COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Iceland (05 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Foreigners are not allowed to enter Iceland until 15 January 2021, with the following exceptions:

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

  • Foreign nationals who are in a close relationship, which has lasted for a long time, with a person who is legally resident in this country. Please note that the provision does not apply to parties who are in close contact with Icelandic citizens residing abroad.

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

  • 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.

  • Effective 10 December, visitors with proof of a previous COVID-19 infection are allowed to enter.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Transiting passengers who do not leave the terminal facilities at the border will not be required to undergo screening or quarantine.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• All arriving passengers must choose either (1) a 14-day quarantine on arrival, or (2) a double testing procedure. The double border-screening measure requires all passengers arriving in Iceland to undergo two PCR-tests: one upon arrival and another 5-6 days later.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• No

• COVID-19 tests from other countries are not accepted.

Test certificate required?

• No

• A COVID-19 test certificate is not required for entry.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• All arriving passengers must choose either (1) a 14-day quarantine on arrival, or (2) a double testing procedure. The double border-screening measure requires all passengers arriving in Iceland to undergo two PCR-tests: one upon arrival and another 5-6 days later. During this period, the travellers must remain in quarantine. Travellers who test negative on the second PCR-test will no longer need to take special precautions. Anyone who tests positive must abide by self-isolation measures. Children born in 2005 and later are exempt from this double border-screening procedure.

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 available here. This form does not serve as an application for entry.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

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

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• Airports are open and commercial flights are operating.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Iceland’s borders have remained 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

• Minimal

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

• Social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• There are no internal travel restrictions.

• Masks are required on transport when a trip exceeds 30 minutes.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Most shops are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels and other accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants with a license to sell alcohol must close by 21:00 (local time).

Bars and cafes open?

• No

• Bars are closed.

Personal care services open?

• No

• Beauty salons and hairdressers are closed.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

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

Events allowed?

• Yes

• Until 9 December, 30 people can attend funerals, while 10 people can attend funeral receptions.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

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

Other Restrictions

• Gaming rooms, nightclubs are closed.

• Museums are open.

• Arcades, entertainment venues, gyms, and pubs are closed.

• Fitness centres and swimming pools are closed.

• Colleges and universities are allowed to open with public health measures. In schools, at least two meters of physical distance must be maintained when not using face masks.

• Sports activities and performing arts are prohibited until 9 December.

Advice

The COVID-19 epidemic is changing constantly 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. Wearing a mask (face covering) is recommended in public places and when social distancing is not possible.