-related safety measures, the Icelandic Ministry of Health removed all restrictions on February 25th, 2022.
Travelers to Iceland may now cross the border through the same process in place before the pandemic. You’ll no longer need to present test results or stay in quarantine after your flight. Once you’ve reached your final destination, you’ll be free to experience the incredible culture and attractions of Iceland without restrictions.
The Icelandic border is open to all travelers with valid visas. PCR, rapid testing, and quarantine are no longer required. Travelers are advised to follow common-sense safety protocols whenever possible but are free to participate in local activities, events, and tours without restrictions.
After two years of pandemic-related limitations. Iceland is one of the most stunning travel destinations in the world. It features unique natural beauty that brings visitors from every corner of the globe. If you've been considering a journey to Iceland, now is the time to experience the natural splendor and friendly people of this amazing island.
Iceland is a relatively small country that has been united in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by following a strict testing and tracing protocol throughout the pandemic. These proactive measures successfully kept infection rates low throughout the pandemic, making Iceland one of the most consistently safe travel destinations on the planet.
Every country in the world is dealing with COVID-19 in one way or another. However, there are a few things that make Iceland a safer place to visit than other countries.
Small population
With just under 370,000 people, Iceland is one of the smaller countries in the world. Having a smaller population makes the virus easier to track and allows travelers to travel without interacting with many people.
Low population density
Almost 70% of the population lives in the capital area. This leaves much of the country to be explored without many people. The population density is low at a little over three people per square kilometer.
Typical exploration activities in Iceland
Iceland is known for its vast open spaces and unique landscapes. The majority of Iceland’s activities are centered around nature. Whether chasing the northern lights or exploring the beautiful waterfalls in the countryside, travelers will likely spend most of their vacation outside in nature. This gives them a unique opportunity to protect themselves by keeping a safe distance from other people.
Many countries require travelers to have a negative PCR test taken within a specific period before traveling back from Iceland. For many, it is within 72 hours of departure. Please be sure to check your particular home country requirements to know how close to your departure you need to take the test.
There are multiple testing centers around the country where you can go for your PCR test.
Travel delays
While COVID-19 restrictions have been removed throughout the country, there is still a small chance of travel delays while the country undergoes the reopening process. If you purchase a day tour, multi-day tour , or rent a car on Guide to Iceland but test positive on arrival to Iceland or your flight gets delayed or canceled, you can choose to reschedule your trip to another date. If that is not an option for you, you will get a full refund. If you purchase a self-drive tour or guided tour package , you will also get a full refund.
As long as you cancel your booking with at least 24-hours notice, you will be able to reschedule or completely cancel your trip. Accommodation bookings are the only exceptions to this policy. Each establishment has its own cancellation policy. You can find detailed information regarding the individual policy in your email voucher.
Guide to Iceland has honored all refund requests for COVID-19 related cancellations to date. To cancel and get a full refund after arrival, don’t hesitate to contact us via email with your booking details and test result within 4 hours after receiving the test result.
You can find the full terms of service on each of our product pages.
Guide to Iceland makes sure that every customer receives the services they have purchased. Guide to Iceland will always offer alternative options or free upgrades if a customer books a service with a company that can not deliver it. However, now that the border has reopened without restriction, Icelandic businesses offering tours and other services throughout the country are fully prepared to welcome travelers back.
Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, tours, and other attractions remain open and accept customers without disturbance to their services and hours of operation.
Iceland’s main attraction, nature, has remained open even when restrictions were in place.
Please visit Iceland’s Official Ministry of Health website for the most up-to-date information on Iceland’s COVID-19 policies.
Yes, you can. But we highly recommend that you book in advance. You will get a full refund if your flight gets canceled or you test positive for COVID-19 on arrival. Booking after arrival will limit your options as availability is limited in Iceland right now.
If you have further questions, please drop us an email , and we will help you with your trip.
Yes, absolutely! Here at Guide to Iceland, we’re committed to ensuring those enjoying our experiences’ safety and welfare. Therefore, we are honoring our cancellation policy fully, which you can read more about in our terms and conditions . In short, you can never lose a booking with us. If you choose to cancel your booking, please email us at [email protected] , and we will process your request.
We look forward to seeing you in Iceland!
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Iceland Travel is working within guidelines set forth by the Icelandic health, safety, and tourism authorities during the covid-19 pandemic. Information can be found on the Directorate of Health and on Icelandic Tourist Board .
Information on traveling to and within Iceland, as well as rules at the border can be found on covid.is .
Some countries may require a negative rapid antigen test or PCR test for travelers to return home. Please check if these rules apply for your home country. From 1st of April 2022 there is a charge for all asymptomatic tests.
For testing and results, It is necessary to have a smart phone (or tablet) and to be able to access your email account while in Iceland. You will receive a barcode for the test to be used at the testing locations and to receive the results of your test via SMS and/or email.
We strongly recommend that you / your clients have appropriate health and travel insurance and are aware of what is covered and included before traveling to Iceland. This is a good precaution in case you / your clients test positive for COVID 19 before traveling, upon arrival or during the trip in Iceland.
We recommend that all our guests bring their own personal protective equipment they are most comfortable using, such as a mask, gloves and sanitizer.
Covid-19 Q&A
As always, we strongly recommend that our guests obtain appropriate health and travel insurance and are aware of what is covered and included in their policies before they depart home.
If a guest on a tour has any Covid-19 symptoms, it is important to notify the guide/staff on tour and think carefully of your own personal protection and that of your travel companions.
As of February 24, 2022, all COVID restrictions in Iceland will be lifted. However, if health authorities or government recommend or implement restrictions, we will make necessary alterations to the tour for the safety and enjoyment of our guests.
Some countries now require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test on arrival. You can find more information about how to order a test in Iceland here in the section “Testing of Asymptomatic Individuals for Travel Abroad.” You should book your RAPID ANTIGEN COVID test in advance of your desired test date. Most authorities do not accept SMS results and will require a certificate of your COVID-19 test. You should check whether authorities in your home country will accept an electronic certificate or require a printed one.
Rapid Antigen COVID testing is available in Reykjavík, Akureyri, and the town of Keflavík on the way to the airport. Test results are available within 15 minutes. You can book a test here or here .
Iceland Travel Restrictions Continue to Change—Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Vaccinated americans can still travel to iceland with no quarantine, but testing requirements and social-distancing measures are back due to a spike in covid-19 cases this summer..
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Entrance of an ice cave inside Vatnajökull glacier in southern Iceland
Photo by Albert Russ/Shutterstock
Ever since April 6, 2021, all travelers (regardless of origin) who can show proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or prior COVID-19 infection have had permission to enter Iceland. But just a month after all social-distancing rules were lifted on June 26, a rise in new cases of coronavirus—even among its highly vaccinated population—has prompted the Icelandic government to reinstate testing requirements for all travelers en route to Iceland. Before you start plotting your trip to see the still-erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano , here’s what you need to know about Iceland’s new travel restrictions.
Before you book your ticket . . .
Make sure you can show proof of one of two things: a full COVID-19 vaccination—be it Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)—via one of the official accepted forms , or an accepted document that shows prior COVID-19 infection (for example, a positive PCR test that’s older than 14 days). Note that for proof of prior infection, you need documented laboratory results; clinical diagnoses and rapid diagnostic tests (antigen or antibody tests) are not accepted.
As of July 27 , vaccinated travelers and those who can prove previous infection born in 2004 or earlier must also now provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test that is no more than 72 hours old before departing for Iceland.
While both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers without proof of prior infection can visit, the vaccinated and those who had COVID previously won’t have to quarantine. The unvaccinated face a host of other tests and restrictions (see below).
Children born in 2005 or later are allowed to enter Iceland with their parents and do not have to be tested at the border or be subject to quarantine.
All visitors to Iceland born in 2004 or earlier need to preregister on this website before entering the country.
Even with these new travel restrictions, don’t expect to have the plane to yourself on the way over. Between the excitement of Iceland’s volcano tourism, its reopening to international travelers, and the country’s perennial appeal, AFAR’s trusted travel advisors are reporting a flood of interest and bookings.
Do I need to quarantine on arrival?
Vaccinated travelers: If you’re vaccinated or can provide proof of a previous COVID infection, you won’t have to quarantine.
Unvaccinated travelers: However, unvaccinated travelers without proof of prior infection must present negative PCR test results on arrival and take another PCR test upon arrival then quarantine for five days at an approved accommodation and test again at the end of quarantine to be released.
What are the COVID counts and vaccine rates in Iceland?
Iceland has been lauded as one of the more successful countries at containing spring 2020’s COVID-19 infections. After the country managed to contain a larger wave of infections in fall 2020, a spike in new coronavirus cases this summer has led to a tightening of restrictions once again in July 2021.
Iceland has approved several COVID-19 vaccinations for use, including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), and is currently providing free, nonmandatory vaccinations to citizens. As of 2019, Iceland has 356,991 residents; according to official Iceland vaccination statistics updated in early August, more than 255,322 residents have been fully vaccinated, and more than 275,173 have received at least one dose. That means roughly 71 percent of Iceland’s population has been fully vaccinated—one of the highest rates in the world .
On August 9, 2021, the CDC added Iceland to its “Avoid Travel” list and issued a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 in Iceland alert. The U.S. State Department also issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory to Iceland on the same day “due to COVID-19 related restrictions,” indicating a “very high level of COVID-19 in the country.”
The country has reported 30 coronavirus-related deaths since February 2020. The CDC warns: If you must travel to Iceland, get fully vaccinated before travel. All travelers need to stay six feet from others, avoid crowds, wear a mask in public spaces where distancing isn’t possible, and wash their hands. By comparison, the U.S. State Department currently lists Israel, France, and Aruba as Level 4 (Do Not Travel) while Mexico and Italy are Level 3.
What kind of mitigation rules are in place?
Being fully vaccinated doesn’t ensure you can’t catch or spread variants of the virus, so heeding the country’s social-distancing and masking rules remains paramount.
The Icelandic government reimposed social-distancing rules again on July 25. They will remain in effect until at least August 27 , when they’ll be updated on the country’s official COVID-19 page . You must keep one meter (roughly three feet) between people who are not “closely linked” to you and wear a mask when social distancing isn’t possible. Face masks that cover the nose and mouth are still required on public transport (all operating as normal), and in taxis, stores, salons, as well as at sports events, movie theaters, and concerts. While restaurant owners can decide their own masking rules, there are also limits to the number of people allowed inside restaurants and bars, as well as theaters, grocery stores, pharmacies, and museums to help ensure social distancing.
Iceland is extremely dependent on tourism (2.3 million visitors arrived there in 2018, according to the Icelandic Tourist Board ). If you follow Iceland’s protocols and laws, it’s safe to say you will be welcomed.
How much is actually open (museums, bars, restaurants)?
From museums to outdoor tours, expect to find most things open and operating across Iceland, albeit under new COVID-19 norms, with reservations often required and reduced hours and capacity possible.
Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants that serve alcohol are open but have an 11 p.m. curfew and allow a maximum of 100 guests. While mask use isn’t mandated at these venues, all guests are required to leave their tracing information including name, ID number, and telephone number. Swimming pools and hot springs, including the famous Blue Lagoon attraction, are open but operating at a 75 percent limited capacity.
To be safe, call ahead of time to make sure whatever you’re planning to do is available. (Most Icelanders speak excellent English, but you can always request your hotel call for you.)
What are the requirements for returning to the United States?
Negative COVID-19 tests are required to enter the United States from a foreign country, including Iceland. This applies to everyone, including all U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated travelers. Both viral antigen tests or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, are accepted. The test must be taken within three days of your return to the U.S.
You can book an advance appointment for a COVID-19 antigen test in Keflavík and Reykjavík through testcovid.is. Expect to pay 6,900 ISK (about US$55) and results will be emailed to you in 15–25 minutes, so you can book this test on your way to the Keflavík airport. The Keflavík site is open every day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Reykjavík site is open Monday through Friday between 5 a.m. and 1 p.m.
In May, the CDC also approved the use of at-home tests with a telehealth video call for international arrivals. So you can pack one of those—which range from $25 to $50—and complete the test in the comfort of your own accommodations up to three days before your return flight home.
There’s no need to quarantine in Iceland while you wait for your test results. Upon arrival in the U.S. with your negative COVID-19 test result, there’s also no need to quarantine.
What about old-school things like “needing a visa”–does that apply here?
Americans don’t need a visa to visit Iceland and can stay for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes. A full list of nationalities that require visas to travel to Iceland can be found here .
What airlines have flights to Iceland right now?
Icelandair flies year-round from Boston daily, and it restarted daily service from New York (JFK and EWR), Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, and Seattle last May through this December. You can also book flights from Minneapolis (five times a week) or Orlando (four times a week) now through December. Seasonal flights four times a week depart from Portland, Oregon, now through October 31.
Delta’s daily service to Reykjavík–Keflavík from JFK started back up on May 1 and resumed from Boston on May 20 and from Minneapolis/St. Paul on May 27.
United started daily service from Chicago to Reykjavík July 1 to run through October 3. United’s daily flights from Newark to Reykjavík resumed June 3 through October 29.
A recent search on Google Flights for nonstop round trips from New York were about $350, about $430 from Boston, and about $650 with one layover from Los Angeles.
Any suggestions on places to stay or tour operators?
Some of our favorite places to stay and tour operators in Iceland include:
Hidden Iceland
AFAR’s digital content director Laura Dannen Redman flew via Icelandair out of JFK in May and traveled with Hidden Iceland, a bespoke travel company that specializes in small group and private tours with an emphasis on active travel. “My husband and I had a guided tour with Hidden Iceland’s Ryan Connolly—it was like road tripping with a (very knowledgeable) friend. The late-May trip started in dramatic fashion with a twilight hike the day we landed to watch the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupt, which is now one of my top travel experiences of all time. We then went on a two-day Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon tour and glacier hike in the UNESCO protected Vatnajökull National Park . The nature was stunning—next level—and the adventures across the country were made for social distancing.”
G Adventures
Founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, an AFAR 2018 Travel Vanguard winner, small adventure tour operator G Adventures has more than a dozen Iceland itineraries departing as soon as August 20, 2021, all the way through summer 2022 for those who like to plan ahead.
For a last-minute trip, the three-day Classic Reykjavik Summer Mini Adventure is $899 per person for its August 20 departure; it takes you through Iceland’s capital, the Kerid Crater, and Videy Island, with Blue Lagoon and whale watching excursions. For a more comprehensive itinerary, the seven-day Best of Iceland — Plus trip is $2,799 per person for its September 11 departure. During the guided trek, you’ll get to hike a glacier at Skaftafell National Park, visit the black-sand Reynisfjara beach near Vík, and more.
All G Adventure bookings made now through December 31, 2021, for travel departing now through December 31, 2022, can be canceled and rebooked up to 14 days prior to departure date to allow travelers a little more peace of mind in case they have to reschedule.
Classic Journeys
You can’t go wrong with a Classic Journeys guide —locals who are handpicked by the company founders based on their knowledge, skill, and ability to make you feel welcome, wherever you are. In Iceland, you may be led by a descendent of 9th-century Vikings. Its Iceland Culture + Walking itinerary is a great bet: “Guided by dyed-in-the-wool Icelanders, you’ll enjoy the captivating chaos of Iceland’s nature, interwoven with fascinating Norse mythology. Walk some of the most cinematic paths on the planet—over ancient glaciers, vivid moss fields and black-sand beaches—to Viking ruins, waterfalls, and fishing villages for lunch with local families.”
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is an AFAR favorite spa hotel that gives you private access to the famed lagoon, while the minimalist-chic Silica Hotel provides easy access to the Blue Lagoon and Silica Lagoon.
Hotel Ranga , about 60 miles south of Reykjavík on the island’s south coast, where the suites are themed after the seven continents, has an onsite observatory for stargazing and offers tours through Southcoast Adventure to ice caves, volcanoes, and glaciers as well as horseback adventures.
Rental cars
Holdur , the largest rental car company in Iceland, has rental locations across the island and minivans, cargo vans, campers, and motor homes in its fleet. However, as in the United States, there’s also a rental car shortage in Iceland this summer. If you’re lucky enough to find one available, you’ll likely be faced with sky-high prices . A recent search on Kayak showed prices starting at $997 for a one-week rental on small economy vehicles in August. If you wait until mid-September, starting prices drop to a more reasonable $367.
With additional reporting by Laura Dannen Redman.
This story was originally published on May 4, 2021; it was updated on August 13, 2021, with current information.
>>Next: How to Have Your Dream Vacation in Iceland
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Iceland is lifting all COVID-19 restrictions - what does that mean for visitors?
Feb 24, 2022 • 2 min read
Iceland is preparing to lift all public COVID-19 restrictions © Getty Images
Iceland will begin lifting COVID-19 restrictions on February 25, including the requirement for travelers to isolate upon arrival or test negative to enter.
"All official epidemiological measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted, both domestically and at the border," Iceland's health ministry said in a press release on Wednesday.
"This eliminates all rules on restrictions on gatherings and schooling, as well as the requirement for isolation of those infected with COVID-19."
Furthermore, starting March 1, all COVID-19 border restrictions will be lifted. That means means travelers no longer have to present a pre-departute COVID-19 test, show their vaccination status or quarantine upon arrival. Unvaccinated travelers are also permitted to visit for the first time since October 2021.
The best time to visit Iceland
Previously, all travelers were required to show proof of full vaccination or a certificate of recovery to enter Iceland, in addition to a negative test result.
The move to lift all public restrictions comes as Iceland records a significant decline in coronavirus-related hospitalizations and moves closer towards its goal of reaching an 80% vaccination rate by the end of March.
The 15 best things to do in the Westfjords: waterfalls, witchcraft, and all out wilderness
"We can certainly be happy at this juncture, but I still urge people to be careful, take care of personal infection control and take a break if they experience symptoms," said Willum Þór Þórsson, Iceland’s health minister.
Iceland joins several other European countries such as Denmark , England , and Ireland , in lifting restrictions. Italy this week announced it would end its state of emergency on March 31 and start to ease COVID-19 rules , while Portugal is expected to announce a similar lifting of restrictions in the coming days.
You might also like: Iceland’s top 10 geothermal pools Iceland’s best road trips 15 best places to visit in Iceland
This article was first published Jan 29, 2021 and updated Feb 24, 2022.
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The Ísland.is App
Welcome to Iceland
There are currently no travel restrictions due to COVID-19 in Iceland, neither domestically nor at the border.
Finally the time has come that all travel restrictions have been lifted in Iceland, both domestically and at the border. Thereby all rules regarding limitations on social gatherings and school operations as well as the quarantine requirement for those infected by COVID-19 are removed.
Additionally, no disease prevention measures will be in place at the border, regardless of whether individuals are vaccinated or unvaccinated.
For further information please read the full Government‘s press release . Information about testing due to symptoms .
Please note that visa requirements may apply.
Inspiration
Should you need any help planning your trip to Iceland, here is some inspiration:
Inspired by Iceland
Visit Iceland
Safe Travel
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