Iceland Post-Pandemic: Updates on Travel Restrictions

Iceland is one of those countries that almost seems like it's not real. Just its name alone makes you think of a winter wonderland where mystical creatures live and play about. It also seems so far away, as if it's at the tip of the world. However, Iceland is, in fact, a real country in Europe. It even got hit by the Covid-19 pandemic that started in 2020. Because of this, the country had to go on lockdown and close its borders. But now, this 2021, there seem to be signs of Iceland reopening again. Here are the latest updates you need to know!

According to AFAR, vaccinated travelers can now enter Iceland without having to go into quarantine upon arrival. The country reopened its borders and eased its travel restrictions last April 6, 2021, in a move to revive its tourism just as spring and summer arrive. As long as the traveler has proof of vaccination or prior infection, they can enter the country without having to follow strict health protocols. Do note that, for the latter, Iceland only requires documented laboratory results. Clinical diagnoses and rapid tests won't be accepted at the border.

This does not, however, apply to a number of high-risk counties. SchengenVisa Info reports that non-essential travel is still banned in countries with infection rates that surpass 700 per 100,000 population. And those coming from such places for essential travel will be required to self-isolate for quarantine upon arrival. Despite this, the ban does not affect foreign nationals who've become legal residents of iceland. In a statement by Iceland’s Minister of Justice, Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, she said, 'The ban does not apply to foreigners who have permanent residence in this country, based on a residence permit or other type of right of residence, relatives of Icelandic citizens and foreigners residing in this country.'

With all that said, it won't be surprising if Iceland becomes one of the first countries in Europe to fully reopen its borders. The country has handled the Covid-19 pandemic better than others, even those in the EU. And when it comes to vaccination, Iceland remains one of the countries at the forefront. Just recently, around 36,000 people have been fully vaccinated in the country, while over 100,000 have had their first doses.

And while Iceland is not part of the EU, its close ties with the Union may help bring the Digital Green Certificates to the Scandinavian country as well. This new vaccine passport system is what the region has planned to put in place to allow free movement within the EU. The 'certificate' is an electronic document that serves as proof of the traveler having been vaccinated, tested negative, or his/her full recovery from Covid-19. The EU plans to fully implement it by June 2021.

Finally, after more than a year into the Covid-19 pandemic, travelers from specific countries can now go to Iceland with little to no restrictions. This is mostly because of the country's success in vaccinating a good portion of its population.

After so many months in lockdown, many can finally travel to Iceland again. If you'll go here soon, make sure to go for a luxury home as your accommodation!