Iceland's Vaccination Requirements: What You Need To Know

do you have to be vaccinated to visit iceland

Iceland has been allowing vaccinated visitors from EEA/EFTA countries to enter without restrictions. As of March 18, 2022, the same rule applies to all travelers, including those from the UK and US. Visitors must provide proof of vaccination with a vaccine certified by the European Medicines Agency. Unvaccinated children are allowed to travel with their fully vaccinated parents without needing to show a negative Covid test upon arrival. However, some sources suggest that unvaccinated children are not allowed to enter Iceland.

Characteristics Values
Vaccination Requirements Proof of full vaccination required for visitors from EEA/EFTA countries, the UK, and the US
Accepted Vaccines Vaccines certified by the European Medicines Agency
Testing Requirements No testing required for fully vaccinated travelers
Quarantine Requirements No quarantine required for fully vaccinated travelers
Digital Permits Digital vaccine certificates available for residents
Children Unvaccinated children can travel with fully vaccinated parents

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Iceland's quarantine and testing requirements

Iceland has specific requirements for travellers entering the country, which have changed over time. As of March 18, 2022, Iceland opened its borders to all vaccinated travellers, including those from the UK and US, without the need for testing or quarantine. Visitors must provide proof of vaccination with a vaccine certified by the European Medicines Agency, which does not include Chinese or Russian vaccines.

Prior to this date, there were varying requirements for travellers. In April 2021, vaccinated individuals were required to undergo COVID testing at the border and quarantine until they received their results. This was updated in July 2021, when all fully vaccinated travellers were required to present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flight to Iceland. Children were exempt from this requirement.

It is important to note that individual airlines may have additional requirements for testing or proof of vaccination. For example, United Airlines accepts eMed tests, while Icelandair has not specified which tests are allowable for re-entry into the United States.

Additionally, travellers should be aware of the rules and requirements of their home country upon returning from Iceland, as these can vary. For instance, as of June 12, 2022, travellers returning to the US from Iceland do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test. However, it is always recommended to check the latest official guidelines before travelling.

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Accepted vaccination certificates

Iceland has accepted vaccinated travellers from various countries since April 2021. The country has been allowing visitors from EEA/EFTA countries—the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway—to enter without restrictions. As of March 18, 2022, the same rule applies to all travellers, including those from the UK and the US.

Iceland requires travellers to provide proof of vaccination with a vaccine certified by the European Medicines Agency (which does not include Chinese and Russian vaccines). The country also provides a digital vaccine certificate, which is the key to a risk-free trip. This certificate is available online for residents "in accordance with existing European standards and the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis," also known as the "Yellow Card."

The following are the accepted vaccination certificates for travelling to Iceland:

  • Digital vaccine certificates issued by the country. These are available online for residents and follow the European standards and the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.
  • CDC vaccination cards issued by the US. These cards are accepted for entry into Iceland, but there are concerns about their ease of forgery.
  • Vaccination cards with handwritten details. Iceland has accepted these, but there are concerns about the authenticity of handwritten certificates.
  • Vaccination certificates that prove a previous COVID-19 infection. These are accepted for entry into Iceland.

It is important to note that Iceland requires travellers to be fully vaccinated, which means that the most recent vaccine shot must have been within the last nine months (270 days). If not, a booster shot is necessary. Additionally, children are subject to different rules and may need to undergo testing and quarantine, depending on their age and vaccination status.

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Vaccination requirements for children

Iceland does not require proof of vaccination status for entry into the country. However, travellers who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and can provide official proof are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements.

Children are exempt from presenting a negative PCR test upon arrival in Iceland if they were born in 2005 or later. However, they still need to be tested at the border, and if the result is negative, they can avoid quarantine. Children of vaccinated parents are treated the same as their parents in terms of testing and quarantine requirements.

Children do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter Iceland. However, they must be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival and may have to quarantine while awaiting their results. If the child tests negative, they will not need to quarantine further and can join their vaccinated parents.

It is important to note that some countries, like the United States, may require a negative COVID-19 test before returning, so travellers should check their home country's requirements before departure. Additionally, children must meet the general entry requirements for Iceland, which include having a valid passport issued within the last ten years and being valid for at least three months after the planned departure date.

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Testing requirements for children

As of 1 October 2023, the Icelandic government has eased its entry requirements and health protocols. Individuals with "ties to Iceland" are no longer required to present a pre-departure negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test. However, they must take a test upon arrival, regardless of their vaccination status or proof of recovery from COVID-19. Unvaccinated travellers with ties to Iceland must undergo a five-day quarantine and take an additional PCR test after this period.

Children born in 2005 or later, along with their parents or guardians, are also required to quarantine until they receive a negative result from a second test. The quarantine obligation is automatically lifted upon receiving a negative result from the second test. Children born after 2005 are not subject to COVID-19 entry restrictions.

Children travelling with their vaccinated parents are generally treated the same as their parents. If the parents are not subject to quarantine, the children can travel with them without needing to show a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. However, if the parents are required to quarantine, the children will join them.

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Border measures for vaccinated individuals

Iceland has been allowing vaccinated visitors from EEA/EFTA countries (the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) to enter without restrictions. As of March 18, 2022, this rule was extended to all travellers, including those from the UK and US.

Vaccinated individuals must provide proof of vaccination with a vaccine certified by the European Medicines Agency (which does not include the Chinese and Russian vaccines). The CDC vaccination card is also acceptable for entry into Iceland. Visitors must have received their final vaccine dose at least 14 days before travelling and no more than 270 days (approximately nine months) before travelling.

Children are exempt from providing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. However, the rules for children vary depending on the cruise or airline. For example, Iceland Air requires all passengers aged 16 and above to be fully vaccinated.

Iceland has implemented digital permits and official vaccine certificates to make travel easier for visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Iceland is now open to vaccinated tourists.

Children are allowed to travel with their parents as long as the parents are fully vaccinated. Children do not need to show a negative Covid test upon arrival.

If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to take a Covid test before travelling to Iceland. However, some countries may require a negative Covid test before you return home, so check your home country's rules.

No, vaccinated travellers are not required to quarantine when they arrive in Iceland.

You must provide proof of vaccination with a vaccine certified by the European Medicines Agency. Iceland accepts digital vaccine certificates and CDC vaccination cards.

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