Iceland: Authorities tighten international entry restrictions from April 22 due to COVID-19 activity /update 14

Iceland tightens COVID-19-related international entry restrictions from April 22; domestic restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities in Iceland will tighten international entry restrictions from April 22 as part of efforts to control the spread of COVID-19. All travelers arriving from countries with an incidence rate of over 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.

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 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.

As of April 6, 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. 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.