There’s been a lot of uncertainty about the future of travel these past few months. While we don’t think things are going back to normal anytime soon—one of our favourite destinations is at least offering us a glimmer of hope. Iceland—with it’s vast and unique landscapes—has taken the next steps towards allowing travellers from around the world to visit their country! But before you pack your bags and go exploring Iceland's many waterfalls, black sand beaches and glaciers—there’s a few things you should know:

updated: July 6th, 2020

Looking for ideas on how to spend your time in Iceland? Check out our 5-day Iceland Travel Itinerary: The Ultimate ‘Ring Road’ Adventure!

Who is currently allowed to visit Iceland?

Currently, only visitors from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) are allowed to travel to Iceland. If you’ve never heard of the Schengen Area then you’re not alone—we hadn’t either.

The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have eradicated border patrol and the need for passports when travelling across member’s borders. Basically, this means that if you’re from one of the countries included on this list—then you’re able to travel to Iceland!

What precautions are in place to protect locals and travellers?

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors entering Iceland would need to quarantine themselves for 14 days. While this remains an option for all foreign nationals—government officials recently announced that as of June 15th, 2020 visitors can now elect to get tested for COVID-19 upon arrival instead. These tests were free for the first two weeks—but as of July 1st, 2020 they now cost ISK 11000 (approximately $80 USD/$108 CAD). You can also choose to pay for your test in advance and you will only be charged ISK 9000 (approximately $65 USD/$88 CAD). Children born in 2005 or later as well as those who have stayed outside of high-risk areas for 14 days prior to arrival are exempt from these measures.

All travellers are encouraged to protect themselves and others by practicing frequent hand hygiene and maintaining social distancing of at least two meters when possible.

Do I need to do anything before travelling to Iceland?

Prior to travelling to Iceland, travellers must fill out a pre-registration form that can be found here. This form requires travellers to provide their personal details, contact information, flight information, travel dates and address(es) during their stay in Iceland.

Travellers should also download the tracing app Rakning C-19. This app helps to analyze an individuals travel and trace their movements against others they come in contact with. By downloading this app you can help slow the spread of COVID-19 when cases of infection or suspected infection arise. 

If you choose to pay for your test before your arrival (and save ISK 2000), you must pay through an online payment processing site at least one day prior to your arrival.

Thinking about getting tested before travelling to save yourself some money when you arrive? Unfortunately, Icelandic health authorities cannot accept proof of test results received outside of Iceland at this time.

When will I receive my test results and what happens if I test positive?

Travellers can expect their test results within 24 hours after arrival in Iceland. Test results can be received through text message or on the tracing app Rakning C-19 (another good reason to download!). Travellers are not required to quarantine while awaiting their test results but are encouraged to take preventative measures to protect themselves and others.

If you test positive and are deemed to have an active infection—you will be instructed to self-isolate. A specialized isolation centre is available at no extra cost for travellers who are required to self-isolate and do not have access to suitable accommodations. The infected individual must provide information to the tracing team on who they have been in close contact with during the two days prior to the onset of their symptoms. If diagnosed with COVID-19—medical examination, supervision, and testing will be of no cost to the infected individual.

I don’t live in the Schengen Area, UK or EU—when will my country be able to visit Icleand?

As of July 1st, 2020, the Icelandic government released a statement that they will soon lift the temporary restrictions for non-essential travel for the following 15 countries:

• Algeria

• Australia

• Canada

• China (pending confirmation of reciprocity)

• Georgia

• Japan

• Montenegro

• Morocco

• New Zealand

• Rwanda

• Serbia

• South Korea

• Thailand

• Tunisia

• Uruguay

If you’re from one of the countries listed above—you can expect to be able to travel to Iceland within the next week! If you’re not from one of the aforementioned countries it’s still unclear when you’ll be able to visit Iceland. However, the government plans to review and revise the list of countries exempt from travel restrictions every two weeks.

We will update this page when more information becomes available so check back here or visit the Government of Iceland website for the most up to date news on when you can travel to Iceland!

The information in this article was gathered from the Iceland Directorate of Immigration, the Government of Iceland website and the designated COVID-19 website for Iceland.