Iceland: Authorities extend most COVID-19 related travel restrictions until June 15, will ease some domestic measures May 25 /update 16

Event

Authorities in Iceland are extending most of the nation's COVID-19 related international entry restrictions until at least June 15. Authorities however plan to lift the ban of nonessential travel for foreigners arriving from designated risk areas and the obligation for travelers arriving from high-risk areas to isolate in government-designated facilities from June 1.

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 will 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.

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. All travelers must self-isolate upon arrival.

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

Authorities plan to relax domestic COVID-19 measures from May 25. The permitted size of gatherings will be increased from 50 to 150. In addition, facemasks will no longer be required in shops and workplaces; facemasks are now only required for events such as theater performances, church attendance, as well as for close contact services such as hairdressing. Most businesses and services are permitted to operate under strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.

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.