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COVID-19 Information for visitors

Before your travels to Iceland please be sure to get all the necessary information regarding Covid-19. All general information, developments, updates, and advice about Iceland and COVID-19 can be found on the website of covid.is 

If you have any enquiries there is a chat window on the bottom right side of the covid website. Your questions can be answered there. 

Tourist information

#visitreykjavik.

Planning on visiting Iceland soon?

Iceland Travel is working within guidelines set forth by the Icelandic health, safety, and tourism authorities during the covid-19 pandemic. Information can be found on the  Directorate of Health  and on  Icelandic Tourist Board .

Information on traveling to and within Iceland, as well as rules at the border can be found on  covid.is .

Some countries may require a negative rapid antigen test or PCR test for travelers to return home. Please check if these rules apply for your home country. From 1st of April 2022 there is a charge for all asymptomatic tests.

For testing and results, It is necessary to have a smart phone (or tablet) and to be able to access your email account while in Iceland. You will receive a barcode for the test to be used at the testing locations and to receive the results of your test via SMS and/or email.

We strongly recommend that you / your clients have appropriate health and travel insurance and are aware of what is covered and included before traveling to Iceland. This is a good precaution in case you / your clients test positive for COVID 19 before traveling, upon arrival or during the trip in Iceland. 

We recommend that all our guests bring their own personal protective equipment they are most comfortable using, such as a mask, gloves and sanitizer.

Covid-19 Q&A

As always, we strongly recommend that our guests obtain appropriate health and travel insurance and are aware of what is covered and included in their policies before they depart home.

If a guest on a tour has any Covid-19 symptoms, it is important to notify the guide/staff on tour and think carefully of your own personal protection and that of your travel companions.

As of February 24, 2022, all COVID restrictions in Iceland will be lifted. However, if health authorities or government recommend or implement restrictions, we will make necessary alterations to the tour for the safety and enjoyment of our guests.

Some countries now require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test on arrival. You can find more information about how to order a test in Iceland here in the section “Testing of Asymptomatic Individuals for Travel Abroad.” You should book your RAPID ANTIGEN COVID test in advance of your desired test date. Most authorities do not accept SMS results and will require a certificate of your COVID-19 test. You should check whether authorities in your home country will accept an electronic certificate or require a printed one.

Rapid Antigen COVID testing is available in Reykjavík, Akureyri, and the town of Keflavík on the way to the airport. Test results are available within 15 minutes. You can book a test here or here .

Iceland Travel Restrictions Continue to Change—Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Vaccinated americans can still travel to iceland with no quarantine, but testing requirements and social-distancing measures are back due to a spike in covid-19 cases this summer..

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Entrance of an ice cave inside Vatnajökull glacier in southern Iceland

Photo by Albert Russ/Shutterstock

Ever since April 6, 2021, all travelers (regardless of origin) who can show proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or prior COVID-19 infection have had permission to enter Iceland. But just a month after all social-distancing rules were lifted on June 26, a rise in new cases of coronavirus—even among its highly vaccinated population—has prompted the Icelandic government to reinstate testing requirements for all travelers en route to Iceland. Before you start plotting your trip to see the still-erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano , here’s what you need to know about Iceland’s new travel restrictions.

Before you book your ticket . . .

Make sure you can show proof of one of two things: a full COVID-19 vaccination—be it Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)—via one of the official accepted forms , or an accepted document that shows prior COVID-19 infection (for example, a positive PCR test that’s older than 14 days). Note that for proof of prior infection, you need documented laboratory results; clinical diagnoses and rapid diagnostic tests (antigen or antibody tests) are not accepted.

As of July 27 , vaccinated travelers and those who can prove previous infection born in 2004 or earlier must also now provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test that is no more than 72 hours old before departing for Iceland.

While both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers without proof of prior infection can visit, the vaccinated and those who had COVID previously won’t have to quarantine. The unvaccinated face a host of other tests and restrictions (see below).

Children born in 2005 or later are allowed to enter Iceland with their parents and do not have to be tested at the border or be subject to quarantine.

All visitors to Iceland born in 2004 or earlier need to preregister on this website before entering the country.

Even with these new travel restrictions, don’t expect to have the plane to yourself on the way over. Between the excitement of Iceland’s volcano tourism, its reopening to international travelers, and the country’s perennial appeal, AFAR’s trusted travel advisors are reporting a flood of interest and bookings.

Do I need to quarantine on arrival?

Vaccinated travelers: If you’re vaccinated or can provide proof of a previous COVID infection, you won’t have to quarantine.

Unvaccinated travelers: However, unvaccinated travelers without proof of prior infection must present negative PCR test results on arrival and take another PCR test upon arrival then quarantine for five days at an approved accommodation and test again at the end of quarantine to be released.

What are the COVID counts and vaccine rates in Iceland?

Iceland has been lauded as one of the more successful countries at containing spring 2020’s COVID-19 infections. After the country managed to contain a larger wave of infections in fall 2020, a spike in new coronavirus cases this summer has led to a tightening of restrictions once again in July 2021.

Iceland has approved several COVID-19 vaccinations for use, including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), and is currently providing free, nonmandatory vaccinations to citizens. As of 2019, Iceland has 356,991 residents; according to official Iceland vaccination statistics updated in early August, more than 255,322 residents have been fully vaccinated, and more than 275,173 have received at least one dose. That means roughly 71 percent of Iceland’s population has been fully vaccinated—one of the highest rates in the world .

On August 9, 2021, the CDC added Iceland to its “Avoid Travel” list and issued a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 in Iceland alert. The U.S. State Department also issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory to Iceland on the same day “due to COVID-19 related restrictions,” indicating a “very high level of COVID-19 in the country.”

The country has reported 30 coronavirus-related deaths since February 2020. The CDC warns: If you must travel to Iceland, get fully vaccinated before travel. All travelers need to stay six feet from others, avoid crowds, wear a mask in public spaces where distancing isn’t possible, and wash their hands. By comparison, the U.S. State Department currently lists Israel, France, and Aruba as Level 4 (Do Not Travel) while Mexico and Italy are Level 3.

What kind of mitigation rules are in place?

Being fully vaccinated doesn’t ensure you can’t catch or spread variants of the virus, so heeding the country’s social-distancing and masking rules remains paramount.

The Icelandic government reimposed social-distancing rules again on July 25. They will remain in effect until at least August 27 , when they’ll be updated on the country’s official COVID-19 page . You must keep one meter (roughly three feet) between people who are not “closely linked” to you and wear a mask when social distancing isn’t possible. Face masks that cover the nose and mouth are still required on public transport (all operating as normal), and in taxis, stores, salons, as well as at sports events, movie theaters, and concerts. While restaurant owners can decide their own masking rules, there are also limits to the number of people allowed inside restaurants and bars, as well as theaters, grocery stores, pharmacies, and museums to help ensure social distancing.

Iceland is extremely dependent on tourism (2.3 million visitors arrived there in 2018, according to the Icelandic Tourist Board ). If you follow Iceland’s protocols and laws, it’s safe to say you will be welcomed.

How much is actually open (museums, bars, restaurants)?

From museums to outdoor tours, expect to find most things open and operating across Iceland, albeit under new COVID-19 norms, with reservations often required and reduced hours and capacity possible.

Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants that serve alcohol are open but have an 11 p.m. curfew and allow a maximum of 100 guests. While mask use isn’t mandated at these venues, all guests are required to leave their tracing information including name, ID number, and telephone number. Swimming pools and hot springs, including the famous Blue Lagoon attraction, are open but operating at a 75 percent limited capacity.

To be safe, call ahead of time to make sure whatever you’re planning to do is available. (Most Icelanders speak excellent English, but you can always request your hotel call for you.)

What are the requirements for returning to the United States?

Negative COVID-19 tests are required to enter the United States from a foreign country, including Iceland. This applies to everyone, including all U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated travelers. Both viral antigen tests or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, are accepted. The test must be taken within three days of your return to the U.S.

You can book an advance appointment for a COVID-19 antigen test in Keflavík and Reykjavík through testcovid.is. Expect to pay 6,900 ISK (about US$55) and results will be emailed to you in 15–25 minutes, so you can book this test on your way to the Keflavík airport. The Keflavík site is open every day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Reykjavík site is open Monday through Friday between 5 a.m. and 1 p.m.

In May, the CDC also approved the use of at-home tests with a telehealth video call for international arrivals. So you can pack one of those—which range from $25 to $50—and complete the test in the comfort of your own accommodations up to three days before your return flight home.

There’s no need to quarantine in Iceland while you wait for your test results. Upon arrival in the U.S. with your negative COVID-19 test result, there’s also no need to quarantine.

What about old-school things like “needing a visa”–does that apply here?

Americans don’t need a visa to visit Iceland and can stay for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes. A full list of nationalities that require visas to travel to Iceland can be found here .

What airlines have flights to Iceland right now?

Icelandair flies year-round from Boston daily, and it restarted daily service from New York (JFK and EWR), Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, and Seattle last May through this December. You can also book flights from Minneapolis (five times a week) or Orlando (four times a week) now through December. Seasonal flights four times a week depart from Portland, Oregon, now through October 31.

Delta’s daily service to Reykjavík–Keflavík from JFK started back up on May 1 and resumed from Boston on May 20 and from Minneapolis/St. Paul on May 27.

United started daily service from Chicago to Reykjavík July 1 to run through October 3. United’s daily flights from Newark to Reykjavík resumed June 3 through October 29.

A recent search on Google Flights for nonstop round trips from New York were about $350, about $430 from Boston, and about $650 with one layover from Los Angeles.

Any suggestions on places to stay or tour operators?

Some of our favorite places to stay and tour operators in Iceland include:

Hidden Iceland

AFAR’s digital content director Laura Dannen Redman flew via Icelandair out of JFK in May and traveled with Hidden Iceland, a bespoke travel company that specializes in small group and private tours with an emphasis on active travel. “My husband and I had a guided tour with Hidden Iceland’s Ryan Connolly—it was like road tripping with a (very knowledgeable) friend. The late-May trip started in dramatic fashion with a twilight hike the day we landed to watch the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupt, which is now one of my top travel experiences of all time. We then went on a two-day Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon tour and glacier hike in the UNESCO protected Vatnajökull National Park . The nature was stunning—next level—and the adventures across the country were made for social distancing.”

G Adventures

Founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, an AFAR 2018 Travel Vanguard winner, small adventure tour operator G Adventures has more than a dozen Iceland itineraries departing as soon as August 20, 2021, all the way through summer 2022 for those who like to plan ahead.

For a last-minute trip, the three-day Classic Reykjavik Summer Mini Adventure is $899 per person for its August 20 departure; it takes you through Iceland’s capital, the Kerid Crater, and Videy Island, with Blue Lagoon and whale watching excursions. For a more comprehensive itinerary, the seven-day Best of Iceland — Plus trip is $2,799 per person for its September 11 departure. During the guided trek, you’ll get to hike a glacier at Skaftafell National Park, visit the black-sand Reynisfjara beach near Vík, and more.

All G Adventure bookings made now through December 31, 2021, for travel departing now through December 31, 2022, can be canceled and rebooked up to 14 days prior to departure date to allow travelers a little more peace of mind in case they have to reschedule.

Classic Journeys

You can’t go wrong with a Classic Journeys guide —locals who are handpicked by the company founders based on their knowledge, skill, and ability to make you feel welcome, wherever you are. In Iceland, you may be led by a descendent of 9th-century Vikings. Its Iceland Culture + Walking itinerary is a great bet: “Guided by dyed-in-the-wool Icelanders, you’ll enjoy the captivating chaos of Iceland’s nature, interwoven with fascinating Norse mythology. Walk some of the most cinematic paths on the planet—over ancient glaciers, vivid moss fields and black-sand beaches—to Viking ruins, waterfalls, and fishing villages for lunch with local families.”

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is an AFAR favorite spa hotel that gives you private access to the famed lagoon, while the minimalist-chic Silica Hotel provides easy access to the Blue Lagoon and Silica Lagoon.

Hotel Ranga , about 60 miles south of Reykjavík on the island’s south coast, where the suites are themed after the seven continents, has an onsite observatory for stargazing and offers tours through Southcoast Adventure to ice caves, volcanoes, and glaciers as well as horseback adventures.

Rental cars

Holdur , the largest rental car company in Iceland, has rental locations across the island and minivans, cargo vans, campers, and motor homes in its fleet. However, as in the United States, there’s also a rental car shortage in Iceland this summer. If you’re lucky enough to find one available, you’ll likely be faced with sky-high prices . A recent search on Kayak showed prices starting at $997 for a one-week rental on small economy vehicles in August. If you wait until mid-September, starting prices drop to a more reasonable $367.

With additional reporting by Laura Dannen Redman.

This story was originally published on May 4, 2021; it was updated on August 13, 2021, with current information.

>>Next: How to Have Your Dream Vacation in Iceland

About Iceland

Visa information, geography of iceland, general information, the northern lights, volcanic eruptions, sustainable travel, iceland academy, plan your trip, how to get there, accommodation, things to do, map your journey, getting around, visitor numbers, carbon footprint, destinations, the regions, scenic routes, national parks, trip suggestions, towns & villages, inspiration, food and beverages, lbgt+ travel.

Iceland and COVID-19

Visiting iceland.

There are no COVID-19 restrictions in Iceland, either domestically or at the border. Iceland welcomes you.

25 February 2022

Iceland has lifted all Covid-related restrictions. There will be no disease prevention measures at the borders for passengers traveling to Iceland, regardless of whether individuals are vaccinated or unvaccinated. Additionally, travelers will no longer have to provide proof of vaccination or prior infection. There are no restrictions on social gatherings or quarantine requirements for those infected by COVID-19.

See all further information on Covid.is

Safe travel in Iceland

Driving in Iceland

Weather and climate

Practical things to know when planning a trip to Iceland

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A simplified guide to Iceland’s Covid-19 travel rules

Those who are fully vaccinated should have a fairly easy time visiting Iceland. mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon

[Edit: This article was updated on May 25th to account for the Faroe Islands having been classified as high-risk ]

The information published on the Covid.is information website may seem a bit complicated, confusing, and even contradictory, so for the benefit of travelers Iceland Monitor has prepared a simplified guide that’s correct and up to date as of May 18 th 2021.

• If you can show a certificate of vaccination, or a certificate that you have had Covid-19, recovered and are no longer contagious you can visit Iceland and can expect to quarantine no more than 24 hours, regardless of what country you are traveling from.
• Otherwise, if you come from, or have recently been in: Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Cape Verde, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Serbia, Seychelles, Sweden, Turkey, and Uruguay you cannot visit as a tourist but exemptions may apply. This list of countries may change at short notice. If an exemption allows you to visit you will need to quarantine for about 5 days.
• If you come from Greenland you can visit and do not have to quarantine.
• If you come from any other country you can visit as a tourist but will need to quarantine for about 5 days.

1: For travelers who are ABLE to show a certificate of vaccination or a certificate that they have had Covid-19 and are no longer infectious:

You must pre-register here , no more than 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in Iceland

You do not have to present a recent negative PCR test to your airline or on arrival in Iceland

On arrival in Iceland you will undergo testing at the border and will be required to quarantine until a negative test result is confirmed.

If you are coming from a Category II high-risk country you must quarantine in one of the quarantine hotels provided by the state, free of charge. As of May 18th 2021 the Category II countries are: Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Cape Verde, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Serbia, Seychelles, Sweden, Turkey, and Uruguay.

If you are coming from a Category I high-risk country you may ask for an exemption to be allowed to quarantine in a suitable location elsewhere. You can ask for this exemption when you fill out the pre-registration form, provided you do so at least 48 hours prior to your arrival in Iceland. As of May 18 th some 163 countries are classified as Category I.

Only Greenland is not classified as high risk. Those arriving from there do not need to quarantine.

If a negative result is obtained from the test done at the border you can end your quarantine. The results will be to you sent via text message, and if you do not receive a message within 24 hours the test result is negative.

After that you are free to explore Iceland.

2: For travelers who are NOT ABLE to show a certificate of vaccination or a certificate that they have had Covid-19 and are no longer infectious:

2a) if coming from a category ii high-risk country:.

The Category II countries are (as of May 18 2021): Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Cape Verde, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Serbia, Seychelles, Sweden, Turkey, and Uruguay.

If you are coming from one of these countries, or have visited one in the past 14 days, you are not allowed to visit Iceland as a tourist, but you may come to Iceland for certain permitted reasons, i.e. “essential travel”.

The following is considered essential travel:

• Passengers in airport transit
• Employees in healthcare services and geriatric services coming to work in Iceland
• Employees whose visit is related to them being responsible for the transportation of goods and services
• Individuals needing international protection
• Individuals traveling because of an acute family incident
• Individuals and delegations invited by Icelandic authorities, staff of diplomatic missions, and the like.
• Individuals coming to Iceland to study
• Individuals who need to travel to Iceland for the purpose of business or work that cannot be postponed or performed abroad

The following are also exempt from the Category II travel ban:

• Icelandic nationals and their family members.
• Foreigners who are resident in Iceland, and their family members.
• Foreigners who are in a long-lasting relationship with an Icelandic national, or with a foreigner who is legally resident in Iceland.

If you qualify to travel to Iceland based on the exemptions listed above you must, before your visit:

• Pre-register here no more than 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in Iceland.
• Have a PCR-test done no more than 72 hours before departure of the first leg of your journey. Note that rapid antigen tests are not valid. You can only travel if the test result is negative.

On arrival in Iceland you will undergo testing at the border and then be required to quarantine.

Since you are coming from a Category II high risk country you must stay in one of the quarantine hotels provided by the state. The stay there is free of charge and an exemption to self-quarantine elsewhere is not a possibility.

The quarantine will last for about five days and you will be re-tested at the end of the quarantine. If the result is negative you can end your quarantine and are free to explore Iceland. 

2b) If coming from a Category I high-risk country.

Category I countries are: all countries except Greenland (low risk) and those listed as Category II. As of May 18 th 2021 there are 163 countries classified as Category I.

The full list of Category I and Category II countries can be found here (in Icelandic).

You may visit Iceland whether for tourism or for other purposes, but you must quarantine on arrival.

Before your visit you must do as follows:

• Pre-register here no more than 72-hours before your scheduled arrival in Iceland.

You are required to quarantine in one of the quarantine hotels provided by the state, free of charge. You may apply for an exemption to self-quarantine elsewhere ( see rules on “appropriate housing” here ). You do this through the pre-registration form and must make the exemption request no less than 48 hours before your arrival in Iceland.

2c) Coming from Greenland

As Greenland is not categorized as high-risk you can visit Iceland freely, provided you have not been outside Greenland in the past 14 days prior to your arrival in Iceland.

You do not need to provide a negative PCR-test.

You do not need to get tested at the border.

You do not need to quarantine.

For more detailed information, and various exemptions and rules that may apply to a minority of travelers, please visit the Covid.is website. If clarification is needed use the web-chat on Covid.is, open between 10 to 12am and 1 to 5 pm weekdays, except to 4pm on Fridays, Icelandic time.

The information contained in this article has been verified by the Directorate of Health to be correct.

Later today

Inflation might have ceased and more power in the eruption

Slower inflation at Svartsengi suggests something might happen soon

Elected honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Neither seen before in this country nor anywhere else

The field investigation is finished

Logadóttir is leading the race now

Warn people to go walking to the eruption

The Ísland.is App

Welcome to Iceland

There are currently no travel restrictions due to COVID-19 in Iceland, neither domestically nor at the border.

Finally the time has come that all travel restrictions have been lifted in Iceland, both domestically and at the border. Thereby all rules regarding limitations on social gatherings and school operations as well as the quarantine requirement for those infected by COVID-19 are removed.

Additionally, no disease prevention measures will be in place at the border, regardless of whether individuals are vaccinated or unvaccinated.

For further information please read the full  Government‘s press release . Information about testing due to symptoms .

Please note that visa requirements may apply.

Inspiration

Should you need any help planning your trip to Iceland, here is some inspiration:

Inspired by Iceland

Visit Iceland

Safe Travel

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Iceland - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise normal precautions in Iceland.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Iceland.

If you decide to travel to Iceland: 

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Iceland. 
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist . 

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Three months required, six months recommended beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.

Two pages required for entry stamp

Not required for stays less than 90 days

Any amount over 10,000 Euros or equivalent must be declared

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy reykjavik.

Engjateigur 7 105 Reykjavik Iceland Telephone: +(354) 595-2200 Emergency Telephone: +(354) 595-2248 Fax: +(354) 562-9118 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

COVID-19 Requirements There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. 

Visit the  Icelandic Directorate of Immigration  website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .  
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket. 
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Iceland.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) 

Crime:  Iceland has a low crime rate with rare instances of violent crime. Using common sense will go a long way in ensuring you do not become a victim.

• Do not put bags containing valuables, such as your passport, on the floor in bars or nightclubs.
• Do not leave your valuables in parked vehicles, even if the vehicle is locked.
• Be aware that downtown Reykjavik can become disorderly in the late night to early morning hours as people are leaving bars and clubs.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at [email protected] . After working hours, call +(354)595-2248. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence : U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should dial 112 for immediate emergency assistance and may contact the Embassy for non-emergency assistance.

The  Icelandic Red Cross  has a helpline that is open 24 hours a day, every day, for anyone needing assistance with grief, anxiety, fear, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Dial 1717 to reach Red Cross volunteers in Iceland.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules are regularly enforced; and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is sporadic due to limited hours and geographic distance from care. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first-responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.  

• Importation of whale products to the United States: All persons are barred from importing whale products to the United States.
• The  Marine Mammal Protection Act  makes it illegal to bring back whale products to the United States. 
• Any importation of products containing whale to the United States will result in the seizure of the goods and possible criminal prosecution. Penalties include jail time and fines of up to $10,000.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:

 See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Iceland. 

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities : The law in Iceland law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities and requires that public accommodations and government buildings, including elevators, be accessible to individuals with disabilities. All government buildings in Iceland are wheelchair accessible, as are most museums, malls, and large shopping centers in the capital area. The public bus system and taxis provide transportation services for individuals with disabilities.

• Many stores in the old downtown area in Reykjavik, such as around the popular shopping street of Laugavegur, are not wheelchair accessible.
• Many sidewalks in downtown Reykjavik lack curb ramps, and the streets are steep.
• Hotels outside Reykjavik and smaller hotels in the capital are not all accessible to individuals with disabilities.
• There are very few paths or marked trails at natural attractions found outside urban areas.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

COVID-19 Testing:  COVID PCR and antigen tests are available for U.S. citizens in Iceland and results are available within 72 hours. PCR tests that are not conducted upon request are at the citizen’s expense and average 7000ISK or $54. Antigen rapid tests are provided by private companies and the price varies between them. Test results are provided via text message or via e-mail.

COVID-19 Vaccines:  The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Iceland. Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Medical care in Iceland is of high quality, but limited services are available outside large, urban areas. The Icelandic medical system offers coverage only for people who live in Iceland. Non-residents are expected to pay their own medical costs, and you should be prepared to pay your bill in full before leaving the hospital or clinic.

For  emergency services in Iceland,  dial 112 . For non-emergency medical assistance in the Reykjavik metropolitan area, dial 544-4114 during business hours. During non-business hours, dial 1770.

Ambulance services are: 

• Not present throughout the country or have long response times  except in or near major population areas such as Reykjavik.  Iceland does have air ambulance services, but they are limited by weather and distance to the patient.
• We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance : Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments, though most hospitals and clinics in Iceland do accept credit cards.  See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the  government of Iceland  to ensure the medication is legal in Iceland. Please review the CDC guidance on purchasing medicine overseas. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals.  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available in the Reykjavik area and other major cities but health care in rural areas may be limited or unavailable.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals if the patient is not a permanent resident or citizen of Iceland.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are available but in-patient care is frequently operating at capacity, and patients may require a wait-time for admission. Hospital-based care is only available in larger cities.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

Surrogacy is illegal in Iceland.

Adventure Travel

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

General Health Language

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Icerland

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Iceland is on the right side of the road, as in the United States.

• All travelers in Iceland are strongly encouraged to monitor weather and road safety year-round through safetravel.is and road.is through the web or smart device applications.
• While in Iceland, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States . Less than one-third of Iceland’s total road network is paved , and many roads outside the capital, especially those that run through the center of the country, are impassable in winter  (October through April).
• Many bridges are only one lane wide (marked with a sign “Enibreid bru”) so drivers must be alert to oncoming traffic. There are also one-lane tunnels with pullout zones to yield to oncoming traffic.
• Extreme care  should be taken when driving in rural areas during the winter when daylight hours are limited and the weather and road conditions can change rapidly.
• Many routes in the interior of the country are  impassable  until July due to muddy conditions and swollen rivers caused by snowmelt.
• Always inform someone of your travel plans .

For information on current road conditions throughout the country please consult  The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerdin) website. This website can show you in real time the status of most roads in Iceland, color-coded by status.

Traffic Laws: You can use a valid U.S. driver’s license for up to 90 days while visiting Iceland, but you must be at least 17 years old to drive.

• Icelandic law requires drivers to keep  headlights on at all times .
• Talking on cell phones while driving is prohibited , except when using a hands-free system, and is subject to a fine of 5,000 Icelandic Kronur (approximately $45).
• Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in Iceland . Drivers can be charged with Driving Under the Influence with a blood alcohol level as low as .05%.
• Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is  50 km/h  in urban areas and  30 km/h  in residential areas.
• In rural areas, the speed limit depends on the type of road: on dirt and gravel roads, the speed limit is  80 km/h (50 mph) ; on paved highways, the speed limit is  90 km/h (55 mph) .
• It is  illegal  to turn right on a red light.
• In  traffic circles , always yield to cars coming from the left/ the inside lane.
• The use of seatbelts is mandatory  in both the front and rear seats.
• Children under the age of six  must be secured in a size and weight appropriate car seat.
• Drivers are held responsible for any passenger under the age of 15 not wearing a seatbelt.
• No one shorter than 140 centimters, lighter than 40 kilograms (or 88 pounds), or younger than 12 years of age is allowed to ride in a front seat equipped with an airbag.

Public Transportation: Public transportation in Iceland is safe and reliable.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Iceland’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Iceland’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Iceland should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts on the  Maritime Administration  website. Information may also be posted to the websites of the  U.S. Coast Guard  and the  National Geospace Intelligence Agency  (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Iceland . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Iceland Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Iceland

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Iceland entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Iceland from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Iceland.

Can I travel to Iceland if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Iceland without restrictions.

Can I travel to Iceland without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Iceland without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Iceland?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Iceland.

Can I travel to Iceland without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Iceland?

Mask usage in Iceland is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Iceland?

Restaurants in Iceland are open. Bars in Iceland are .

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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Volcanic eruption and earthquakes

Iceland is volcanic and seismically active. Recently there have been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland, the latest occurring on 16 March. These have affected the town of Grindavik and area to the north of it. All roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed and you should stay away from this area. Keflavik International Airport and the road to it is unaffected and operating normally. The capital city, Reykjavik, and the rest of Iceland is not impacted by the eruptions. The likelihood of further eruptions in this location remains high. You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities’ advice on travel to the area.

Check for alerts and advice from the:

• Icelandic Met Office
• Safe Travel Iceland
• Almannavarnadeild Facebook page and Twitter (@almannavarnir)

Also see Extreme weather and natural disasters .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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Traveling to Iceland during the coronavirus pandemic — the complete guide

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Last week, I traveled to Reykjavik, Iceland, as a vaccinated traveler with an American passport.

The country briefly opened to tourists in late March . Then, in response to a growing number of coronavirus cases, paused entry again. That said, the country plans to reopen to tourists on April 6.

So in other words: a trip to Iceland is likely possible for vaccinated Americans in the coming weeks. This is a huge deal as most European countries have remained closed throughout the pandemic , making Iceland one of a few possible European options for a spring vacation.

But before you book a ticket, you should be aware of the current situation in Iceland. This includes what you need to show for entry at the Iceland border and when checking in to a hotel, restrictions on what's currently allowed to be open in the country and how to get a COVID test before you return back to the U.S.

These guidelines change frequently and the country is likely to open up more as vaccines are distributed, but if you're planning a trip in April or May, chances are you'll still be subject to some restrictions.

In this article, I'll walk you through the current situation in Iceland and what I experienced on my recent trip. You can use this to help decide if a trip to Iceland is right for you during the coronavirus pandemic. There's also information on how to get a COVID-19 test in Iceland — something that's required for Americans returning home from abroad .

Let's get started!

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Iceland entry requirements for Americans

Iceland is currently planning on reopening to Americans on Apr. 6, 2021. Eligible travelers include those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those who can prove that they've already recovered from the virus. You'll need proof of vaccination or prior infection to show the border agent upon arrival in Iceland and when checking into your hotel. Having these documents also lets you skip the mandatory testing and quarantine imposed on other travelers.

Required documents for entry

At this time, Iceland is recognizing four vaccines for entry. These include the three vaccines approved for emergency use in the U.S. — here's the full list:

• AstraZeneca
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
• Pfizer-BioNTech

You must bring your CDC-issued vaccination card with you to the border. Your card must have the following information:

• First name and last name
• Date of birth
• Name of the vaccinated disease (COVID-19)
• Where and when the vaccinations took place
• List of the number of doses required to complete
• Information on the issuer of the certificate
• Name of the vaccine
• Manufacturer of vaccine and batch number
• Written in Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, English or French

Alternatively, those who've recovered from COVID-19 can skip quarantine with the proper documentation. According to the Icelandic government's COVID-19 website , you can skip quarantine if you bring a positive PCR test taken 14+ days ago or if you have a positive antibody test. Your documentation must include the following:

• First and last names
• When the test took place
• Where the test took place
• Name of testing facility
• Telephone number of testing facility
• Type of test (PCR test or antibody)
• Test result (positive PCR test or proof of the presence of antibodies)

Thankfully, the CDC vaccine card and most COVID PCR and antibody tests have this information by default. If for some reason yours doesn't, contact your vaccination site or healthcare provider and see if it's possible to have your documentation re-issued. Otherwise, you could be forced to quarantine or be turned away at the border.

What to expect at the Iceland border

I wrote a full article on my experience at the Iceland border at Keflavik airport, but here's the recap. After I deplaned, I went to a pre-border arrivals line and was asked by an agent if I was already vaccinated. When I said yes, I was told to walk to the immigration counter. After waiting for a few minutes, I showed my passport and vaccine card to the border control agent who looked over the card and asked me a few questions. Not completely satisfied, she talked with another agent, asked me more questions and then finally scanned my passport and let me through the border. The process was a bit disorganized and there were long lines, but I made it through without issue.

Related: Iceland is finally ready to welcome eligible Americans — for real this time

Getting to (and around) Iceland

One of the hardest parts about traveling to Iceland during the pandemic is actually getting there. Flights to Iceland were cut during the pandemic, and Iceland's popular budget carrier WOW Air went out of business in 2019 . At the time of writing this article, Icelandair — the flag carrier of Iceland — is only operating twice-weekly flights from Boston (BOS) to Reykjavik (KEF), which is how I got to Iceland.

So with that in mind, if you're traveling immediately, you'll either need to live in Boston or position yourself there in order to travel. I live in New York City, so I booked a Delta Shuttle flight to and from Boston to connect to my Icelandair flight. The total cost of my round-trip Icelandair flight from Boston to Reykjavik (KEF) was just under $630 in standard economy class .

Flight options are slowly increasing

Thankfully, Icelandair is resuming service to many of its U.S. destinations over the coming months, and fares are reasonable. For example, I found this round-trip ticket from New York-JFK to Reykjavik (KEF) for just $417 in basic economy in mid-May. Business-class tickets on the same day cost $1,706 round-trip.

We will see Icelandair restart service to the following U.S. cities this April:

• Chicago-O'Hare (ORD)
• Denver (DEN)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP)
• Newark (EWR)
• New York-JFK
• Orlando (MCO)
• Seattle (SEA)
• Washington-Dulles (IAD)

Related: How to fly Icelandair using points and miles

Other U.S. airlines are restarting service to Iceland this spring too. Delta Air Lines will restart daily service from Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) and New York-JFK on May 27 and May 1 respectively. We'll also see Delta start Boston to Reykjavik on May 20, giving Icelandair a new competitor on the route.

These tickets can be booked with Delta SkyMiles, too. The program prices awards dynamically, but I'm finding round-trip award tickets from 54,000 SkyMiles in Main Cabin economy this June.

United Airlines will also restart service from Newark to Reykjavik on June 4. At the time of writing, it hasn't scheduled service to Iceland from its other hubs.

United charges 60,000 MileagePlus miles for a round-trip economy class award this June.

These are all great options for flying to Iceland and show that airlines are optimistic about Iceland becoming a travel hotspot for Americans. We'd love to see American Airlines also restart service to the island as it previously operated flights from Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) to Reykjavik.

Related: Iceland is open to Americans: Here's how to get there on points and miles

Public transit is operating as usual (with one exception)

One of the not-so-fun parts of landing in Reyjkavik is that the international airport is actually located 45 minutes away in the town of Keflavík. Taxis from the airport to the city can be quite expensive, so your best option is to take the Flybus. This is a private bus company that operates — during normal times — frequent bus service from the airport to the Reyjkavik bus terminal for roughly $26 one-way.

Unfortunately, the service is running on a reduced schedule through the pandemic. Further, it's only operating from the airport to Reykjavik and not making the return trip. You'll need to take the local bus service — Strætó — in order to return to the airport if you're not taking a taxi or renting a car. Bus 55 runs from Reykjavik to the airport and costs $15 after currency conversion. You can buy tickets in the Strætó mobile app.

Just note that bus 55 doesn't run from Reykjavik to the airport every day. I took the bus on a Sunday morning and needed to take bus 1 out of the city to connect to bus 55 at a terminal in the Reyjavik suburbs. The journey was easy enough but took longer than the Flybus due to extra stops along the route.

Reykjavik is very walkable, but you can use Strætó buses to get around quickly. Local tickets cost roughly $4 after currency conversion and can be purchased through the Strætó mobile app. There are also buses that can take you around Iceland from Reykjavik, though these will cost more money. I didn't have any issues with the buses during my trip.

You can rent a car without issue

Rental cars are also operating as normal in Iceland during the pandemic. You can rent cars at the airport or at rental locations in Reykjavik. Major rental companies like Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz and Payless operate in Iceland, so shop around to find the best price. Having a rental car is a huge help if you plan to drive around Iceland to go on hikes, see waterfalls and go on other nature experiences.

Rentals aren't horribly expensive when you book in advance. For example, a week-long economy car rental costs roughly $347 with Hertz in mid-June. Of course, make sure to pay with a credit card that offers a rental car damage waiver so you're not on the hook for paying damages if the car is stolen or damaged.

While U.S. driver's licenses are accepted in Iceland, make sure to read up on the requirements for renting a car before you book.

Related: How to never pay full price for a rental car

What's open in Iceland

Since I was traveling for work, I spent most of my time in Reyjkavik but did take a bus out of the city one day. Most things were open on my first night in Reykjavik — even bars. However, the government imposed new restrictions the day after I landed, which shuttered things like bars, swimming pools, gyms and schools. These closures are expected to last for a few weeks and may be lifted if the coronavirus spread is slowed in Iceland.

Many things remained open though, and I still had a great time on my visit. Here's a quick look at what to expect.

Dining in Reykjavik

I'm a foodie, so checking out Reykjavik's top eateries was at the top of my list. Thankfully, restaurants were still allowed to be open under the new restrictions but had to close by 10 pm. Make sure to arrive earlier than 10 though — restaurants must stop admitting new customers at 9 pm. During my stay, I ate at plenty of interesting restaurants, with two of my favorites being Food Cellar and the Frederiksen Ale House .

One of my favorite meals was the Icelandic Meat Soup at Frederiksen Ale House — I highly recommend it if you're in the area!

Iceland is also known for its famous hot dog stands. You can find these all over the country, and grab a cheap (and delicious) hot dog to go. These were all open during my visit and are a great way to get a quick snack if you miss the 9 pm cutoff for restaurants. I highly recommend trying an Icelandic hot dog — they're delicious and — in my mind — are only beat by Chicago-style dogs.

Many bars remain open for table seating too. If you're into craft beer, make sure to sample some of Iceland's local breweries like Einstök, Egils and Borg Brugghús. You can find these ales at Frederiksen Ale House and other bars including Microbar and Aldamót Bar . Keep an eye out for happy hour deals as alcohol in Iceland is far from cheap.

Those working while in Iceland will be pleased to know that coffee shops are open and have indoor seating, fast Wi-Fi and power outlets. I spent plenty of time at cafes during my stay and was a huge fan of Reykjavik Roasters , Kaktus Espressobar and Te & Kaffi . I'm a self-proclaimed espresso nerd and was blown away by each coffee shop; if you're a coffee fan make sure to check them out.

You're required to leave your name and phone number at the entrance to all dining establishments for contact tracing. Some places also had temperature checks at the entrance, so it's a very similar experience to dining in New York City during the pandemic.

Natural parks, volcanos and outdoor activities

One nice thing about Iceland is that, outside of Reykjavik, most of your activities will be outside. Whether that's hiking, camping or white water rafting, you're able to do these things without going inside. Hiking trails and most other outdoor activities are open without major restrictions. Plus, you can even visit the Fagradalsfjall volcano that's currently erupting (as long as it's safe).

Outdoor tours of Reykjavik and other tourist centers are running, too. You can use the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal to pay for these with your points, so do some research and see which is best for your travel style.

Note, though, that spas and swimming pools are currently closed due to the most recent COVID restrictions. This means spots such as the famous Blue Lagoon spa are currently closed until April 16, 2021. As a rule of thumb, make sure to check if the attraction you're hoping to visit is open before you arrive.

Museums and cultural sights

Most museums have remained open in Reyjkavik and the rest of Iceland, but hours may be reduced. For example, the Árbær Open Air Museum is only open between 1 pm and 5 pm on all days. Again, make sure to check with the museum before you visit.

Related: Iceland trip-planning from A to Z: Glaciers, geothermal spas and lava caves

Reykjavik during the COVID-19 pandemic

Beyond things to do, there are a few things to keep in mind when in the city of Reykjavik. Here's a quick overview of things you might want to know.

Mask compliance is enforced

Yes, you need to wear a mask in Reykjavik.

You're required to wear a mask whenever you're inside a restaurant, shop or other establishment. That said, you can take your mask off when eating, drinking or seated at a restaurant. I found that mask compliance was enforced at these indoor settings. At the same time, I didn't see people wearing masks outside.

Related: TPG's 9 favorite face masks and where to buy them

My experience checking-in to a hotel

One quick word about hotels. When you check-in, you're required to show proof of vaccination, prior infection or completed quarantine. I stayed at three different hotels and each wanted to see my CDC-issued vaccination card. One of the hotels made a copy of it, while others simply wanted to see it. This leads me to believe that this is a requirement for check-in.

My hotel experiences were largely positive during my time in Iceland. Each hotel was clean and modern, and the staff was great. Housekeeping was standard at each hotel too — something that can't be said for most U.S. hotels during the pandemic. You can notify the front desk if you'd rather not have housekeeping during your stay.

Related: Second Cities: Destinations to add onto a trip to Reykjavik

Getting a COVID test in Reykjavik

At press time, all travelers heading to the U.S. are required to have a negative COVID-19 test in order to check-in to their flight. Unfortunately, this includes travelers who are vaccinated, so you'll need to budget time and money for a COVID test during your trip.

Thankfully, the testing process was extremely easy.

I made my appointment for a COVID test in Reykjavik using this form on the Iceland COVID website . You can schedule next-day appointments, and all are administered in Reykjavik (unless otherwise noted). You're prompted to pre-pay for the COVID-19 PCR test ($56 after conversion) and are emailed a barcode to bring to the testing facility.

I showed up to the testing facility 15 minutes before my noon appointment. The line was long but moved quickly. Once inside the testing facility, the desk clerk scanned my barcode and handed me a vial. Then, I was paired with a nurse who took the nose and mouth sample for the PCR test. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes.

Make sure to show up early though. After I left the facility, I noticed the line to get into the testing center was over a block long.

The facility promised results in 12 hours, but I had mine back in just under 7 hours. The U.S. requires a test no more than 72 hours old when you check-in to your flight, so you shouldn't have an issue getting your results back in time.

Related: Here's where you can quickly get a COVID-19 PCR test for travel

Bottom line

I had an incredible time in Iceland and am excited to return in the near future. Once the borders reopen on April 6, I expect Iceland to be a huge destination for American tourists; it's close to North America and is one of the first major European countries to reopen its borders. So once you're vaccinated, start planning a trip if you're interested.

Feature photo by Ververidis Vasilis/Shutterstock

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COVID-19 TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN ICELAND IN 2022

Published Feb 01, 2022

Updated Feb 25, 2022

COVID-19 PREVENTION MEASURES, A THING OF THE PAST!

As of February 25th, 2022, all COVID-19 prevention measures at the Icelandic border came to an end and apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors. (Visa requirements, however, have not changed).

Everybody is welcome: if you are planning on visiting Iceland you’ll no longer have to worry about getting a PCR test before boarding the aircraft, antigen tests upon arrival or compulsory quarantine. On top of that, you won’t have to show any kind of vaccination certificate or proof of prior COVID-19 infection.

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Stunning 9 Day Vacation Package with a Guided Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland

Top-value 24-hour reykjavik city card with free entry to museums, galleries, & geothermal pools, fantastic 2-day self-drive tour to the jokulsarlon glacier lagoon with ice caving, flexible 48-hour reykjavik city card with free entry to museums, galleries, and geothermal pools.

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Top things to do in Iceland

Book your complete trip with the best companies only

Explore an Ice Cave

Visit a Live Volcano

Find the Northern Lights

Visit the Blue Lagoon

Go on a Road Trip

Do the Golden Circle

See the Glacier Lagoon

South Coast Tours

ALL OUR PRICES INCLUDE: CDW, TP, GP AND SCDW INSURANCE

+354 539 0605

• Jun 20, 2022

Iceland Travel: Current Requirements and Rules

Updated: May 5, 2023

All Covid-19 entry restrictions to Iceland were lifted as announced by the Icelandic government. The decision started being effective on February the 25th,2022.

All nationals, regardless of their country of origin, will no longer be required to present a PCR test to board an aircraft or a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon arrival at any airport in Iceland . Passport and Visa entry requirements are still in place. Please check with your local Embassy or Consulate to determine your case.

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