Visiting Iceland

From Europe: There are no entry restrictions for visitors holding passports (or valid residency) from EU/EFTA countries.

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. 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

Yes. 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.  

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

This requirement is in place until April 30. It is anticipated that a new system of border controls will be introduced from May 1 (see below for details).

Certificate 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 with certificates of previous COVID-19 infection issued in Iceland (positive PCR test and/or presence of antibodies)
• 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.

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.

There is no longer the option to do 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Iceland.

All travelers to Iceland must fill out a pre-registration form before their arrival in the country. From February 19, travelers must also present a negative PCR test in order to board a flight to Iceland.

Detailed, up-to-date information on the entry requirements can be found at the official COVID-19 site published by the Icelandic authorities. 

Entry regulations are in place until April 30. It is anticipated that a new system of border controls will be introduced from May 1 (see below for details).

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.  

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.

New rules from February 19, 2021:

• Those who are suspected of having no appropriate place to stay during the 5-6 day quarantine period will be required to stay at an official quarantine facility.
• Those who test positive for COVID-19 after arrival in Iceland will be required to stay at an official quarantine facility if no other adequate accommodation in isolation is available. 
• Anyone diagnosed at the border screening with one of the new, more contagious, coronavirus strains will be required to stay at an official quarantine facility.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

Iceland travel restrictions

From Europe: There are no entry restrictions for visitors holding passports (or valid residency) from EU/EFTA countries. 

From the UK: From January 1, 2021, there are changes to entry requirements for British citizens entering Iceland.

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. 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.

Flight schedule

Please see the schedule for details of our planned upcoming flights.

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).

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?

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.

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.

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.

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 February 24, 2021, the following rules apply:

• The general gathering limit is 50 people. Children born in 2005 or later are not included in this number.
• 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 and gyms are open, with some restrictions.
• Ski slopes are open, with limitations.
• Cinemas, performing arts and cultural events may have up to 50 performers and 200 persons (seated) in the audience.
• Sporting events may have up to 50 participants and 200 persons (seated) in the audience, or 50 spectators if standing.
• Restaurants, bars and nightclubs 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 and Mathús (House of Food, self-service restaurant) are always open when flights are on schedule.

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. 

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.

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.