Iceland to Remove All Travel Restrictions

On February 25, Iceland will eliminate all its COVID-19 travel restrictions, allowing visitors to enter without needing to provide proof of a negative test or vaccination.

“There will be no disease prevention measures at the border, irrespective of vaccination status,” stated Iceland’s Ministry of Health in a press release on February 23.

Previously, travelers to Iceland were required to show proof of vaccination (either the initial doses within the last nine months or a booster). Unvaccinated travelers, lacking proof of prior infection recovery, had to present a negative PCR test upon arrival, take another PCR test, quarantine for five days at an approved facility, and then test again to be released from quarantine.

Likewise, all domestic restrictions will be lifted, including limits on social gatherings and mandatory quarantine for individuals testing positive for COVID-19.

Iceland is joining a growing list of Asian and European nations that have recently lifted or relaxed restrictions both at home and at their borders. Notable examples include Norway, which eliminated its quarantine requirement for international arrivals on January 26, effectively removing all entry restrictions, and Israel, which will permit unvaccinated travelers to enter starting March 1, contingent on pre- and post-arrival PCR tests.

This announcement follows Icelandair, a key airline operating near Reykjavík, which recently launched its spring fare sale. Until March 8, the airline is offering round-trip fares as low as $379 for flights from 12 U.S. cities (and three Canadian locations) to 20 destinations across Europe. All Icelandair flights allow travelers to include a free stopover in Iceland (lasting from one to seven nights) in their itinerary.