Iceland: Authorities tighten domestic COVID-19 measures until at least Feb. 2 /update 27

Event

Authorities in Iceland have tightened domestic measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 due to rising infection rates. The limit on gatherings is reduced from 20 to 10 people and entertainment venues and nightclubs are closed. These measures are in place until at least Feb. 2.

Domestic Measures
Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to social distancing requirements, capacity limits, and restricted operating hours. Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces and wherever social distancing of 2 meters (6 feet) cannot be maintained.

International Travel Restrictions
Entry is permitted from EEA/EFTA countries in addition to Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Macao, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, UAE, and Uruguay. Travel is also permitted for vaccinated or recovered individuals from any country. Other travel is restricted to limited categories of essential purposes only.

Nonresident foreign nationals must present a certificate of vaccination or recovery in addition to a negative result from a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours prior to departure. Permitted nonresident foreign nationals without a certificate of vaccination or recovery must possess evidence of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure, isolate for five days on arrival, and submit to a further PCR test at the end of the isolation period.

Returning citizens and residents who are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 must take a test within 48 hours of arriving. Returning citizens and residents not meeting that requirement must submit to a PCR test at the border, isolate for five days, and take a PCR test at the end of the isolation period.

All travelers must pre-register before arrival in Iceland; the registration form is available by clicking here. Icelandic authorities have created an online questionnaire that provides entry requirements for individual travel itineraries and circumstances, available by clicking here.

More stringent entry requirements apply to locations deemed to be high risk. Any permitted arrivals who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe for more than 24 hours in the previous 14 days must take a PCR test regardless of vaccination status and self-isolate for five days; self-isolation can then end on receipt of a further negative test result.

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. 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