Iceland announces lift of all COVID-19 restrictions starting Friday
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."
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"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
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
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- Annual Fee is $250.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees