21.07.2021

Iceland is Open: Border Restrictions Lifted from July 1st (updated)

19th JULY UPDATE:
Starting 27th July, vaccinated travelers will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result when arriving in Iceland.

  • Both PCR test certificates and rapid test certificates will be accepted.
  • Tests must be less than 72 hours old.
  • The rules for non-vaccinated travelers will remain unchanged.
  • For more details please check the official government COVID website.

The Icelandic government continues to ease border restrictions that were implemented due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Starting 1st of July, Iceland is pretty much back to normal life. This is because 87% of the adult population has received at least 1 dose of a vaccine.

Campervan driving in Iceland through a bridge

Last week all restrictions within-country were lifted – no more social distancing, limits on gatherings, mask-wearing, limits on opening hours. From the 1st of July, vaccinated passengers and children won’t have to be tested upon arrival, making it even easier to enter the country.

General Rules

  • Pre-register before arriving in Iceland and confirm their departure day, if available.
  • Present a certificate of full vaccination, or a certificate of the previous infection, at the border. 
  • Present a negative PCR test certificate against COVID-19. Rapid antigen tests are also valid.
  • Download the Rakning C-19 app. We use it, amongst other things, to communicate negative testing results and helps to trace infections if necessary.
  • Rules on the borders are in force until August 15th, 2021.

‍If the slightest suspicion arises that a person presented a forged certificate, he/she/they will be obliged to be tested twice with quarantine in between.

Leaving Iceland

If you need a negative test for your departure, there are a couple of places to you can get tested and receive the certificate.

  • The Health Care centres offer PCR and rapid antigen tests in Reykjavik and Akureyri. More info: travel.covid.is
  • Öryggismiðstoðin offer rapid antigen tests in Keflavik and Reykjavik (2 locations). More info: testcovid.is
  • Arctic Therapeutics offer rapid antigen tests in Reykjavik and Akureyri. More info: covidtest.is
wing of a plane in a sky

Frequently Asked Questions

With so many rules changing all the time, it can be very overwhelming. We get many questions regarding border restrictions, so let’s go over the most frequently asked questions and how new rules apply to them.

Do I need to get tested and quarantine upon arrival?

No, if you are fully vaccinated or have had COVID-19 infection.
UPDATED July 20th: you will have 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.

Who can enter the country without being tested and having to quarantine?

  • Passengers who are fully vaccinated and 14 days have passed from the second dose and have all necessary documentation to prove it.
  • Passengers who have had COVID-19 infection and have documentation meeting the requirements.
  • Children born after 2005.

What documents do I need to present at the border?

All requirements for documentation can be found here for vaccinated people and here for those who had COVID-19.

If a document is not valid the individual needs to undergo 2 tests and quarantine for 5 days in between.

I only received one vaccine shot. Do I need to quarantine?

Yes. Unless you’ve been vaccinated with the Jenssen vaccine, you need to receive all doses of the vaccine to be fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to undergo 2 tests and quarantine for 5 days.

I am fully vaccinated but 14 days have not passed. Do I need to quarantine?

If the 14 days have not passed, you will need to undergo a test and quarantine until a negative result is received (up to 24 hours).

My child is born in 2005. Does he/she/they need to quarantine?

Children that are 16 years and older need to undergo testing at the boarder, quarantine for 5 days and have a second test, unless they are fully vaccinated.

Children who have not reached the age of 18 are permitted to travel to Iceland with their parents, given the parents are exempt from travel restrictions to Iceland.

Where can I get tested in Iceland?

If you need a negative test for your departure, you can register here. Information on the opening hours of testing centers for COVID-19 screening/testing can be found here.

I’m traveling in August. Will the rules change?

Current rules are valid from 1st July until 15th August 2021. The pandemic is still not over. Therefore, rules can change at any time with short notice. Always check covid.is for the latest information, practice good hygiene, and get tested if you have any symptoms.

I have more questions. Can I contact you?

If you have questions regarding border screening, testing, quarantine, please visit covid.is. If you still don’t find information, there is an online chat option to contact a healthcare specialist.

If you have questions regarding your booking, or need to change/cancel it, please contact us.

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