Icelandair : Visiting Iceland

Last updated: September 29, 2021

We at Icelandair can't wait to welcome you back when you're ready. Before you book your ticket to Iceland, here's a snapshot of current travel restrictions and entry requirements.

We offer a friendly reminder to travelers that it is their responsibility to ensure they have the relevant documents and meet the entry requirements for their destination.

Ísland.is offers an online guide to take you through the rules that apply when you visit Iceland, tailored to your specific situation (your vaccination status, nationality, etc).

Passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it

Can you visit Iceland? Yes. All travelers - regardless of origin - are welcome to visit Iceland if they can show either a certificate of full vaccination against COVID, or a certificate of previous COVID infection. See What do I need on my certificate of vaccination or previous infection?

Do you need to have a negative test result? Yes, most passengers must have a negative test (PCR or rapid antigen) taken within 72 hours of departure when traveling to Iceland. Important notes: Self-tests are not accepted. For passengers flying from England, NHS tests are not accepted.

Passengers recovered from COVID-19 who have proof of a positive PCR test taken 14 to 180 days prior to the flight do not have to supply a negative test to travel.

No negative test result is required for people who live in Iceland, or who have a network here, as they must undergo testing within 48 hours of arrival. No negative test is required for transit passengers who do not leave the airport terminal facilities.

See more information under Do I need to have a negative COVID-19 test when traveling to Iceland?

Do you need to be tested on arrival, or enter quarantine? There is no requirement for arrival testing for tourists vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it.

However people who live in Iceland, or who have a network here, must be tested within 48 hours of arrival. These people are not required to be in quarantine while waiting for test results. Exemption to this rule: passengers recovered from COVID-19 who have proof of a positive PCR test taken 14 to 180 days prior to their flight do not have to be tested within 48 hours, even if they reside in or have a network in Iceland.

Passengers not vaccinated against COVID-19 and not previously infected

Can you visit Iceland? Visitors holding a passport (or valid residency) from EEA/EFTA countries are welcome to visit Iceland. A growing list of non-EEA/EFTA nationalities may enter, including travelers from the US and Canada. See Who can visit Iceland? below for more detailed information.

Do you need to provide a negative test result? Yes. Most passengers must show a negative PCR test before boarding an aircraft to Iceland, taken within 72 hours of departure. Rapid antigen tests and self-tests are not accepted.

No negative test result is required for people who live in Iceland, or who have a network here, as they must undergo testing and quarantine upon arrival. No negative test is required for transit passengers who do not leave the airport terminal facilities.

For more information, including exemptions, see Do I need to have a negative COVID-19 test when traveling to Iceland?

Is there arrival testing and quarantine? Yes. Arriving passengers must undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport, followed by 5 days of quarantine, then a second test. See information under Do I need to have a COVID-19 test when I enter Iceland? and Do I need to go into quarantine when I enter Iceland?

Arranging a COVID test for your return home

Many countries now require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test result before their journey. It is important that travelers check what types of tests are accepted.

All passengers traveling to the USA need to have a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country. Some rapid antigen and self-tests are accepted.

All passengers traveling to England need to have a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country. NHS tests are not accepted.

See Flying from Iceland: how to book a COVID-19 test for travel for details on how to arrange a test before you fly home.

Here's what you need to know about visiting Iceland