Iceland to ease restrictions on international arrivals by mid-June

This week, the Icelandic government announced that travel restrictions will be eased in the coming month.

Since April 22, 2020 everyone has been required to go into quarantine upon arrival in Iceland. Tourists and Icelandic citizens and residents have been required to undergo a two-week quarantine regardless of where they have traveled from.

Easing of restrictions for international travelers

On May 12, the Government of Iceland announced that it expects to start easing restrictions on international arrivals to Iceland no later than June 15, 2020, while from May 15 some professionals arriving in Iceland (including scientists, filmmakers and athletes) will be eligible for a modified quarantine.

Also announced: as of May 15, 2020, passengers from Greenland and the Faroe Islands are not required to go into quarantine.

The exact details of the changes expected by mid-June have not yet been finalized. It is expected that travelers to Iceland will be given a choice between a two-week quarantine, or being tested for the virus upon arrival, or otherwise proving that they are free of coronavirus infection. 

Final details on the easing of quarantine requirements for travelers will be announced by the end of May, and we will post updates.

Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, the Icelandic Minister of Tourism, Industry and Innovation says: 

"When travelers return to Iceland we want to have all mechanisms in place to safeguard them and the progress made in controlling the pandemic. Iceland's strategy of large-scale testing, tracing and isolating have proven effective so far. We want to build on that experience of creating a safe place for those who want a change of scenery after what has been a tough spring for all of us."

We at Icelandair can't wait to welcome you back when you're ready, and when the government requirements for safe travel are finalized.

Iceland’s fight against COVID-19

There have been few new COVID-19 infections confirmed in Iceland in May (check updates on the official covid.is website). On May 8, gathering restrictions were eased in Iceland, and businesses have begun to reopen. 

Learn more about how Iceland has confronted the pandemic, and read our collection of media stories from around the globe reporting on the Icelandic approach.