Iceland Lifts All COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
Iceland will lift all COVID-19 restrictions this week, including all border-related travel restrictions, becoming the latest country to do away with pandemic-era protocols.
On February 25, 2022, the Nordic country of Iceland is ending all of its internal and external COVID restrictions, including local restrictions and all border entry rules.
Iceland’s official government site now reads “As of Friday 25 February 2022 all public restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted, both domestically and at the border. Thereby no COVID-19 prevention measures will be in place at the border, regardless of whether individuals are vaccinated or unvaccinated.“
This means entering Iceland and touring within the country will feel much like it did in 2019, with all restrictions and rules being abolished.
Iceland is the 5th country worldwide to remove all internal and external covid-related restrictions and rules.
“Widespread societal resistance to COVID-19 is the main route out of the epidemic,” the ministry of health said in a statement, “To achieve this, as many people as possible need to be infected with the virus as the vaccines are not enough, even though they provide good protection against serious illness.”
Entry Rules Discontinued
Now to enter Iceland the only extra step visitors will have to take is to apply for a Visa, if the passenger’s nationality requires one that is.
There are no more pre-fight PCR tests, tests on arrival, quarantines on arrival, proof of vaccination, or online health forms to fill out. Regardless of vaccination status, tourists are welcomed back to Iceland with no barriers.
Internal Rules Are Removed
The government of Iceland is also removing all remaining restrictions including:
- The mandatory use of masks
- all gathering limits
- hourly restrictions for bars and restaurants
The country is also pivoting away from the use of PCR tests within the nation. PCR testing will no longer be available to the general public in Iceland. People with COVID-19 symptoms are instead encouraged to undergo a rapid antigen test. Those who test positive on a rapid test will not be obligated to isolate for five days, though it is recommended. The use of PCR tests for COVID-19 will be limited to those with severe symptoms or underlying illnesses, on the recommendation of doctors.
Iceland has become one of the top travel destinations in the world. The last few years have seen this nation top travel lists because of its natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and thriving local culture. With all of their restrictions being dropped before peak travel season, this might be the perfect time to visit Iceland.
A Stopover in Iceland
Iceland is nuzzled almost perfectly in between Europe and North America. This convenient location makes it easy for Americans to visit without an ultra-long flight. But it also makes it the perfect place for a stopover. Icelandair has seen this potential and offers a FREE stopover for up to 7 days in the country. This means that on flights from the US to mainland Europe, you can book essentially a multiday layover before continuing your journey. This allows for the opportunity to see Iceland without booking a completely separate trip for it!
Icelandair flies from 14 North American cities to destinations all over Europe at a competitive price.
For example:
New York to Paris Roundtrip – $547
New York to Reykiyavik Roundtrip – $510
Los Angeles to London Roundtrip – $310
Los Angeles to Paris Roundtrip – $555
Iceland now joins a growing list of countries scrapping all COVID entry requirements.
Here’s a look at some of the other Countries that have lifted their entry requirements.
Slovenia ended all COVID-related entry requirements earlier this week. Slovenia is home to picturesque Lake Bled and the bustling streets of Ljubljana. It serves as a bridge between Balkan culture and Western European culture. A lovely place to visit!
Norway has slashed all of its COVID-related entry requirements, and all of the internal restrictions related to COVID-19. The country has largely returned to our pre-pandemic version of normal. Norway is famous for its northern lights displays, stunning lakes and glacial fjords. The country is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure!
Mexico removed all of its entry requirements as of January 1st. Mexico was the world’s most popular tourist destination throughout the pandemic, because of its ease of entry and tropical weather. Mexico does still have some internal restrictions imposed by individual states though, mostly just affecting mask-wearing and capacity limits. The states are divided into a four-tier color-coded system.
- Red Tier – The highest COVID-19 risk and only essential activities are allowed
- Orange Tier – High-risk tier, with more stringent limitations on social and commercial activities
- Yellow Tier – Lower risk tier, with a moderate level of restrictions
- Green Tier – Very low-risk tier, where people can resume their everyday activities
El Salvador currently has no entry restrictions for travelers. The country has become a hub for digital nomads over the past year. We even called it the trendiest travel destination in 2022! Once inside El Salvador, there are very few covid-related restrictions, however, masks are still required in most indoor spaces.
Related Article: Australia fully reopens borders after two years
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