COVID-19 travel information

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
• If you're visiting Iceland, ensure you have a negative PCR test before flying (unless exempt)
• 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

For up-to-date information about Iceland's travel restrictions, please read our blog post 'Visiting Iceland'.

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

From April 6, 2021, all travelers – regardless of origin – are welcome to visit Iceland if they can show either:

• certificate of full vaccination against COVID. Read what vaccination certificates are accepted on the official Directorate of Health page.
• certificate of previous COVID infection. Read what certificates are accepted on the official Directorate of Health page.

Please note: Iceland is welcoming vaccinated visitors from outside the Schengen zone, but further travel from Iceland to the rest of Europe is currently not permitted for non-Schengen residents.

Passengers not vaccinated against COVID-19 and not previously infected

From Europe – high-risk countries: New restrictions from April 27, 2021: there is a ban on unnecessary travel from high-risk areas (note that some exemptions apply).

Foreign nationals are unauthorized to travel to Iceland if they are arriving from or have stayed for more than 24 hours in the last 14 days in regions or countries where the 14-day incidence rate exceeds 700 per 100,000 population, or regions or countries where sufficient information is not available, unless they can provide a valid exemption.

The list of high-risk countries is regularly reviewed. 

Further details - including valid exemptions such as residence in Iceland - are outlined on the website of the Icelandic Police.

From Europe – low-risk countries: Visitors holding a passport (or valid residency) from lower-risk EU/EFTA countries are welcome to visit Iceland but must adhere to testing and quarantine regulations.

From the UK: From January 1, 2021, there are changes to entry requirements for British citizens entering Iceland. For further information, please see the official websites of the Icelandic Police and the Directorate of Immigration.

From USA and Canada: External Schengen borders are closed to USA and Canada, therefore we are currently unable to welcome US or Canadian passport-holders who do not hold proof of vaccination or prior infection. Note that some exceptions apply for close family ties and for essential travel - read more at the official site: Regarding travel restrictions to Iceland as a result of COVID-19.

From other countries: Restrictions have been lifted for residents of some non-EEA and Schengen countries. The list of countries can change with relatively short notice, so please check the official website for up-to-date information: Regarding travel restrictions to Iceland as a result of COVID-19.

The countries (note this is not based on nationality, but on provable residency in the country in question):

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Rwanda
• Singapore
• South Korea
  
• Thailand

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

If you hold an appropriate certificate showing vaccination or previous infection, you do not need to have a PCR test to board your flight to Iceland.

Passengers not vaccinated against COVID-19 and not previously infected

You do need a negative PCR test.

From February 19, it is mandatory for passengers to show a certificate of negative PCR test before boarding an aircraft to Iceland, and also upon arrival in Iceland. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure. Some exemptions apply (see below).  

Note: the negative test requirement is in addition to the requirement for all arriving passengers to undergo double screening and quarantine (with some exemptions). More information is given below.

Icelandic citizens will not be denied boarding if they do not have a certificate of negative PCR test. They will not be denied entry to Iceland, but they do face possible fines upon arrival.

This requirement for a negative PCR test is in place until May 31. It is anticipated that a new system of border controls will be introduced from June 1 (see below for details).

Certificate of negative PCR test: requirements

Only certificates that are in Icelandic, English, Danish, Norwegian or Swedish are accepted. The certificate can be in electronic form. Requirements are outlined on the government website, covid.is. 

The certificate must include:

• name and date of birth of the tested person
• date of test
• where test was performed (country, city, address)
• name and phone number of the laboratory/issuer of certificate
• date of certificate
• type of test performed (PCR test or antibody test with ELISA/serologic assay)
• result of test

Certificate exemptions 

The following are exempt from requirements for a negative PCR test certificate before boarding: 

• Children born 2005 or later
• Transit passengers who do not leave the terminal facilities
• Passengers who hold an appropriate certificate showing vaccination or previous infection

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

If you hold an appropriate certificate showing vaccination or previous infection, you are required to undergo one COVID-19 test upon arrival. The test is free of charge. You must wait for the result of this test (usually received within 5-6 hours but may take up to 24 hours) at your accommodation. You do not need to quarantine for 5-6 days and take a second test. Note: this testing requirement is temporary and will be reviewed by June 1.

Passengers not vaccinated against COVID-19 and not previously infected

It is mandatory for these passengers to undergo a double COVID-testing procedure along with quarantine for 5-6 days when they arrive in Iceland. 

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.

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

Children born 2005 or later are required to undergo a test at the border, but they do not have to present a PCR test result to board the plane. They are only required to quarantine if they are traveling with parents or guardians who are also required to quarantine.

Transit passengers who do not leave the terminal facilities are not required to undergo screening or quarantine.

Information for all passengers

All travelers to Iceland, regardless of age and what documents they can present, must 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. 

Current entry regulations are in place until May 31. It is anticipated that a new system of border controls will be introduced from June 1 (see below for details).

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.  

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

Vaccinated passengers and those with a previous COVID infection undergo a single test upon arrival. They are required to wait for the result of this test (usually received within 5-6 hours but may take up to 24 hours) at their accommodation. Passengers do not need to quarantine for 5-6 days and take a second test. Note: this testing requirement is temporary and will be reviewed by June 1.

Passengers not vaccinated against COVID-19 and not previously infected

It is mandatory for these passengers to undergo a double COVID-testing procedure along with quarantine for 5-6 days.

From April 9, the Icelandic government has issued new rules for quarantine. Read the official government announcement.

Quarantine at your home or accommodation

Rules for home-based quarantine (for people arriving from low-risk countries, where the 14-day incidence rate is under 500 per 100,000 population) are outlined on the Directorate of Health's website. Useful information is also available on covid.is.

A list of accommodations that welcome guests in quarantine is available from the website of the Icelandic Tourist Board.

New measures include the requirement that arrivals must be isolated at their home or accommodation. if more individuals reside at the same location, they are subject to the same quarantine requirements as the arriving traveler.

As part of new measures, authorities are conducting increased checks on people in home-based quarantine, and there are stricter penalties for people found breaching the rules.

Government-run quarantine facilities

The following rules apply from April 27, 2021:

Those who come from defined high-risk areas must quarantine in a quarantine facility unless exempted by the Chief Epidemiologist.

• mandatory stay at quarantine facility where the 14-day incidence rate exceeds 700 per 100,000 population - no exemptions will be granted.
• mandatory stay at a quarantine facility where the 14-day incidence rate is 500-699 per 100,000 population, with the possibility of an exemption granted by the Chief Epidemiologist (exemption must be applied for 2 days prior to arrival in Iceland).
• home quarantine where the 14-day incidence rate is under 500 per 100,000 population, provided it fulfils the government requirements for home quarantine (see above). 

There is no cost for a stay in a government quarantine facility. 

Those who cannot quarantine at home and/or prefer to stay at a quarantine facility may also dwell there, free of charge. 

Read more about quarantine facilities in the official government announcement from April 9.

Key quarantine rules for travelers to Iceland

You are allowed to:

• 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 

You are not allowed to: 

• 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

During the arrival quarantine period, passengers are not permitted to use public transport, which includes domestic flights.

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

Passengers undergoing a single test upon arrival are required to wait for a negative result (usually obtained within 5-6 hours but may take up to 24 hours) before continuing their travels. Note: this testing requirement is temporary and will be reviewed by June 1.

Passengers not vaccinated against COVID-19 and not previously infected

For passengers undergoing double screening, quarantine is lifted after a negative result from the second COVID test, 5-6 days after arrival in Iceland. 

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 a test

If you need a PCR test for your travels, plan your appointment accordingly so you receive the test certificate in time for your trip. 

To get tested in the capital area, register online at travel.covid.is. Once ready, the certificate will be sent to your email address. 

It is important to check whether authorities at your destination will accept an electronic certificate or require a printed one. SMS results are not accepted. Contact the nearest health clinic in Iceland to get a printed certificate for an extra fee. (Note: if you need testing on a weekend, please contact the clinic before the weekend.)

To get tested in the outside the capital area, contact the nearest testing center.

The test: You will be assigned a barcode for your test and a time to attend. Make sure to check the address and opening hours of the testing centers.

More details are available on covid.is.

On January 15, Icelandic authorities announced that border control measures will be cautiously lifted from May 1, taking into account the epidemiological situation abroad. On April 20, this date was amended, to begin June 1.

From June 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 (or grey), 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.

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.

COVID-19 test: Check if you need a certificate of negative PCR test before boarding an aircraft to Iceland. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure. 

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.

• 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. 

• 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.

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.

Yes, as of June 15, we require all our passengers and cabin crew to wear masks during boarding, throughout the entire duration of the flight, and when leaving the aircraft. 

Children under the age of 2 are exempt from this requirement on flights to/from the USA. Children under the age of 10 are exempt from this requirement on flights to/from Europe and Canada. 

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. From March 16, light meals and snacks, wine and beer will be offered for purchase on board. All children between 2 and 11 years old receive a complimentary meal. Unfortunately, we are unable to deliver pre-purchased meals.
• In Saga Premium, passengers will receive a bottle of water when boarding. Meal service will be available with 1 choice of main course offered with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Please note that there is a limit of 2 alcoholic beverages per passenger.
  

Between North America 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. From March 16,  light meals and snacks, wine and beer will be offered for purchase on board. All children between 2 and 11 years old receive a complimentary meal. Unfortunately, we are unable to deliver pre-purchased meals.
  
• In Saga Premium, passengers will receive a bottle of water when boarding. Meal service will be available with 1 choice of main course offered with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Please note that there is a limit of 2 alcoholic beverages per passenger.

Changes to in-flight duty-free shopping

Saga Shop is temporarily unavailable on all flights.

Passengers usually receive complimentary tea, coffee and water on domestic flights and flights to/from Greenland. However, to minimize health risks to passengers and staff, we currently do not offer refreshment service.

Yes. Food service in the Saga Lounge has been limited to ensure the safety and well-being of our visitors and staff.

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.

If your flight has been cancelled with less than 14 days notice, due to reasons other than 'extraordinary circumstances' you may be entitled to compensation as provided for in Regulation EC 261/2004.