Is Iceland Open for Travel? | Latest Info on COVID-19 in Iceland

Svanhildur Sif Halldórsdóttir

Svanhildur Sif Halldórsdóttir

Are the Icelandic borders open for visitors? Do I need to go into quarantine when I visit Iceland? What is Iceland doing to combat COVID-19? Read on for the latest information on COVID-19 in Iceland.

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Gullfoss waterfall lookout in the golden circle of south of Iceland

Latest COVID-19 Travel Restrictions in Iceland

Currently, there are no COVID-19 travel restrictions for those coming to Iceland. The Icelandic border patrol is not asking for a pre-test or a vaccine certificate; you do not need to quarantine after landing. 

However, visa restrictions might depend on where you are travelling. So make sure you check out those before coming to Iceland. 

Furthermore, there are no restrictions in the country: no mask mandates, regulations on social gatherings, or quarantine requirements.

Covid Test for Leaving Iceland 

Doctor making oral covid PCR test for young female patient.
Getting tested

Note that different countries have different entry requirements. You might need to get tested before heading home or continuing your journey to other countries. Know that testing for asymptomatic people for travel abroad is subject to fees.


If you need a test, you need to find out whether you need a Rapid Antigen Test or a PCR Test. You might see home tests at shops, but those are not valid at borders.

Rapid Antigen Test

There are two places where you can get a Rapid Antigen Test:

You’ll receive the electronic results within the hour so that you can book this right before your flight.

PCR Tests

PCR tests are performed in health clinics in Reykjavík and Akureyri. You need to register electronically and pay a fee before your test. You’ll then receive your results via email. It can take up to 48 hours to get results, so keep that in mind when booking a test for your flight. 

Man behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, South Iceland, Iceland
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in South Iceland

COVID-19 Precautions in Iceland

Visitors are encouraged to follow simple precautionary guidelines when travelling in Iceland. This means frequent hand-washing and trying to keep some distance between you and other people. That shouldn’t be too hard in one of the least densely populated countries in the world.

A man in Landmannalaugar, Iceland watching blue mountains and a rainbow
Landmannalaugar Area

Tour companies, museums, shops, and restaurants offer their customers disinfectants and/or gloves and thoroughly clean surfaces after each client. Masks are not mandatory.

All bars, pubs, nightclubs, and restaurants are open in Iceland and there are no crowd restrictions.

two women with silica face masks enjoying a drink at the Blue Lagoon, Iceland
At the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

If You Are Showing Symptoms

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, register immediately for testing. You can do this by calling (+354) 513 1700 or visiting Heilsuvera’s online chat. In case of emergencies, call 112. Note that symptom testing is free of charge. 

If you have further questions about travelling to Iceland, feel free to contact us.

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