The Icelandic authorities have announced that arrivals from 30 third countries have been permitted to enter the country starting from this week, as the latest risk assessment revealed that these countries are not epidemiologically risky, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
This means that holders of vaccination and recovery certificates from the following countries can enter the country without quarantine requirements upon arrival:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahrain
- Bosnia and Hercegovina
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Hong Kong (SAR)
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Macao (SAR)
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Namibia
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Peru
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
- Uruguay
However, travellers from these countries that are not vaccinated or cannot show proof of the previous infection are required to follow these rules:
- Present a PCR test result taken 72 hours before departure
- Take a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival
- Undergo five-day quarantine
- Take another PCR test on the fifth day of quarantine
Moreover, vaccinated travellers reaching Iceland are divided into two groups, and different entry rules apply to them, as the following list shows:
- Vaccinated travellers with ties in Iceland are required to present a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of arrival.
- Vaccinated travellers with no ties in Iceland (no family, spouse or friend) have to undergo a PCR test before departure. Similar rules apply to holders of recovery certificates.
But those who recently recovered from COVID-19 (14 days to 180 before travelling) have to present the positive test to prove their previous infection – which exempts them from pre-departure and upon arrival testing requirements. Refusing to get tested upon arrival is fined ISK 100,000 (€665).
Except for third countries, all EEA/EFTA, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City citizens are also permitted to enter the country free of quarantine requirements.
Furthermore, holders of vaccination certificates must be inoculated with one (single-shot vaccines) or two-dose vaccines at least 14 days before reaching Iceland. The list of vaccines approved by the Icelandic authorities consists of European Agency Medicines (EMA) approved vaccines and the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised vaccines for use.
WHO’s data shows that186 positive cases with COVID-19 have been registered in Iceland during the last 24 hours. Since the pandemic started, the COVID-19 infection has taken the lives of 34 Icelandic residents, whereas 14,757 tested positive for the disease.
Furthermore, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reveals that 77.7 per cent of the population in Iceland is vaccinated with the first shot of COVID vaccine, whereas 76.5 per cent is fully vaccinated.
