Iceland: Authorities ban nonessential travel from COVID-19 high-risk areas as of April 28 /update 15

Iceland bans nonessential travel from COVID-19 high-risk areas as of April 28.

Event

Authorities in Iceland are banning all nonessential travel for foreigners who have spent more than 24 hours within the previous two weeks in areas where the 14-day COVID-19 incidence rate is higher than 700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants until at least May 31. The following groups of individuals are exempt from the restriction:

All citizens and permanent residents of Iceland
Persons in long-term relationships with citizens of Iceland
Freight and transport workers
Persons in transit
Persons traveling on urgent business or family matters
Students
Persons who have been vaccinated against COVID-19
Individuals who have recovered from the disease

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, including freight and transport workers, immediate family members of Icelandic residents, diplomats, students, individuals conducting necessary work, and persons traveling for urgent family reasons.

All travelers arriving from countries with an incidence rate of more than 1,000 cases per 100,000 people must complete their quarantine period at a government-designated facility. Travelers arriving from countries with a lower incidence rate may be permitted to complete quarantine periods in private accommodations if certain conditions are met.

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 taken within 72 hours prior to departure for Iceland. In addition, arrivals must undergo a COVID-19 test at their point of entry and quarantine for five days before taking a second test; quarantine facilities are based on the incidence rate of the country of arrival as specified above.

Travel is permitted from any country for individuals who have received a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the World Health Organization (WHO) and for individuals who have recovered from a previous COVID-19 infection. Travelers who meet these requirements are also exempted from quarantine requirements. All such travelers must provide evidence of vaccination or previous infection on arrival.

Domestic Restrictions
Most businesses and services are permitted to operate under strict hygiene and social distancing requirements; restaurants, bars, and nightclubs must close at 21:00. Gatherings of more than 20 people are prohibited. Facemasks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces and outdoor spaces where social distancing of 2 meters (6.5 feet) cannot be observed.

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. 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.