Iceland: Authorities tighten domestic COVID-19 restrictions March 25 /update 12

Event

Authorities have tightened domestic restrictions introduced to combat the spread of COVID-19 March 25 following a spike in infections. The maximum permitted size of gatherings is reduced to 10 people; most cultural, entertainment, and fitness facilities must close; and restaurants must stop serving by 22:00. These stricter measures are in place until at least April 15. Businesses that are permitted to reopen must adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing measures. Facemasks remain mandatory where social distancing of 2 meters (6.5 feet) cannot be observed.

Under most circumstances, travelers from EU and Schengen Area states, as well as those from Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand, can enter Iceland. Most travelers from other locations remain prohibited from entering with some exceptions, such as freight and transport workers, immediate family members of Icelandic residents, diplomats, students, individuals conducting necessary work, and persons traveling for urgent family reasons.

Permitted arrivals must complete a preregistration form before departing for Iceland and present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours prior to departure for Iceland. In addition, arrivals must undergo a COVID-19 test at their point of entry and self-isolate for five days before taking a second test. From April 1 travelers arriving from countries designated as dark red by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will have to complete the five-day isolation period in a government facility. All travelers who have a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the World Health Organization (WHO) or certificate of previous COVID-19 infection, as well as those who are in transit, are permitted to enter Iceland without restriction.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks. Heed all official advisories and remain nonconfrontational if stopped by authorities. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.