Iceland announces lift of all COVID-19 restrictions starting Friday
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Following suit of fellow European nations, Iceland will drop all COVID-19 restrictions starting Feb. 25, a move the Iceland Health Ministry said was due to the development of the pandemic to an “epidemic.”
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
“All official epidemiological measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted, both domestically and at the border,” the ministry said in a press statement on Feb. 23. “This eliminates all rules on restrictions on gatherings and schooling, as well as the requirement for isolation of those infected with COVID-19.”
As a result, travelers to the country will no longer need to present a pre-departure PCR test, nor test or quarantine upon arrival. Additionally, unvaccinated travelers are welcome to visit, which has been the case since Oct.1, 2021.
Just about the only extra step travelers must take to travel to Iceland is the visa requirement if applicable, which does not apply to American citizens.
Information on countries whose citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to traveling to Iceland is available via Iceland’s Immigration Directory website.
“We can certainly be happy at this juncture, but I still urge people to be careful, take care of personal infection control and take a break if they experience symptoms,” said Willum Þór Þórsson, Iceland’s Health Minister, who also noted that the decision to remove all remaining protocols was due to the country anticipating reaching an 80% vaccination rate by the end of March.
“Due to the high prevalence of infections and thus immunity in the community, the epidemiologist considers it sensible to abolish epidemiological measures at the same time domestically and at the border,” the reopening announcement read. “The government must, however, be prepared to implement border control measures quickly if new and dangerous strains of the virus appear abroad.”
If you’re hoping to book a trip soon, consider flying Icelandair.
“We at Icelandair can’t wait to welcome you back when you’re ready,” the airline said earlier today.
Do note that official guidance from both Icelandic government officials and the U.S. Embassy in Iceland still reflects the current entry protocols in effect until Feb. 25.
Read more: Iceland on a budget: Why you should seriously consider renting a campervan
Featured photo of Fjadrargljufur canyon in Iceland by Stefan Cristian Cioata via Getty Images.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
WELCOME OFFER: 80,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $1,600
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 3X points on dining and 2x points on travel, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. View our latest valuations here.
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.