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).

Travelers from Southern Africa

From November 27, 2021, new rules apply to passengers who have stayed in a defined high-risk zone for more than 24 hours in the past 14 days, irrespective of vaccination status or prior COVID-19 infection. Defined high-risk zones are: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Read about the new rules on the Icelandic government site. 

For all other passengers, the rules below apply.

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.

* Foreign citizens who require a visa to visit Iceland must still fulfill this visa requirement. Check the list of who needs a visa on the Directorate of Immigration's website.

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. Note: There are restrictions on some nationalities.

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 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 due to the Brexit Separation Agreement. For further information, please see the official websites of the Icelandic Police and the Directorate of Immigration.

From USA: Unvaccinated (and not previously infected) visitors from the USA are not permitted to visit Iceland (with some exceptions for essential travel and for relatives of EEA/EFTA citizens). 

From Canada: Unvaccinated (and not previously infected) visitors from Canada are not permitted to visit Iceland (with some exceptions for essential travel and for relatives of EEA/EFTA citizens). 

From other countries: Restrictions have been lifted for residents of some non-EEA/EFTA countries. 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: Many travelers require a certificate of negative results before boarding an aircraft to Iceland, regardless of vaccination status. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure. Exemptions apply, so check your requirement.

Pre-register: If you're arriving in Iceland, even if it's just for a brief transit, 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.

Please note that if you haven't pre-registered and cannot show the required documentation for entry into Iceland, we must notify Icelandic authorities, and you risk being fined upon arrival. 

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.

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 need proof of a negative COVID test to board the flight (not older than 72 hours). They must 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). 

Travelers from Southern Africa

From November 27, 2021, new rules apply to passengers who have stayed in a defined high-risk zone for more than 24 hours in the past 14 days, irrespective of vaccination status or prior COVID-19 infection. Defined high-risk zones are: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Read about the new rules on the Icelandic government site. 

For all other passengers, the rules below apply.

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

These passengers must have a certificate of negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure when traveling to Iceland. Results from PCR and rapid antigen tests are accepted. Self-tests are not accepted. For passengers flying from England, NHS tests are not accepted. 

Note new rules from October 1 for Icelandic citizens and residents, and for transfer passengers, outlined below.

Exemptions

• Passengers recovered from COVID-19 who have proof of a positive PCR test taken 14 to 180 days prior to the flight do not have to supply a negative test certificate to travel. See covid.is.
• Children born 2005 or later are exempt from requirements for a negative test certificate to travel.
• From October 1, people who live in Iceland, or who have a network here, do not need to present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in Iceland, whether or not they have been vaccinated. However, they have to take a COVID test within 48 hours of arrival in Iceland. This test may be done at Keflavík airport. For more details on who fits this category, see 'Who is considered to have a network in Iceland?'
• From October 1, transfer passengers do not need to present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in Iceland, if they do not leave the airport terminal facilities.

Please note that according to a regulation amendment from September 1, airlines are not obliged to check the COVID-19 test results on international flights, if the passengers present an approved vaccination certificate or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19.

Passenger documents are inspected in Keflavík upon arrival in Iceland.

Passengers not vaccinated against COVID-19 and not previously infected

If you are a foreign citizen who is unvaccinated and not previously infected, see Who can visit Iceland?, above, to check if you are from a country permitted to visit Iceland.

Passengers who cannot show a vaccination certificate or a confirmation of previous COVID-19 infection must show a certificate of a negative PCR test before boarding an aircraft to Iceland. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure. Results from rapid antigen tests and self-tests are not accepted.

Note new rules from October 1 for Icelandic citizens and residents, and for transfer passengers, outlined below.

Exemptions

• From October 1, Icelandic citizens or residents in the country do not need to present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in Iceland, whether or not they have been vaccinated. However, they have to take a COVID test within 48 hours of arrival in Iceland. This test may be done at Keflavík airport.
• From October 1, transfer passengers do not need to present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in Iceland, if they do not leave the airport terminal facilities.
  
• Children born 2005 or later are exempt from requirements for a negative test certificate to travel.

Note: the negative test requirement is in addition to the requirement for all arriving unvaccinated / not previously infected passengers to undergo double screening and quarantine (with some exemptions). More information is given below.

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. 

Travelers from Southern Africa

From November 27, 2021, new rules apply to passengers who have stayed in a defined high-risk zone for more than 24 hours in the past 14 days, irrespective of vaccination status or prior COVID-19 infection. Defined high-risk zones are: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Read about the new rules on the Icelandic government site. 

For all other passengers, the rules below apply.

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

There is no requirement for arrival testing for tourists fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it.

Residents of Iceland and others who have a network in the country must be tested within 48 hours of arrival in Iceland. These passengers are not required to be in quarantine while waiting for test results. These individuals are expected to undergo either a rapid antigen test or a PCR test, and can receive the test when arriving in Keflavík airport or at a primary health center.

For more details on who fits this category, see 'Who is considered to have a network in Iceland?'

Exemption to this rule: passengers recovered from COVID-19 who have proof of a positive PCR test taken 14 to 180 days prior to their flight do not have to be tested within 48 hours, even if they reside in or have a network in Iceland.

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 or 6 days when they arrive in Iceland. 

The first COVID test is at the airport on arrival, and the second by the primary healthcare service 5 days later. In between the 2 tests, arrivals must go into quarantine. They are free to leave quarantine only after they receive a negative result from the second test. 

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.

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

From October 1, people who live in Iceland, or who have a network here, do not need to present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in Iceland, whether or not they have been vaccinated. 

However, they must take a COVID test within 48 hours of arrival in Iceland. This test may be done at Keflavík airport or at a primary health center.

According to the Icelandic government, these are the people considered to have a network in Iceland: 

• Icelandic citizens 
• Individuals domiciled in Iceland 
• Individuals who have an Icelandic work permit 
• Applicants for a work permit or international protection in Iceland

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, or for Icelandic residents who wish to be tested (residents of Iceland and others who have widespread social ties in the country must be tested within 48 hours of arrival).

Please be patient if there is a line for document verification or testing. As the number of arrivals to Iceland increases, there may be some short delays at peak times.

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.

Travelers from Southern Africa

From November 27, 2021, new rules apply to passengers who have stayed in a defined high-risk zone for more than 24 hours in the past 14 days, irrespective of vaccination status or prior COVID-19 infection. Defined high-risk zones are: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Read about the new rules on the Icelandic government site. 

For all other passengers, the rules below apply.

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

No. There is no requirement for arrival testing for tourists 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.

Residents of Iceland and others who have widespread social ties in the country must be tested within 48 hours of arrival. These passengers are not required to be in quarantine while waiting for test results.

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

From August 7, access to the government-run quarantine facilities is limited. All unvaccinated passengers have to make their own arrangements to stay at the accommodation places approved by the Icelandic Tourist Board. Only in exceptional cases, the Chief Epidemiologist can decide that a person in quarantine should stay at a government-run quarantine facility.

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.

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.

Travelers to the US: For the types of tests accepted for travel to the US (including some rapid antigen and self-tests), see the website of the CDC.

Travelers to the UK: Testing requirements for passengers traveling to England depend on whether they have been fully vaccinated or not. For more information, see the gov.uk website. Note that NHS tests are not accepted for pre-departure testing before travel to England.

Note that the following processes apply 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 rapid antigen test, you can get it done in Akureyri, Keflavík (close to the international airport), and Reykjavík. A sample is taken on location, and you receive a certificate in about 15-45 minutes. Details are online at covid.is. 

Test providers in different locations:

• Akureyri: COVIDTEST.IS.
• Keflavík: Öryggismiðstöðin (in the vicinity of the international airport).
• Reykjavík: COVIDTEST.IS, The Primary Health Care of the Capital Area, and Öryggismiðstöðin (at the BSÍ Bus Terminal where buses to the airport depart from). 

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) in order to board your return flight or the need to quarantine after returning home.

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

NOTE: By transfer passengers we mean passengers who do not leave the airport terminal building between their flights.

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it 

Do you need a negative test before boarding? No, transfer passengers do not need to present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in Iceland, if they do not leave the airport terminal facilities.

Do you need to fill in any paperwork? Yes, transfer passengers must fill in a pre-registration form before arrival with personal details and contact information. Please note that this form cannot be submitted earlier than 72 hours before arrival in Iceland.

Do you need to be tested on arrival? No. Transfer passengers who are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID do not need to undergo any testing upon arrival.

Passengers not vaccinated against COVID-19 and not previously infected 

Do you need a negative test before boarding? No, transfer passengers do not need to present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in Iceland, if they do not leave the airport terminal facilities.

Do you need to fill in any paperwork? Yes, transfer passengers must fill in a pre-registration form before arrival with personal details and contact information. Please note that this form cannot be submitted earlier than 72 hours before arrival in Iceland.

Do you need to be tested on arrival? Transfer passengers who do not leave the terminal facilities are not required to undergo testing or quarantine. Transfer passengers who stay less than 48 hours in Iceland must be tested on arrival and must stay in quarantine for the duration of their stay.

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.

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?

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

There is no requirement for arrival testing for tourists vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it. Passengers are able to fly domestically straight after arrival. 

From August 16, residents of Iceland and others who have widespread social ties in the country must be tested within 48 hours of arrival. These people are not required to be in quarantine while waiting for test results. 

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.

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. 

The following domestic rules apply from January 15, 2022:

• The general gathering limit is 10 people (children are not excluded in this number).
• The gathering limit does not apply to public transport, including domestic flights and passenger ferries.
• A 2-meter social distancing rule is in force. In restaurants and seated events, the rule is 1 meter between seated guests.
• Face masks are obligatory in stores, on public transport, and wherever the 2-meter social distancing rule cannot be observed. Children born in 2006 or later are exempt.
• Stores and museums: maximum of 50 people, 2-meter distance rules, and mask requirement. 
• Fitness centers, swimming pools, bathing facilities and ski resorts: may accommodate 50% of their regular licensed capacity. 
• Restaurants may open until 9pm, and guests shall have left the premises by 10pm. 
• Bars and nightclubs are closed. 

Face masks are required on board international and domestic Icelandair flights, and at Keflavík international airport and airports around the country.

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

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.