Iceland: Authorities to ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions April 15 /update 13

Iceland to ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions April 15; international entry restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities in Iceland plan to ease domestic COVID-19-related restrictions. Starting April 15, the maximum permitted size of gatherings will be increased from 10 to 20 people. In addition, all swimming pools, fitness centers, and pubs will be allowed to reopen. Businesses that are allowed to operate must adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing measures. Facemasks remain mandatory where social distancing of 2 meters (6.5 feet) cannot be observed.

With regard to international travel, 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 self-isolate in a government facility for five days before taking a second test. All travelers who have a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the World Health Organization (WHO) are permitted to enter Iceland without restrictions, as are those who possess a certificate of previous COVID-19 infection. Transiting travelers may also enter.

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.