Iceland: Authorities to tighten COVID-19 entry restrictions for residents from Aug. 16; /update 21

Event

Iceland is maintaining some domestic measures in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, as of Aug. 10; authorities also plan to tighten international entry requirements effective Aug. 16

International Entry Restrictions
All international arrivals are required to produce proof of a negative result to a PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure. The requirement applies to vaccinated travelers as well as those who have recovered from COVID-19. Starting Aug. 16, vaccinated Icelandic citizens and residents returning from abroad will be required to undergo a second PCR or rapid antigen test within 48 hours after arrival. These travelers will not be required to quarantine until after test results are known.

Vaccines must be approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the World Health Organization (WHO), and the last dose must have been administered no less than 14 days ago.

Unvaccinated travelers must additionally submit to a test upon arrival, quarantine for five days upon arrival, and then submit to another test at the end of the five-day quarantine period. Children born in 2005 or later are exempt from all entry restrictions.

Under most circumstances, travelers from EU and Schengen Area states and those from Albania, Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Macao, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and the US 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. All arrivals must complete a preregistration form before departing for Iceland.

Domestic Measures
Authorities are maintaining some domestic countermeasures. All indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to 200 people. Facemasks should be worn on all public transport, including flights and taxis, as well as in stores and medical facilities. All retail stores should observe capacity limits and sanitation measures. Catering facilities and entertainment venues must close by 23:00. Officials continue to encourage regular cleaning and disinfecting of commonly touched surfaces as a precaution.

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.

Resources

Iceland COVID-19 Website
List of Travelers Allowed Entry
ECDC COVID-19 Risk Map
Schengen Area countries