TRAVEL TO ICELAND IN THE AGE OF COVID-19

TRAVEL TO ICELAND IN THE AGE OF COVID-19

Navigating the ever changing testing & entry requirements

ICELAND HAS DONE AN AMAZING JOB HANDLING THE PANDEMIC AND BOASTS ONE OF THE HIGHEST VACCINATION RATES, AND LOWEST INFECTION RATES IN THE WORLD.  That being said, travel to Iceland can still be a bit confusing and the rules can change with only a few days’ notice.  Having just led a trip to Iceland at the end of July and returning at the end of August to lead a private group, I’ve put together a few tips based on my research and experience.

COVID TESTING

Arrival

Good news and bad news here.  First the good news.  As of July 1st there is no longer a requirement for Covid testing upon arrival.  You will still need to present proof of vaccination so please remember to bring your vaccination card and please also take a photo of it with your phone in case it goes missing.  I’d also recommend that you have your physician add your shot info to your medical records so that you have a backup to your backup just in case.  You may see that New York’s excelsior pass is accepted but this DOES NOT mean that you can leave your vaccination card at home.  Many border officials are unfamiliar with the pass and you will still have to show your vaccination card.  

The bad news is that you must now have a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result in order to fly to Iceland, and the test must be performed a maximum of 72 hours before departing on the first leg of your trip.

Departure

This may change, but as of now you will still be required to get tested within 3 days of flying back to the US.  The rapid antigen test satisfies CDC requirements and the cost is only around $35 based on current exchange rates.  Though there are a few home testing kits authorized by the CDC, there may be issues importing them into some countries so I think it’s safer to just get tested in person.  The current CDC requirement is that you get tested not more than 3 days in advance (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html). 

You’ll need to make an appointment at https://visit.covid.is/.  You can make an appointment up to a week in advance and you’ll need your passport number to complete the registration.  If you opt for the PCR test you will spend hours in line and it is not required for return to the US.  On our last trip at the end of July folks successfully registered for the rapid test and received their results by email within 15-30 minutes after testing.  

PRE-REGISTER

You’ll need to pre-register your arrival in Iceland within 72 hours of your arrival.  As such I recommend you go online 2 days before arrival in case there is a delay.  Pre-registration is done through the same website, https://visit.covid.is/.  

PASSPORTS

Double check that your passport won’t expire for at least 3 months after your arrival in Iceland.  I really do recommend that you take it out and confirm the expiration date as we don’t look at our passports very often, especially over the past year.  

CELL SERVICE/WIFI

If you plan to make a lot of phone calls or will need to use your data when Wi-Fi is unavailable, I recommend you sign up for an international calling/data plan with your carrier.  Many carriers offer short term plans and I know that Verizon even offers a daily plan.  Wi-Fi is readily available and simply checking email when connected may suffice for those looking to disconnect somewhat.  

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

There is no need to have cash with you in Iceland unless either your credit card charges foreign transaction fees or you would just like to bring some Icelandic Krona home as a souvenir.  If you would like to exchange currency the easiest way to do so is just to withdraw money from an ATM in Iceland.  

WANT A REAL ADVENTURE?

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