Travel to Iceland? Here’s What You Need to Know About Covid Testing
Are you planning a trip to Iceland but wondering whether you need a negative COVID test before your visit? Here is what you need to know to stay informed and enjoy your travels to the land of fire and ice!
Contents
Current COVID-19 Status in Iceland
Iceland has put in place measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19, both among its own population and among travelers. As of August 2021, you are permitted to enter Iceland if you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recovered from a previous COVID-19 infection. The vaccination should have been administered by a European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved vaccine or an approved World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine. If you meet either of those requirements, you can enter Iceland without testing or quarantine requirements.
If you have not been vaccinated and have not recovered from a prior COVID-19 infection, you will need to undergo testing and quarantine requirements before you can enter Iceland. Iceland’s website and the Directorate of Health’s website contain the most current information about the specific requirements.
Do You Need a Negative COVID Test to Enter Iceland?
As of August 2021, if you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recovered from a previous COVID-19 infection, you do not need a negative COVID-19 test before entering Iceland.
If you have not been vaccinated and have not recovered from a previous COVID-19, you will need a negative PCR test result before boarding your flight to Iceland. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure.
If you cannot produce a negative PCR test before departure or refuse to be tested upon arrival in Iceland, you will be refused entry.
Testing Requirements for Arriving Passengers in Iceland
All passengers, regardless of vaccination status, may be subject to COVID-19 testing upon arrival in Iceland. Depending on your vaccination status, test results, and country of departure, different protocols may apply.
If you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from a previous COVID-19 infection: You are not required to be tested upon arrival, except in some situations specified on Iceland’s website.
If you are not vaccinated or have not recovered from a previous COVID-19 infection: You must undergo multiple tests and quarantine for some days before you are allowed to mingle with the general population of Iceland.
The bottom line: if you want to visit Iceland, make sure you have carefully examined your COVID-19 status so that you remain in compliance with Iceland’s rules regarding entry protocols.
Enjoy Your Trip to Iceland
Finally, if you’re planning to visit Iceland, make sure you follow some guidelines to protect the health of Icelanders and fellow travelers during the pandemic:
- Follow all of Iceland’s COVID-19 protocols
- Maintain social distancing (at least 2 meters)
- Wear a mask indoors and when you cannot maintain proper social distancing
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face
- Stay home if you feel unwell
In Conclusion…
Iceland is a beautiful and unique country that continues to welcome travelers during the pandemic. If you are vaccinated or have recovered from a prior COVID-19 infection, there are currently no requirements for a negative COVID-19 test to visit Iceland. However, if you are unvaccinated and un-recovered, make sure you take a negative COVID-19 PCR test before boarding your flight.
If you are concerned about Iceland’s COVID-19 entry requirements or have any additional questions, consult Iceland’s official website or other reliable sources to get the most current and accurate info.
