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03. Sep 2026Ministry of Health, Life and Health

Life and health

Life and health Ministry of Health The Health Services Act provides for the organisation of healthcare services. Its objective is to afford all Icelanders with access to the best available healthcare which can be provided at any given time. Everyone needs the services of the healthcare system at some time, although to a varying extent, and the system takes into consideration the different needs and circumstances of persons through all stages of life

11. Jan 2023Legislation, Acts of Parliament, Human Resources, Life and Health, Social Security and Pensions, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing

Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave No. 144/2020

11 January 2023 / Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave No. 144/2020 Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave No. 144/2020 This Act applies to the entitlement of parents on the domestic labour market to maternity/paternity leave and parental leave

11. Jan 2023Legislation, Acts of Parliament, Human Resources, Life and Health, Social Security and Pensions, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing

Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave No. 144/2020

11 January 2023 / Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave No. 144/2020 Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave No. 144/2020 This Act applies to the entitlement of parents on the domestic labour market to maternity/paternity leave and parental leave

12. Dec 2022Legislation, Life and Health, Ministry of Health, Regulations

Regulation on the importation by individuals of medicinal products for their own use, No. 1277/2022

12 December 2022 / Ministry of Health Regulation on the importation by individuals of medicinal products for their own use, No. 1277/2022 Regulation on the importation by individuals of medicinal products for their own use, No. 1277/2022 Tags Life and Health Ministry of Health Regulations Go back Disclaimer: This section of the site details available translations on legislation relating to the Government Offices in Iceland

23. Feb 2022Ministry of Health, Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Lifting of all domestic restrictions and restrictions at the border

​Minister of Health, Willum Þór Þórsson has decided that as of Friday 25 February all public restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted, both domestically and at the border. Thereby all rules regarding limitations on social gatherings and school operations as well as the quarantine requirement for those infected by COVID-19 are removed. Additionally, no disease prevention measures will be in place at the border, regardless of whether individuals are vaccinated or unvaccinated.

29. Jan 2022Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Life and Health

COVID-19: Significant easing of domestic restrictions as of 29 January

The general assembly limit will be 50 people, the one-metre rule will be in effect, bars and clubs are allowed to open again, and opening times of licenced premises will be extended by two hours. Events for up to 500 seated people will be allowed if certain requirements are met. Restrictions in schools will mostly remain unchanged. This is the substance of the amendments to the regulation on social gatherings that enters into force on January 29 by decision of the Minister of Health.

19. Jan 2022Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Life and Health

COVID-19: Requirement for testing in relation to special precautions against infection is cancelled and outdoor activities in isolation permitted

Individuals who are exercising special precautions against infection following contact tracing are no longer obligated to undergo a rapid test at the beginning and end of the precautionary period as of tomorrow but must exercise caution for 7 days and get a PCR test if symptoms emerge. The Minister of Health has approved a regulation to that effect. The regulation gives individuals in isolation limited authorisation to pursue outdoor activities.

14. Jan 2022Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Life and Health

COVID-19: General restrictions on gatherings tightened at midnight

The general restrictions on the number of people in the same area will be 10, the authorisation for higher numbers of people with rapid tests is cancelled, the maximum number of people in stores will be 200 people and nightclubs, bars and slot machine halls will be closed. These are the main points of the stricter infection prevention measures decided by the Minister of Health based on the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist. Current restrictions on school activities will remain unchanged. The regulation on tightened restrictions in Iceland will apply from January 15 to February 2 2022.

21. Dec 2021Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Life and Health

COVID-19: Stricter domestic measures to counter the rapid spread of infections

The general restriction on numbers will be 20 persons and the distance rule will be 2 metres instead of 1 metre, with certain exceptions. Restaurants and nightclubs, pubs and other places that have an alcohol licence must close no later than 21.00h (9 p.m.). Public swimming pools and spas, gyms and ski areas will be permitted to accept 50% of their maximum allowed capacity. Events requiring rapid tests will be limited to 200 persons. Remote working will be encouraged, to the extent possible. This is the gist of the stricter domestic measures decided by the Minister of Health in keeping with the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist to counter the rapid spread of COVID-19 infections.…

12. Nov 2021Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Life and Health

COVID-19: Stricter measures, a 50 person restriction on the number of people at gatherings, and a substantial vaccination push

The Minister of Health has, in keeping with the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist, decided to implement much stricter disease-prevention measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 infections. These measures will enter into force at midnight. The common restrictions on numbers will be 50 persons, but events with up to 500 participants in each disease prevention compartment may be held if rapid tests are used. The opening hours of restaurants will be shortened by one hour. The maximum number of visitors allowed at public swimming pools, spas, gyms and ski areas will be 75% of their maximum allowed capacity as stated in their operating licences. The regulation on these measures will remain in force through 8 December.

05. Nov 2021Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Life and Health

COVID-19: Stricter domestic measures to be taken due to the proliferation of infections

Masks will be required when the one-metre social distancing rule can not be observed, the maximum number of persons allowed in the same location will be 500, and restaurants that have an alcohol licence will be required to close two hours earlier than the case is now. Events with up to 1500 participants will be allowed subject to rapid tests. The Minister of Health has decided to take these measures in keeping with the recommendation of the Chief Epidemiologist, who has expressed concern over the rapid increase in infections, the increase in serious illness and the growing strain on the health care system.…

20. Oct 2021Ministry of Health, Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Further easing of local restrictions in Iceland

General restrictions on numbers will be 2,000 persons, the mask requirement will be lifted, the opening hours of restaurants will be extended by one hour and the registration obligation for guests will be lifted while 1-metre distance rule will continue to apply. These are the main amendments to the regulation on social gatherings that have entered into force by decision of the Minister of Health. The aim is to abolish all restrictions on social gatherings due to COVID-19 in Iceland as of November 18.

29. Sep 2021Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Life and Health, Transport and Telecommunications, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: The rules about restrictions at the border will be changing as of 1 October

The requirement that individuals with ties to Iceland must present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in Iceland will be abolished. Connecting passengers who do not leave the border station will also be exempt from presenting such a certificate. Individuals with ties to Iceland, except children born in 2005 or later, will still have to undergo testing after arrival.

27. Aug 2021Ministry of Health, Life and Health

COVID-19: Relaxations of disease prevention measures as from 28th of August

The restrictions on the number of people who are allowed to gather in one location will in principle continue to be 200 and the rules requiring social distancing of at least one metre and mask wearing are unchanged. However, public swimming pools and health and fitness facilities are permitted to run at maximum capacity subject to the conditions of their operating licenses. The requirement of maintaining a distance of at least one metre is abolished at sports events and stage art events in addition to further relaxations detailed below. The Minister of Health presented these changes at a government meeting this morning and they are in keeping with the Chief Epidemiologist’s recommendations.…

14. Jun 2021Life and Health, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Easing of restrictions on gatherings as of 15 June

As of 15 June, general limit of gatherings will go from 150 persons to 300 persons and the distance rule will be one metre instead of two. There will be no distance rules at sit-down events, but everyone in attendance will be required to wear a face mask. The opening hours of restaurants will be extended by one hour, i.e. they will be able to stay open until midnight. These measures are in line with the Chief Epidemiologist’s recommendations.

14. Jun 2021Ministry of Health, Life and Health, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Border screening of vaccinated travellers stopped after 1 July

The Minister of Health has decided, in keeping with the recommendation of the Chief Epidemiologist, to retain the current measures to contain the spread of infections at the borders until 1 July. After that time, the measures will be relaxed by cease the screening of those who present a certificate of vaccination or prior infection with COVID-19. Additionally, children will no longer be screened for COVID-19 upon arrival in Iceland.

21. May 2021Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

Covid-19: Substantial easing of restrictions on gatherings from 25 May

The maximum number of people allowed to gather together will be raised to 150 and the face-mask and 2-m social distancing rules are to be relaxed. Restrictions on numbers permitted in swimming pools and bathing facilities, skiing facilities, camp sites and museums will be lifted; the rules applying to fitness centres will be eased, with a maximum of 150 persons allowed in each separate area.

21. May 2021Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Prime Ministers Office, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Covid-19, Life and Health

COVID-19: Border measures extended to 15th of June

Svandís Svavarsdóttir, Minister of Health of Iceland, has decided to extend the application of current government regulation on quarantine, isolation and testing at the border of Iceland in connection with COVID-19 until the coming 15th of June. The amendment to the regulation will be made that on 1st of June the compulsory stay in a quarantine facility of travellers arriving from high-risk areas will cease to apply.

10. May 2021Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: The restrictions on social gatherings to be expanded to 50 persons and more rules will be relaxed from 10 May

The restrictions on the number of people who are allowed in one location will be expanded from 20 to 50, swimming pools, spas and gyms will be able to receive 75% of their permitted maximum number of guests, the maximum number of participants in sports and stage art events will be 75 per each compartment or on stage, and the maximum number of seated guests at events will be extended from 100 to 150 persons. Additionally, the opening time of restaurants will be extended by one hour. Various rules about school activities will be relaxed as well. The Minister of Health, Svandís Svavarsdóttir, has decided to make these changes in keeping with the Chief Epidemiologist’s recommendations. They will enter into force on Monday, 10 May and are intended to remain in force for just over two weeks.

06. May 2021Ministry of Health, Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Borders - revised criteria for the definition of high-risk areas

The definition of criteria for determining whether countries or areas are considered high-risk areas has been revised. In addition to criteria on the incidence rate of infection, a condition will be added regarding the ratio of positive samples which influences whether a region or country is considered a high-risk area or not. The definition of high-risk areas affects which individuals must quarantine in a quarantine facility upon arrival in Iceland. A new advertisement listing the countries that are considered to be high-risk areas is attached and enters into force on 7 May, along with a regulatory amendment on revised criteria for the definition of high-risk areas.

20. Apr 2021Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Infrastructure, Prime Ministers Office, Life and Health, Transport and Telecommunications, Covid-19, Tourism, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Temporary introduction of stricter border measures

The Government of Iceland has announced temporary border measures to counter the domestic spread of COVID-19. These measures aim to create conditions to allow lifting domestic restrictions as much as possible. The vaccination programme in Iceland is continuing at pace, and as more people become vaccinated, conditions for easing restrictions will become more favourable, both within society and at the border.

13. Apr 2021Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Relaxation of restrictions on gatherings and in schools from 15 April

The general restrictions will go from 10 to 20 persons; sports, swimming and health centre activities will resume, with restrictions; as will stage art activities; and the ski areas can reopen. As for schools, the proximity limits at all school levels will go from 2 metres to 1 metre, and children in preschools and primary schools will again be able to partake in organised sports, youth and recreational activities. This is the gist of the relaxation of the disease prevention rules that were announced by the Minister of Health in the government’s meeting today, in keeping with the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist. Regulations on the changes are being drawn up and will be published later today. They are expected to remain in place for 3 weeks.

02. Apr 2021Ministry of Health, Life and Health, Public Safety and Security, Tourism, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

FAQ regarding amended rules at the borders on testing and quarantine

As of April 1, 2021 new regulations no. 355/2021 are in effect about quarantine and isolation and testing at the Icelandic border due to COVID-19. With regards to inquiries made about quarantine houses and other novelties related to this regulatory change, Icelandic authorities have compiled the main questions and answers to them:

30. Mar 2021Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Life and Health, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Amended rules at the borders on testing and quarantine on the 1st of April

Children born in 2005 or later shall be tested at the borders of Iceland as from the coming 1st of April. - Passengers who submit a vaccination certificate or a certificate of a prior infection will be required to undergo one test upon arrival to the country. - Travellers from certain defined risk zones shall stay in quarantine or isolated in a quarantine facility between the first and the second test. - All travellers shall preregister the date of their departure, if known, before arrival to the country. - As from the 11th of April a fee will be levied on travellers for staying in a quarantine facility.

30. Mar 2021Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Life and Health, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Amended rules at the borders on testing and quarantine on the 1st of April

Children born in 2005 or later shall be tested at the borders of Iceland as from the coming 1st of April. - Passengers who submit a vaccination certificate or a certificate of a prior infection will be required to undergo one test upon arrival to the country. - Travellers from certain defined risk zones shall stay in quarantine or isolated in a quarantine facility between the first and the second test. - All travellers shall preregister the date of their departure, if known, before arrival to the country. - As from the 11th of April a fee will be levied on travellers for staying in a quarantine facility.

25. Mar 2021Ministry of Justice, Life and Health, Covid-19, Tourism, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Regulation exempting vaccinated non-Schengen travellers from travel restrictions to come into force on 6 April

The Minister of Justice of Iceland has decided that the previously announced decision to exempt from travel restrictions those who can provide proof of vaccination or prior infection will take effect on 6 April. The change in regulation will allow travellers from non-Schengen countries, who meet the criteria, to travel to Iceland for non-essential reasons.

24. Mar 2021Covid-19, Life and Health, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Tighter restrictions take effect at midnight; gatherings restricted to 10 persons

A stricter regime of measures against the COVID-19 pandemic takes effect throughout Iceland as from midnight tonight, Wednesday 24 March 2021. Most gatherings will be limited to 10 people, not counting children born in or after 2015. Junior schools (age 6 to 16), music schools, senior schools and universities will be closed until the beginning of the Easter holidays. Activities of many types involving more than 10 participants will be prohibited. The decision by the Minister of Health to impose these tougher restrictions was based on proposals from the Chief Epidemiologist for an immediate response in view of group infections that have arisen in the country over the past few days so as to limit the spread of the virus. The new rules will remain in force for 3 weeks.

18. Mar 2021Covid-19, Life and Health, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Changes to domestic measures as from 18 March

The Minister of Health has announced changes to the measures against COVID-19 in Iceland taking effect on 18 March; these are based largely on proposals submitted by the Chief Epidemiologist. The changes mainly entail stricter demands regarding the registration of guests attending events and preventive measures to be taken at organised events. More stringent requirements are also made where buffet meals are served. The regulation setting out these changes is to remain in force until 9 April 2021.

16. Mar 2021Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Prime Ministers Office, Foreign Affairs, Life and Health, Covid-19, Tourism, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Exemption from border measures for vaccinated individuals to be extended to non-Schengen countries

The Icelandic government has announced that all those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to travel to Iceland without being subject to border measures, such as testing and quarantine. Until now, this exemption has only applied to those presenting certificates from the EU/EEA Area but will now apply equally to everyone who can provide proof of a full vaccination with a vaccine that has been certified for use by the European Medical Agency as well as requirements defined by the Chief Epidemiologist of Iceland and Icelandic regulations. The exemption also applies to those who can provide valid proof of prior infection. Documentation on prior infections must be in accordance with the requirements defined by the Chief Epidemiologist.

16. Mar 2021Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Prime Ministers Office, Foreign Affairs, Life and Health, Covid-19, Tourism, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Exemption from border measures for vaccinated individuals to be extended to non-Schengen countries

The Icelandic government has announced that all those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to travel to Iceland without being subject to border measures, such as testing and quarantine. Until now, this exemption has only applied to those presenting certificates from the EU/EEA Area but will now apply equally to everyone who can provide proof of a full vaccination with a vaccine that has been certified for use by the European Medical Agency as well as requirements defined by the Chief Epidemiologist of Iceland and Icelandic regulations. The exemption also applies to those who can provide valid proof of prior infection. Documentation on prior infections must be in accordance with the requirements defined by the Chief Epidemiologist.

05. Feb 2021Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID 19: Cautious easing of restrictions on gatherings as from 8 February

The Minister of Health, Svandís Svavarsdóttir, has approved proposals from the Chief Epidemiologist regarding cautions relaxations to the restrictions on gathering sizes as from 8 February. The general limit on the number of persons in a gathering will continue to be 20, but with more exceptions than have been allowed up to now. The 2-metre social distancing rule and the obligation to wear face-masks remain in place. Night-clubs, bars, gaming establishments and slot-machines can open again, subject to certain conditions. Audience numbers attending stage performances will rise from 100 to 150, and religious and life-stance associations will be permitted to hold ceremonies, including funerals, attended by a maximum of 150 guests.…

25. Jan 2021Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health

COVID 19: Digital vaccine certificates

Around 4,500 people in Iceland have received their second vaccination injection against COVID-19 and will thus be considered fully vaccinated. The Directorate of Health is now finalizing a digital solution that enables those individuals to obtain a vaccination certificate online at www.heilsuvera.is. The certificate must be in accordance with existing European standards and the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. The aim is to facilitate the movement of people between countries, so that individuals can present a vaccine certificate at the border and be exempt from COVID-19 border measures in accordance with the rules of the country concerned.

15. Jan 2021Ministry of Health, Prime Ministers Office, Foreign Affairs, Life and Health, Public Safety and Security, Transport and Telecommunications, Covid-19, Tourism, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Covid-19 screening mandatory for arriving passengers until spring

As of today, all passengers must undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Iceland, followed by a 5–6-day quarantine and a second screening at the end of quarantine period. This procedure will remain in place until 1 May, when cautious steps will be taken to ease restrictions, based on the epidemiological situation at passenger's point of departure. This was decided at today's cabinet meeting.

15. Jan 2021Ministry of Health, Prime Ministers Office, Foreign Affairs, Life and Health, Public Safety and Security, Transport and Telecommunications, Covid-19, Tourism, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Covid-19 screening mandatory for arriving passengers until spring

As of today, all passengers must undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Iceland, followed by a 5–6-day quarantine and a second screening at the end of quarantine period. This procedure will remain in place until 1 May, when cautious steps will be taken to ease restrictions, based on the epidemiological situation at passenger's point of departure. This was decided at today's cabinet meeting.

12. Jan 2021Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID 19: Children entering Iceland required to enter quarantine as from 13 January

As from tomorrow, Wednesday, 13 January 2021, children born in 2005 or later will be required to go into quarantine along with their parents or guardians after entering Iceland under a new regulation on quarantine, isolation and testing at Iceland’s border to combat COVID-19 that has been issued by the Minister of Health. The regulation, which was proposed by the Chief Epidemiologist, has been ​sent for publication in the Government Gazette. It takes effect as from 13 January and will remain in force until 31 January.

22. Dec 2020Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID 19: Contract signed with Janssen covering vaccine for 235,000 people

A contract for the supply of vaccine to Iceland from the drug manufacturing company Janssen was signed earlier today, the third of its type to be secured by the Icelandic health authorities for the purchase of vaccine against COVID 19. The contract with Janssen guarantees doses for 235,000 people; earlier, contracts had been made with Pfizer for doses for 85,000 people and with AstraZeneca for sufficient vaccine for a further 115,000.

22. Dec 2020Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID 19: Activities in schools in the new year under new regulations

Under new regulations from the Minister of Health, acting on proposals from the Chief Epidemiologist, some relaxations will be made in the measures against Covid-19 applying in schools and universities in the new year. Amongst other things, it will be possible to resume classroom teaching in all upper senior schools, including those operating under a credit-unit system. In the universities, groups of up to 50 students will be able to occupy in the same area, while mixing of groups will remain prohibited. The regulations are intended to remain in force until 28 February 2021, but may be reviewed before then as necessary.