Visiting Iceland

Quick guide to COVID-19 border measures

Ísland.is offers a quick online guide to take you through the rules that apply when you visit Iceland, tailored to your specific situation (your vaccination status, nationality, etc).

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

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.

Passengers not vaccinated against COVID-19 and not previously infected

All arriving passengers who do not have a certificate of vaccination or prior infection must adhere to testing and quarantine regulations. There are restrictions on some nationalities.

From Europe: Visitors holding a passport (or valid residency) from EEA/EFTA countries (EU member states plus Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are welcome to visit Iceland.

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: From June 24, 2021, visitors who are verifiably residents in and traveling from the USA are welcome to visit Iceland. The list of non-EEA/EFTA countries permitted to enter Iceland 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 (see #8 on this page under 'Travel restrictions do not apply to:').

From Canada: From July 5, 2021, visitors who are verifiably residents in and traveling from Canada are welcome to visit Iceland. The list of non-EEA/EFTA countries permitted to enter Iceland 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 (see #8 on this page under 'Travel restrictions do not apply to:').

From other countries: Restrictions have been lifted for residents of some non-EEA/EFTA 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 (see #8 on this page under 'Travel restrictions do not apply to:').

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 results before boarding an aircraft to Iceland. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure. From July 27 GMT 00:00, all travelers need such a test before boarding.

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.

Fully vaccinated means you have received both doses of double-dose vaccinations accepted by Icelandic authorities, and a full 14 days have elapsed after the second dose.

Note: Only one dose is required for the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccination, and you are considered fully vaccinated after a full 14 days have elapsed since receiving the single dose. 

Full details are on the covid.is website.

Except for the one-shot Janssen vaccine, the vaccines accepted by Icelandic authorities require 2 doses. For these double-shot vaccines, travelers are considered fully vaccinated after 14 days have elapsed since their second dose. 

Travelers who have received the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine are considered fully vaccinated after 14 days have elapsed since their single shot.

Travelers entering Iceland who have received only their first dose must follow the same rules as unvaccinated travelers.

Travelers entering Iceland before 14 days have elapsed since their vaccination, do not need a negative PCR test to board the flight*, but they need to undergo a single COVID-19 test upon arrival and must home quarantine until a negative result is obtained (the results are usually available within 24 hours). 

* From July 27 GMT 00:00, all travelers must present a negative test no older than 72 hours to board a flight for Iceland. 

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

Until July 26, GMT 23:59: No. If you hold an appropriate certificate showing full vaccination or previous infection, you do not need to have a PCR test to board your flight to Iceland.

Starting July 27: Yes. A new rule states that you require a negative test before boarding an aircraft to Iceland, taken within 72 hours of departure. Both PCR and rapid antigen test results are accepted. These are new entry rules will apply as of GMT 00:00 on July 27.

Passengers not vaccinated against COVID-19 and not previously infected

Yes, you do need a negative PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not valid.

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).  

Transit passengers who are not vaccinated and have not been previously infected must present a negative PCR test. Transit passengers who do not leave the terminal facilities, are however exempt from quarantine and testing at the airport.

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.

Certificate of negative 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. 

Certificate exemptions 

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

• Children born 2005 or later.
• Passengers who hold an appropriate certificate showing vaccination or previous infection.

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

No. From July 1, 2021, there is no longer a requirement for arrival testing for passengers fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it.

However, as July 27, GMT 00:00, residents of Iceland and others who have widespread social ties in the country are encouraged to get tested as soon as possible after arriving in Iceland, even when they are asymptomatic. Read more in the government announcement.

Passengers not vaccinated against COVID-19 and not previously infected

Yes. 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 exempt from testing upon arrival. 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.

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

No. From July 1, 2021, there is no longer a requirement for arrival testing for passengers fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it. Arrivals do not need to wait for a negative test result to begin their travels in Iceland.

From July 27, GMT 00:00, residents of Iceland and others who have widespread social ties in the country are encouraged to get tested as soon as possible after arriving in Iceland, even when they are asymptomatic. Read more in the government announcement.

Passengers not vaccinated against COVID-19 and not previously infected

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

Quarantine at your home or approved accommodation

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.

Rules for home-based quarantine 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. Arrivals must pre-register an address for the quarantine period (as part of the registration process for visiting Iceland).

Government-run quarantine facilities

Arrivals who do not have access to adequate facilities to undergo home quarantine are required to stay in a government-run quarantine facility. There is no charge. 

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

Icelandic authorities consider Greenland to be a safe area. People traveling from Greenland to Iceland can travel without restrictions.

Ísland.is - a quick online guide to take you through the rules that apply when you visit Iceland, tailored to your specific situation (your vaccination status, nationality, etc).

covid.is - all information, developments, and advice about Iceland and COVID-19 can be found at the official government website. See data for COVID-19 cases in Iceland, and vaccination progress.

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 cities in North America, and 23 cities 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.

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

From July 1, 2021, there is no longer a requirement for arrival testing for passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it. Passengers are able to fly domestically straight after arrival.

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. 

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

We’re excited to welcome you to Iceland! 

We know it may have been some time since your last travel experience, and you might have concerns. Travel these days doesn’t need to be complicated, provided you have your documents in order and you know what to expect. 

We want to help make your arrival a smooth experience, so here’s information to guide you from the plane, through the airport, to Iceland’s welcoming spaces. 

Planning information

covid.is is the official government website. It's full of all the information you need regarding entry restrictions, testing and quarantine requirements, and more. We also have plenty of information for planning a trip on our Visiting Iceland page.

Pre-register your visit

Before you fly, please ensure you register your arrival at covid.is.

Keflavík airport

Icelandair passengers from Europe and North America land at Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Once inside the terminal, it’s a small, walkable airport with everything you need. There are stores and restaurants, and look out for taps near restrooms where you can fill up water bottles with pure Icelandic water. Check out a map of the terminal.

Passage through the airport

After disembarking, here’s the order of events for arriving passengers traveling through the terminal: 

1. Border control for those arriving from non-Schengen destinations (including the USA and UK). Here you will present your passport. 
2. Baggage claim hall where you pick up your baggage. Make a detour to the duty free store (follow the Icelanders, who will often be heading here!).
3. Document verification is done when you exit the baggage hall. Make sure you have your documents ready, as this is where officials will inspect paperwork such as negative test before travel, plus certificate of vaccination or proof of prior COVID-19 infection. 
4. Testing center where COVID-19 testing is performed, for arrivals who do not have a certificate of vaccination or prior infection. You will be guided to this facility, which has been set up outside the terminal. Please be patient if there is a line. As the number of arrivals to Iceland increases, there may be some short delays at peak times. Once testing is complete, you are able to re-enter the terminal.

Inside the airport terminal you can buy tickets for bus transfers to Reykjavík, or pick up a rental car. Note that Keflavík international airport is 50km (31 miles) from downtown Reykjavík.

From June 26, 2021, all domestic restrictions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted.

This means that in Iceland, there are no longer requirements to wear masks in public places, keep social distance, restrict gatherings, or limit opening hours. 

Please note that face masks are still required on board Icelandair aircraft on international routes, but not required on domestic flights. 

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.

From Keflavík airport to Reykjavík

Bus transfers from Keflavík airport to Reykjavík are operating: check the website of Flybus for updates. 

Rules for passengers arriving in Iceland who must go into quarantine (people not fully vaccinated, and not previously infected) are as follows:

• may use the Flybus
• may take a taxi
• may self-drive with a rental car. See the website of Flybus for airport transfer car rental deals. 
• may pick up a car that has been left at the airport by a friend or family member
• may not be picked up by friends or family 
• may not take the number 55 public bus from Keflavík to Reykjavík

From Reykjavík to Keflavík airport

Flybus operates transfers from the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík to Keflavík airport. Strætó bus route number 55 also 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. 

It is important to note what sort of COVID-19 test result is accepted by each country. For some destinations, only a PCR test result is valid.

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 PCR 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.

Appointment for a rapid antigen test

If your destination accepts results from a COVID-19 antigen test, rapid tests can be done in Reykjavík, and also close to Keflavík airport. 

Reykjavík: Details are online at covid.is. It is possible to visit the COVID testing location at Suðurlandsbraut 34, register for the rapid test, have a sampling on location, and receive a certificate in about 30-40 minutes.

Keflavík: Results can be obtained within 15 minutes. Make an appointment and see more details on the website of Öryggismiðstöðin. 

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 provide a negative COVID-19 test (regardless of vaccination status) prior to your flight or the need to quarantine after returning home.

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