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

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.

Certificate of full vaccination against COVID: read what vaccination certificates are accepted and what information is required on the official Directorate of Health page.

Certificate of previous COVID infection: read what certificates are accepted and what information is required on the official Directorate of Health page.

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

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.

covid.is - all information, developments, and advice about Iceland and COVID-19 can be found at the official website maintained by Iceland's Directorate of Health and the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management.

Government.is - the Icelandic government posts news related to border restrictions and entry regulations.

Icelandair.com - up-to-date information on our flight schedule, safety measures, and more.

Keflavik airport - measures related to COVID-19 at Iceland's main airport.

Regarding travel restrictions to Iceland as a result of COVID-19 - official page of the Icelandic authorities.

We're glad you asked!

From the USA

Check out our Flights page for options from US cities, and check if there are current offers for flight deals.

Check out our Vacations page, where we make it easy to explore the best of Iceland's beauty with a range of great-value packages and tours.

From the UK

Check out our Flights page for options from UK airports London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Manchester and Glasgow, and also check if there are offers for flight deals.

Check out our Holidays page, where we offer packages (including self-drive) and tours that take all the work out of holiday planning.

From other destinations

We fly from 13 airports in North America, and 24 airports in Europe. 

Click through to one of the above links for flights, offers or holiday packages, then find deals from your home country by clicking on the flag icon at the top of the page.

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. 

Our number one priority is the health and safety of our customers and crew. Read about our safety measures – at the airport and on board – on our Safe travels - shared responsibility page.

COVID aside, you might be thinking about travel down the track, and wondering when is the best time to visit Iceland. The answer is 'any time' - read more on our blog post When is the best time to visit Iceland?

We understand the need for reassurance, so we encourage you to read more about the current situation in Iceland. View the statistics for COVID-19 in Iceland in English at covid.is.

In an attempt to control the outbreak and minimize the strain on the healthcare system, Iceland has implemented various testing and tracing measures, together with social gathering bans and social distancing measures. Details of the measures are outlined at 'Restrictions in effect' on covid.is.

In an attempt to control the outbreak and minimize the strain on the healthcare system, Iceland has implemented various testing and tracing measures, together with social gathering bans and social distancing measures. Details of the measures are outlined at 'Restrictions in effect' on covid.is.

From May 10, 2021, the following rules apply:

• The general gathering limit is 50 people. 
• The 2-meter social distancing rule and the obligation to wear face masks remain in place.
• Stores have limits on customer numbers based on their size (up to a maximum of 200 customers).
• Restriction numbers do not apply to public transport and domestic flights.
• Swimming pools, spas and gyms may open with some limitations (75% of capacity).
• Cinemas, performing arts and cultural/sporting events may have up to 75 participants and 150 persons (seated) in the audience.
• Restaurants, bars and cafes may admit up to 50 guests and must close by 11pm (no new guests permitted after 10pm).
• Face masks must be worn where it is not possible to ensure a 2-meter social distance.

Face masks are required on board Icelandair aircraft. In public spaces in Iceland, masks must be worn where the 2-meter social distancing rules cannot be respected, including on domestic flights and ferries and on public transport such as buses. Most stores and services require that face masks are worn.

Read about the latest measures being introduced (or reintroduced) in the News section of the Government.is website, or on covid.is.

Please see the answer above for information on restrictions and closures.

Tourist websites outline what is open (restaurants, museums, attractions), and the kinds of information you need to know. Facebook pages for local businesses are also very useful.

Inspired by Iceland

Visit Reykjavík

The opening hours of restaurants and shops have been limited due to the reduction in the number of flights. 

In the main shopping area, the Duty Free Store is always open when flights are on schedule. Mathús (House of Food, self-service restaurant) is open for all morning flights.

More information is available on the Keflavík airport website.

Bus transfers from Keflavík airport to Reykjavík are operating to a limited schedule. Check the website of Flybus for updates. Note that passengers arriving in Iceland who must go into quarantine are allowed to use the Flybus.

Other options for arrivals at Keflavík airport include taxi, or self-drive with a rental car. See the website of Flybus for airport transfer car rental deals. 

Other options include picking up a car that has been left at the airport by a friend or family member. Being picked up by friends or family is considered a breach of quarantine regulations, as is taking the number 55 public bus from Keflavík to Reykjavík. 

For travel from Reykjavík to Keflavík, Strætó bus route number 55 operates.

For information on official procedures if a test returns a positive result, see the covid.is website published by the Icelandic authorities.

At Icelandair, we want to provide extra peace of mind for passengers who might test positive for COVID-19 in Iceland.

We will rebook a passenger for their return home, free of charge, after they have served the mandatory self-isolation period. This applies if a positive result is returned for the COVID-19 test administered upon arrival at Keflavík airport, or the second test 4-6 days after arrival (where applicable).

Terms and conditions:

• Only passengers holding a round-trip ticket with Icelandair are eligible.
• The passenger must present Icelandair with a certificate of COVID-19 test results issued by the Icelandic health authorities.
• Other passengers in the same booking may also avail of the free rebooking upon request.
• In the case of group bookings with more than 9 passengers, only passengers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 and their immediate family members (children, parents, partner) may avail of the free rebooking policy and not other passengers.

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.

Travel restrictions are fast-changing. We recommend that travelers look into the up-to-date rules that apply to their trip, such as the need to quarantine after returning home.

See our information on COVID-19 entry requirements for the destinations we fly to.