COVID-19 travel information
Through travel we connect people and places, and connections are more important now than ever. We know you have questions, so we’ve prepared a list of answers to help you plan.
Explore your options
Do you have a booking with us, or thinking about making one? Here’s what you need to know!
- Have an existing booking? Read up on your self-service options: you can change your dates, or cancel and request a Travel Credit Voucher.
- Wish to travel? Read our Safe travels information.
- Want to make a new booking? Read our peace of mind policy that guarantees flexibility.
For now, travel has changed, and we want to help you prepare for your upcoming flight. Here’s a handy checklist covering the important things you need to know before you take off:
- If you're visiting Iceland, pre-register online
- Check entry requirements at your destination
- Ensure we have your correct contact details
- Bring a face mask
- Limit your carry-on
- Check airport website for terminal
- Bring something to eat (buy drinks after airport security screening)
- Bring your own headphones
- Download our app
- Do not travel if you are unwell
- Read our Safe Travels page
Visiting Iceland
The rules of travel are fast-changing, with governments taking necessary precautions. Before your visit to Iceland, learn about testing and quarantine requirements upon entry. Note that visitors holding passports (or valid residency) from the Schengen area are welcome, but we are currently unable to welcome Canadian and US passport-holders (with some limited exceptions). UK citizens face new rules from January 1, 2021.
For up-to-date information about Iceland's travel restrictions, please read our blog post 'Visiting Iceland'.
From January 15, it is mandatory for passengers arriving in Iceland to undergo a double COVID-testing procedure along with quarantine for 5-6 days (with some exemptions). The first COVID test is at the border on arrival and the second by the primary healthcare service 5-6 days later. In between the 2 tests, arrivals must go into quarantine.
From January 15, 2021, there is no longer the option to do 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Iceland.
All travelers to Iceland are required to fill out a pre-registration form before their arrival in the country.
Detailed, up-to-date information on the entry requirements can be found at the official COVID-19 site published by the Icelandic authorities.
Testing cost
The testing of travelers at the border is free of charge until further notice. There is also no charge for the second test.
Testing exemptions
Note: there is not an option to bring a recent negative test result from your home country to be exempt from testing upon arrival in Iceland.
Children born 2005 or later are exempt from the screening but are required to go into quarantine along with their parents or guardians after entering Iceland. The new quarantine rules also apply to children traveling alone: they must quarantine for 5 days, along with people picking them up at the airport, and they must then undergo testing for COVID-19.
Transit passengers who do not leave the terminal facilities are not required to undergo screening or quarantine.
Passengers with certificates of previous COVID-19 infection issued in Iceland (positive PCR test and/or presence of antibodies) are accepted upon arrival, based on presumed immunity for COVID-19.
Foreign certificates of previous COVID-19 infection from the EEA/EFTA area are also accepted. See full details of what information must be included in the certificate in the announcement from the Icelandic Directorate of Health.
Passengers with certificates of COVID-19 vaccination that meet government criteria as detailed by the Icelandic Directorate of Health.
Quarantine information
Detailed rules for quarantine are outlined in a document from the Icelandic authorities. See the question below for more information.
Icelandair information
If you wish to change your booking, please visit the Change booking section of our website. If you wish to cancel your booking and apply for travel credit, you can do so online.
Many countries now require passengers to present negative COVID-19 test results before their journey. The test results must be recent, taken within the last 72 or 24 hours, depending on the rules of each country.
Note that the following procedure applies to Iceland residents as well as to visitors to Iceland who require test results for travel purposes.
Appointment for test: Contact the nearest health clinic in Iceland to make an appointment for a COVID-19 test due to international travel. (Note: if you need testing on a weekend, please contact the clinic before the weekend.)
It is necessary to state when the trip is planned, so that the timing of the test can be planned. The need for a certificate must be stated. Payments are processed when sampling is ordered.
The test: You will be assigned a barcode for your test and a time to attend. In Reykjavík, the address for the test is Suðurlandsbraut 34, 108 Reykjavík.
You can also be tested outside the capital, but you need to ensure test results are possible within the timeframe you require.
Test results: It can take up to 24 hours for results to arrive by SMS. Note that most authorities do not accept SMS results. A certificate showing the time of your COVID-19 test is required.
Obtaining a certificate for authorities: You can get a certificate in Icelandic or English sent electronically via heilsuvera.is if you have access to the online healthcare platform, or pick up a printed certificate at a health clinic. You should be in touch with your health clinic regarding specifics.
It is important to check whether authorities at your destination will accept an electronic certificate or require a printed one (for example, the UK and US will accept electronic certificates, Denmark requires a printed certificate).
If necessary, a certificate can be obtained at Læknavaktin (after-hours medical clinic) at Háaleitisbraut 68, 103 Reykjavík (open 5pm to 11:30pm), in which case an additional fee will be paid for the service.
Price for testing and certificate: If you have the European Health Insurance Card your test will cost the same as if you were insured in Iceland. Foreign tourists should bring their passport for identification purposes.
Price
- for Icelandic citizens and residents with kennitala, plus visitors with the European Health Insurance Card: 13,395 ISK
- for others: 24,475 ISK
More details are in Icelandic on the website of Heilsugæsla Höfuðborgarsvæðisins (Reykjavík health clinics).
On January 15, Icelandic authorities announced that border control measures will be cautiously lifted from May 1, taking into account the epidemiological situation abroad.
From May 1, Icelandic border controls will depend on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control color coding.
The 'traffic light' approach will be applied, with different requirements for arriving passengers from countries categorized as green, orange or red.
Passengers from low-risk countries will be exempt from quarantine and a second screening if they can provide proof of a negative PCR test prior to departure.
For arrivals from countries coded as red, the current arrangements will remain in place (2 tests upon arrival, with 5-6 days of quarantine between tests).
Passengers from orange and green countries will be allowed into Iceland with a negative COVID test performed before departure, and a single test upon arrival at the Icelandic border, with no quarantine or second test to follow.
Recovered COVID patients and the vaccinated will remain exempt from testing.
More information will be available on the official website, covid.is.
See the question above for the requirements for arrivals to Iceland regarding COVID testing and quarantine.
The detailed rules for quarantine are outlined in a document from the Icelandic authorities.
A list of accommodations that welcome guests in quarantine is available from the website of the Icelandic Tourist Board.
The key quarantine rules for travelers to Iceland:
- You may take a walk in areas where few other people are present, but must stay at least 2 meters away from any other pedestrians.
- You must not have direct contact with persons not part of your own household. When in contact with persons in your household you should pay careful attention to hygiene and attempt to keep a distance of 1–2 meters at all times.
- You must not use public transport but use of taxis, rental cars and private vehicles is permitted.
- You must not go for a drive, unless when going from point of entry to your final place of quarantine, or when going to the second screening.
- You may not visit tourist attractions and may not drive long distances (for example between towns), except if necessary between the point of entry/exit at the border and the site of quarantine.
- You must not visit restaurants, bars, gyms, swimming pools, cinemas, theaters, attend public or private gatherings of any kind or size, or visit any place where crowds are likely.
- You must not enter grocery stores, pharmacies or other stores. Delivery services are available in some, but not all, towns.
- You must not attend school or work.
Checklist: We've put together a ready to fly checklist for passengers.
Documents: The Icelandic government has published a helpful list of the documents you need to be allowed entry into Iceland.
Pre-register: If you're visiting Iceland, it is important to fill in a pre-registration form before you arrive. Here you need to enter your personal details, contact information and travel plans. Please note, that this form cannot be submitted earlier than 72 hours before your arrival in Iceland.
Download app: Visitors are strongly encouraged to download and use the free, official COVID-19 tracing app Rakning C-19. The app contains important information on COVID-19 and how to contact the healthcare service in Iceland.
To learn more on the measures that Iceland is implementing to control COVID-19, please read our blog post Visiting Iceland.
We understand these are uncertain times, but we don't want you to stop making plans. If you are considering booking a new ticket, we offer you the peace of mind of being able to change your flight at a later date. See more details on how you can book now and change later.
You can use your Travel Credit Voucher when you book a new flight on our website. After adding the passenger information and selecting onboard services, a payment step will follow where you can add your voucher number. For more information, please read Terms and Conditions for Icelandair Travel Credit Vouchers.
- If your flight has been cancelled and you do not intend to travel, you can choose to receive a Travel Credit Voucher or a refund. We recommend that you use the link provided in the cancellation email we have sent you to submit your claim. If you have not received an email, you can request a Travel Credit Voucher or refund here on our website.
- If your flight has not been cancelled, but you would like to cancel yourself, you may cancel your booking and apply for a Travel Credit Voucher. For more information please visit the Cancel booking section of our website. If the Travel Credit Voucher does not suit your travel plans, you can request a refund. Please note that the refund amount depends on your ticket fare type, documented in the fare rules of your ticket. Should you wish to receive a refund, submit your request by filling out our contact form.
- We aim to process all refunds in a timely manner once we have received all the required information from our customers. However, given the unprecedented situation and the high number of requests we have received, considerable delays in the processing time of refunds can be expected. Please allow extra time for your refund request to be completed. We appreciate your continued understanding and patience.
- If time is a concern, we do wish to to recommend that it takes considerably less time to issue a Travel Credit Voucher, should you prefer that option.
If you’ve already applied for a refund but have yet to receive it, we kindly ask for your patience, as we are doing our best to resolve all incoming cases. Due to the extremely high volume of requests in this unprecedented situation, significant delays are expected.
We want to assure you that if you have a case open, there is no need to call us to check on the status of your case. We will get to it, and you will get your money back.
- Monitor your flight status in Manage booking.
- Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in Manage booking.
- If your flight is cancelled, you’ll receive an email with all relevant information.
- If you need to be rebooked to your final destination, please contact us by phone.
- Make sure to take a look at our Ready to fly checklist.
If you would like to change your booking, please visit the Change booking section of our website.
You may cancel your booking and apply for a Travel Credit Voucher. For more information please visit the Cancel booking section of our website.
If the Travel Credit Voucher does not suit your travel plans, you can also look into whether you are entitled to a refund, which you claim by filling out our contact form. The refund amount depends on your ticket fare type. Please refer to the fare rules of your ticket.
In order to find answers to your questions, please take a look at our guide to the Travel Credit Voucher.
We recommend that you stay up-to-date on the relevant information on our website, as we regularly update our flight schedule and our rebooking policies might change.
If you want to change or cancel a flight that the rebooking policy does not cover, the fare rules of your ticket will apply.
You can change your booking yourself online through Manage booking.
- If your flight is cancelled, you’ll receive an email with all relevant information.
- If you need to be rebooked to your final destination, please contact us by phone.
If your flight has been cancelled and you do not intend to travel, you can either get a Travel Credit Voucher or a refund. We recommend that you use the link provided in the email we have sent you to submit your claim. If you have not received an email, you can request travel credit or refund here on our website.
If the Travel Credit Voucher does not suit your travel plans, you can request a refund. Please note that the refund amount depends on your ticket fare type, documented in the fare rules of your ticket. Should you wish to receive a refund, submit your request by filling out our contact form.
We are experiencing high volumes to our service center at the current time.
As a result, our customers have a lengthy wait before an agent can answer their call. At the moment, we are focusing our resources to servicing customers with flights within the next 48 hours.
If you require assistance, please fill out our contact form or contact us by phone.
Yes, as of June 15, we require all our passengers and cabin crew to wear masks during the entire duration of the flight, from boarding until disembarking. Children under 10 years of age are exempt. We also recommend that you wear a mask during your time at the airport. To learn more, please read our information about face masks.
We ask that passengers stay in their allocated seat as much as possible during the flight. By not moving around the cabin, contact between passengers is minimized.
Additionally, in the unlikely event the Icelandic government needs to trace the contacts of a passenger who tests positive for COVID-19, tracing is performed based on seat allocation.
From December 10, 2020, our regular carry-on baggage rules return (see the Baggage Allowance page for details). However, for your safety and convenience we recommend traveling with as little carry-on baggage as possible.
Passengers still have the option to check in approved carry-on baggage at no additional cost; please ask at the airport check-in desk or at the gate.
Yes. To minimize health risks to passengers and staff, we are taking the following proactive measures on our flights.
Changes to in-flight food and drink service
You are welcome to bring your own refreshments on board, but keep in mind that alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited.
We recommend you purchase drinks after passing through the airport security check, as 100mL limits still apply to liquids in hand luggage at the security screening.
Between Europe and Iceland:
- In Economy, passengers receive a bottle of water when boarding. We offer in-flight beverage service of complimentary coffee, tea, water, juice and soda. All children between 2 and 11 years old receive a complimentary meal. Other meal service is not available. Unfortunately, we are unable to deliver pre-purchased meals; refunds for pre-purchased meals can be requested online.
- In Saga Premium, passengers will have delivered to their seat a package that includes a bottle of water, food, and a drinks menu. Drink orders will be taken ahead of meal service. Please note that there is a limit of 2 alcoholic beverages per passenger. Coffee and tea is served upon request and bottled water offered 1 hour prior to landing.
Between North America and Iceland:
- In Economy, passengers receive a bottle of water and a light snack after take-off. We offer in-flight beverage service of complimentary coffee, tea, water, juice and soda. All children between 2 and 11 years old receive a complimentary meal. Other meal service is not available. Unfortunately, we are unable to deliver pre-purchased meals; refunds for pre-purchased meals can be requested online.
- In Saga Premium, passengers will have delivered to their seat a refreshment bag that includes a sandwich or salad, a light snack, and a drinks menu. Passengers will also receive our amenity kit. Drink orders will be taken ahead of meal service. Please note that there is a limit of 2 alcoholic beverages per passenger. Coffee and tea are served upon request and bottled water offered 2 hours prior to landing.
Changes to in-flight duty-free shopping
Saga Shop is temporarily unavailable on all flights.
Yes. Food service in the Saga Lounge has been limited to ensure the safety and well-being of our visitors and staff.
Fresh food items are no longer served, but drinks remain as normal. Snacks and candy are offered, and we recommend passengers take snacks with them from the Saga Lounge on their flight.
Passengers should also expect changes in the lounges that we partner with in destination airports. Some are either closed at the present time, or have limited service.
In March 2020, we introduced the Bonus Tier Credits to support Saga Club members, during the time of reduced travelling due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We will continue this support until further notice. The amount of Bonus Tier Credits members will receive is the average number of Tier Credits they have earned for Icelandair flights over the last 12 months prior to March 2020. Please bear in mind that Tier Credits determine whether members are eligible for the status of Saga Silver or Saga Gold membership and that members earn them for flying Icelandair scheduled flights. If you have more questions, please read on.
Who is eligible for the Bonus Tier Credits?
All Saga Club members that have earned Tier Credits for an Icelandair scheduled flight over the last 12 months prior to March 2020 are eligible for the Bonus Tier Credit.
How much Bonus Tier Credits will I receive as a Saga Club member?
The amount of Bonus Tier Credits you will receive is the average number of Tier Credits you have earned for Icelandair scheduled flights in the last 12 months prior to March 2020.
When do I get the Bonus Tier Credits?
The Bonus Tier Credits will be automatically credited to your Saga Club account on the last day of the month.
If you've missed your flight due to the travel restrictions, please fill in our contact form (even if you have reached out to us on social media before) or contact us through phone.
Yes. At Icelandair, safety is always our number one priority – for our customers and our employees. Research has shown that the risk of communicable diseases being transmitted on board an aircraft is minimal. Our cleaning process is robust and we use disinfectants that have proven effective against viruses. Please be reassured that we have taken precautions.
Read more about our safety procedures.
Things change fast as airlines return to the skies, so we recommend travelers check airport websites for up-to-date information about departure and arrival terminals, and which airport services are open.
Due to the fast-changing nature of travel restrictions, we recommend confirming the latest entry requirements for your destination. You can do this on our COVID-19 entry requirements & arrival forms page.