Is Iceland Open to Tourists? – Iceland Travel Restrictions

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Iceland’s borders have been open for international travel since June 15, 2020. Its borders are currently open to vaccinated travelers from all countries, travelers who can provide proof of a prior COVID-19 infection, EEA (European Economic Area)/EFTA (European Free Trade Association) citizens/residents, and residents of a few other countries.

All travelers must complete a pre-registration form before they arrive in Iceland and should download the COVID-19 app “Rakning C-19”.

Vaccinated travelers or travelers who can provide proof of prior COVID-19 infection must present proof of full vaccination or proof of previous COVID-19 infection. They must also present proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to departure.

As with other countries that are open for tourism, Iceland’s entry requirements for unvaccinated travelers are rather strict. All unvaccinated travelers must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure.

Unvaccinated travelers must also get tested two more times, once on arrival in Iceland and again 5 days later, and quarantine for 5 days between the two tests.

Can I travel to Iceland right now?

Iceland has reopened its borders to any travelers who have been vaccinated or had a prior COVID-19 infection. Travelers from some specific countries can also travel to Iceland even if they don’t meet these requirements. Below is a map of the countries that can currently visit Iceland.

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Iceland COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

Iceland’s entry requirements are somewhat strict at the moment. All travelers must submit a pre-registration form within 72 hours before their arrival in Iceland and should download the COVID-19 app Rakning C-19.

Vaccinated travelers or travelers who can provide proof of prior COVID-19 infection must provide proof of full vaccination or previous COVID-19 infection as well as a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to departure for Iceland.

All unvaccinated travelers must present a medical certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure. They must also get tested twice more, once on arrival in Iceland and again 5 days later. In between the two tests, travelers must quarantine for 5 days.

Covid-19 Vaccine to travel to Iceland

Any travelers who present proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or prior COVID-19 infection are exempt from quarantining on arrival in Iceland, but they must present both proof of vaccination/previous COVID-19 infection and of a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to departure for Iceland. .

In order to be accepted, vaccination certificates must be for one of the following vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Janssen. An International Certificate of Vaccination issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) is also acceptable. The certificate may be in paper or electronic form.

The vaccination certificate must be in Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, English, or French. More information on acceptable vaccination certificates is available here and here.

Certificates for prior COVID-19 infection must be in Icelandic, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, or English. They must include the following information: first and last names, date of birth, when and where the test was performed, issuer of certificate, date of certificate, contact details for the laboratory, type of test performed, and result of test. More details on certificates for prior COVID-19 infection can be found here and here.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Iceland?

Unvaccinated travelers must present a medical certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours before departure. They must also undergo two more tests, one on arrival in Iceland and another 5 to 6 days later, with a 5- to 6-day quarantine in between.

Travelers who can provide proof of full vaccination or evidence of prior COVID-19 infection must present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result from within 72 hours prior to departure in order to enter Iceland.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Iceland?

Children who were born in or after 2005 are exempt from presenting a certificate for a negative pre-arrival test and from getting tested on arrival in Iceland. If a child is traveling with a parent/guardian who must quarantine, the child must quarantine with them until the parent/guardian obtains a negative test result. If a child’s companion is exempt from quarantining, the child is exempt too. Children who are traveling alone do not have to quarantine.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Iceland?

All unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for 5 days between their first PCR test on arrival and their second PCR test on the 5^th day of their quarantine period. If the second test is negative, travelers will no longer have to quarantine.

The rules for quarantining are:

• You must stay in your registered location and avoid contact with other people, even those within your household. You must try to keep a distance of 1-2 meters away from others in your household.

• You may seek emergency medical services if you need them.

• You can take a walk outside in less-frequented areas, but you must stay 2 meters away from other people.

• • You cannot have direct contact with people outside your household.

• You cannot use public transport, but you can use taxis and private vehicles.

• You cannot go for a drive, unless it’s from your first screening or to your second screening, or go on excursions.

• You cannot visit restaurants, bars, etc., and you must avoid public places, especially ones where there might be crowds.

• You cannot go to grocery stores or pharmacies, go shopping, or do personal errands.

• You cannot go to school or work.

Travelers who can present proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or prior COVID-19 infection are exempt from quarantining.

You can find more information on quarantining here and here.

Which accommodations accept guests who are quarantining?

All accommodations that welcome travelers who are quarantining are familiar with the necessary regulations and willing to accept the responsibility.

Which accommodations accept guests who are quarantining?

These are our recommendations for accommodations that are available for travelers who need to quarantine as an entry requirement or after testing positive for COVID-19.

• Hotel Laxnes – One of the best Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland
• Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel – One of the best places to stay in Iceland
• Berg by Keflavik Airport Hotel – The best option near Keflavik Airport
• Kjarnalundur Hotel– Hotel with private Jacuzzi in northern Iceland
• Gullfoss Hotel – Hotel in the Iceland Golden Circle

You can check the full list of accommodations that accept guests who are quarantining here.

Is travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage mandatory to travel to Iceland?

Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is not mandatory to travel to Iceland, but it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance, especially if it comes with COVID-19 coverage.

If you’re traveling to Iceland and looking for great travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, Heymondo is a fantastic choice; they came out on top when we compared different COVID-19 travel insurance.

They provide comprehensive travel insurance that covers both COVID-19 testing (for medical reasons) and treatment abroad. You can even get a 5% discount on their insurance just for being our reader.

Other travel restrictions for Iceland during COVID-19

Iceland has instituted several policies that travelers need to follow:

• All travelers must complete a pre-registration form prior to arrival in Iceland.

• Everyone should try to keep a distance of at least 2 meters away from other people.

• Face masks must be used in public areas and areas where you cannot socially distance.

• Travelers are encouraged to download and use the COVID-19 app Rakning C-19.

• Depending on your nationality, you may need a tourist visa to enter Iceland. Check if you need one below.

What’s open in Iceland

Many hotels, attractions, and restaurants are open in Iceland, but there are still gathering restrictions. Capacity limits will be smaller, so make sure to book things ahead of time.

Hotels and accommodations that are open in Iceland

Many hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and campgrounds in Iceland are open for tourists.

Some accommodations are specifically prepared to welcome guests who need to quarantine, whether as part of entry requirements or because of testing positive for COVID-19. The Icelandic Tourist Board has a list of these accommodations here, and I recommended my favorite options above.

In hotels, guests must social distance and wear face masks in common areas. They must also sanitize their hands upon arrival at and departure from the hotel. More information on these accommodations’ regulations can be found here.

What’s open in Iceland

Because they have shared facilities, guesthouses and hostels cannot accept guests who are quarantining, taking precautions after a border screening, or isolating, even if they are just waiting for results. More information on guidelines for guesthouses and hostels is available here.

For the same reason, travelers cannot stay at campgrounds if they are quarantining or isolating. There is a 200-person limit on guests at campgrounds, unless the campground is big enough to be split into areas with 200 people in each area. More information on campground regulations is available here.

Attractions that are open in Iceland

Many of Iceland’s most famous attractions are currently open, including Hallgrimskirkja Church, one of the most popular places to visit in Reykjavik.

Also, if you were hoping to take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, one of the best things to do in Iceland, it’s currently open and accepting bookings. If you do decide to visit this hot spring, check out our guide to the Iceland Blue Lagoon.

Attractions that are open in Iceland

Of course, many of Iceland’s most iconic sights, such as Gullfoss Waterfall, the Geysir Hot Spring Area, and other landmarks of the Iceland Golden Circle, are outdoors, in nature, so they are open 24/7. These areas can be quite popular, so if you encounter a lot of fellow visitors, make sure to social distance, or wear a face mask if you can’t.

You may even want to take a Northern Lights tour while you’re in Iceland. tour group sizes may be limited, so be sure to book your tour in advance (check our rankings of the best Northern Lights tours from Reykjavik).

Tours that are running in Iceland during the COVID-19 pandemic

Whale watching tours in Iceland are also running with the same protocols, so check our guide if you’re interested in that activity.

All tour guests must bring their own hand sanitizer, keep a 2-meter distance from each other (or 4-meter distance in cold weather) and wear face masks for the duration of the tour. If any equipment is shared, it will be disinfected between users. More information on tour regulations can be found here.

Restaurants that are open in Iceland

Icelandic food is hearty and delicious, and, luckily, you can try it at quite a few of the restaurants that are currently open in Iceland.

Restaurants that serve alcohol can stay open until 11 PM, although customers must leave by 12 AM.

Restaurants that are open in Iceland

Airports that are open in Iceland

Iceland has four main airports, Keflavik International Airport, Reykjavik Domestic Airport, Egilsstadir Domestic Airport, and Akureyri Domestic Airport, all of which are open.

Keflavik is the biggest airport, near Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon, and where all international tourists arrive. (Note – don’t confuse Keflavik International Airport with Reykjavik Domestic Airport! Keflavik is for international flights, while Reykjavik is for domestic flights.) All airports have safety measures in place, like mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing, and hand sanitizing/washing. Travelers will also be subject to health screenings.

Where to get a PCR test in Iceland – COVID-19 Testing in Iceland

Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in Iceland, here is a list of places you can get tested.

Iceland reopening to International Tourists – F.A.Q.

Check out these FAQs related to Iceland reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

Sources

This guide to Iceland reopening for tourism will be updated with any new developments as they are reported. However, if you want more information on travel to Iceland, you can check these official sources:

• US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Iceland
• CDC Travel Recommendations for Iceland
• General Iceland Travel Advisory
• Travel Restrictions for Iceland
• Icelandic Government’s Quarantine Instructions
• Pre-Registration Form
• Information on Visiting Iceland from the Icelandic Government
• Accommodations that Allow Guests to Quarantine
• Current Restrictions for Gatherings, Restaurants, Etc. in Iceland