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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.

23. Apr 2021Ministry of Health, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Stricter requirements for quarantine of arriving passengers coming from high-risk areas

A new regulation by the Minister of Health on quarantine and isolation and COVID-19 testing at the Icelandic border will take effect on Tuesday 27 April. The regulation introduces obligation for arriving passengers to stay in a quarantine facility if they come from countries with high infection rate of COVID-19 as defined by the regulation. The Icelandic authorities will regularly issue a list of high-risk countries, which will be updated as needed.

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.

09. Apr 2021Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Border measures - amended requirements for quarantine

As of April 9, 2021, new regulation no. 375/2021 is in effect about quarantine and isolation and testing at the Icelandic border due to COVID-19. Clearer requirements are made for home quarantine, regarding housing and rules of conduct. Those who are unable to stay in a home quarantine that fulfils the requirements will need to stay at a quarantine facility. However, no fee shall be collected for the stay. This is among the stipulations of a new regulation issued by the Minister of Health that entered into force on the 9th of April and is based on recommendations from the Chief Epidemiologist.

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:

31. Mar 2021Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Spain removed from the list of countries identified as risk zones

The Ministry of Health has decided to remove mainland Spain from the Chief Epidemiologist´s list of countries identifying the countries defined as risk zones due to high notification rates of new COVID-19 infections. This is done in light of the assessment of the Ministry that the definition does not comply with the applicable regulation of the Minister of Health on quarantine, isolation and testing at the borders of Iceland because of COVID-19 even though data is lacking regarding the number of infections in one district of the country. Passengers from mainland Spain shall be subject to quarantine in private accommodation following the amendment and not 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.

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.

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.

23. Feb 2021Ministry of Education and Children, Ministry of Health, Prime Ministers Office, Education, Covid-19, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Significant easing of domestic restrictions in Iceland to take effect tomorrow

The Government of Iceland announced today new loosening on COVID-19 measures. The general limit on gatherings will be raised from 20 to 50, with ongoing emphasis on distancing and other personal precautions. As of tomorrow, a general limit of 150 people within confined areas will apply to higher level schooling, including universities.

16. Feb 2021Ministry of Health, Prime Ministers Office, Transport and Telecommunications, Covid-19, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Travelers required to present negative PCR test before boarding

New border measures will come into force on February 19 which requires all arriving passengers in Iceland to present a negative PCR taken within 72 hours of their time of departure to Iceland. This is in addition to the current system of double screening, that also requires all arriving passengers to submit to a PCR test upon arrival, followed by a 5-day quarantine and a second PCR test. Those who provide valid proof of having been vaccinated against COVID-19 are not required to provide a PCR-test prior to boarding and are also exempt from screening and quarantine measures at the border. The same applies to those who can provide proof of prior infection.

16. Feb 2021Ministry of Health, Prime Ministers Office, Transport and Telecommunications, Covid-19, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Travelers required to present negative PCR test before boarding

New border measures will come into force on February 19 which requires all arriving passengers in Iceland to present a negative PCR taken within 72 hours of their time of departure to Iceland. This is in addition to the current system of double screening, that also requires all arriving passengers to submit to a PCR test upon arrival, followed by a 5-day quarantine and a second PCR test. Those who provide valid proof of having been vaccinated against COVID-19 are not required to provide a PCR-test prior to boarding and are also exempt from screening and quarantine measures at the border. The same applies to those who can provide proof of prior infection.

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.

08. Jan 2021Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Relaxations to the restrictions on gathering sizes to apply from 13 January

Gatherings will be restricted to a maximum of 20 persons and health and fitness centres and skiing facilities will be able to open again. Sporting activities will be permitted for both children and adults, subject to certain restrictions; the same will apply to sports competitions, which will proceed without spectators. For stage events, relaxations will mean that up to 50 persons may be on stage, with up to 100 adults and 100 children in the audience; the same figures will apply to other cultural events. These are the principal features of the new rules on gathering restrictions that the Minister of Health issued earlier today, following discussion by the cabinet; they are based on recommendations by the Chief Epidemiologist.…

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.

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

COVID-19: Restrictions to be relaxed from 10 December

The Minister of Health has decided on changes to the preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, taking effect on 10 December 2020. On that date, some cautious relaxations will be made to the restrictions on the size of gatherings, and the new rules will remain in force until 12 January 2021. The rules applying in schools will continue unchanged, for the most part, until the end of the year; it is planned to announce new rules shortly that will take effect in schools on 1 January 2021.

18. Nov 2020Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID 19: Screening at the border temporarily free of charge

The Minister of Health has decided that testing of travellers for COVID-19 at Iceland’s borders is to be free of charge, on a temporary basis, from 1 December 2020 until 31 January 2021. This is in line with recommendations from the Chief Epidemiologist. The aim of the move is to encourage people to be tested rather than to commit to a period in quarantine, so reducing the likelihood that they will bring the infection with them into the country. The matter was discussed and approved at a cabinet meeting on 17 November.

18. Nov 2020Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID 19: Screening at the border temporarily free of charge

The Minister of Health has decided that testing of travellers for COVID-19 at Iceland’s borders is to be free of charge, on a temporary basis, from 1 December 2020 until 31 January 2021. This is in line with recommendations from the Chief Epidemiologist. The aim of the move is to encourage people to be tested rather than to commit to a period in quarantine, so reducing the likelihood that they will bring the infection with them into the country. The matter was discussed and approved at a cabinet meeting on 17 November.

13. Nov 2020Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Relaxation of restrictions on gatherings take effect on 18 November

The Minister of Health has approved recommendations by the Chief Epidemiologist for a cautious relaxation of some of the restrictions on gatherings in response to the spread of COVID-19. The changes involved will take effect on 18 November 2020. The main changes are that sporting, youth and leisure activities for children in pre-schools (kindergartens) and compulsory junior schools (to age 16) will be permitted once again. In upper-secondary schools, the number of persons permitted to gather in one space will be raised to 25. Services of various types which entail physical contact or close proximity will be permitted again. The general limit on the size of gatherings to 10 persons will continue.…

02. Nov 2020Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Restrictions applying in schools and universities as from 3 November 2020

A new regulation from the Minister of Health laying down restrictions in schools and universities as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic takes effect as from 3 November 2020. The aim is to interfere as little as possible with educational work, and that activities in pre-schools and the early years of compulsory schooling should proceed in full. In accordance with the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist, the rules on wearing face masks will be changed so that they do not apply to children born in or after 2011.

30. Oct 2020Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

Stricter anti-COVID-19 measures taking effect as from 31 October 2020

The Minister of Health has approved proposals from the Chief Epidemiologist regarding tighter measures to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, which take effect on Saturday, 31 October 2020. The same rules will apply throughout Iceland. The main change introduced now is that the maximum size of gatherings is reduced from 20 to 10 persons. All sporting activities and stage performances are suspended. It is envisaged that these stricter rules will remain in force until 17 November (including that date); they will be reviewed in the light of developments with a view to whether it will be possible to relax them earlier or necessary to extend the period for a longer period.

21. Oct 2020Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Restrictions on sizes of gatherings and certain school activities applying from 20 October 2020

New regulations have taken effect laying down restrictions on the size of gatherings and certain school activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The regulations will remain in force until 10 November (inclusive), with the exception of interim provisions applying to the metropolitan area, which will apply until 3 November 2020. The changes introduced by the new regulations are summarised below.

14. Oct 2020Legislation, Ministry of Health, Regulations

Regulation on the recognition of professional qualifications of healthcare practitioners from other Member States of the European Economic Area or Switzerland for the pursuit of an activity in Iceland, No. 510/2020

14 October 2020 / Ministry of Health Regulation on the recognition of professional qualifications of healthcare practitioners from other Member States of the European Economic Area or Switzerland for the pursuit of an activity in Iceland, No. 510/2020 Regulation on the recognition of professional qualifications of healthcare practitioners from other Member States of the European Economic Area or Switzerland for the pursuit of an activity in Iceland, No. 510/2020 Tags Ministry of Health Regulations Go back Disclaimer: This section of the site details available translations on legislation relating to the Government Offices in Iceland

25. Sep 2020Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Seating requirement in all licensed premises

The Minister of Health has approved a proposal from the Chief Epidemiologist obliging all premises with alcoholic beverage licences to provide seats for all guests, and guests normally to be seated as is the case in restaurants and cafes. A regulation setting this out will take effect on Monday, 28 September 2020; as of the same date, the temporary closure of bars and night-clubs in the metropolitan area will be lifted, though with the condition that such enterprises observe the seating requirement. In accordance with the Chief Epidemiologist’s recommendations, the other restrictions on gatherings have been extended without amendment for the next three weeks, until and including 18 October.

21. Sep 2020Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Closure of bars and night-clubs extended to 27 September

The Minister of Health, Svandís Svavarsdóttir, has approved a proposal by the Chief Epidemiologist to extend the temporary closure of bars and night-clubs to and including Sunday, 27 September 2020. A regulation announcing the closure has been sent for publication in the Govenrment Gazette. As previously, the closure affects bars and night-clubs in Reykjavík, Mosfellsbær, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Kópavogur, Kjósarhreppur and Seltjarnarnes.

14. Sep 2020Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

Quarantine shortened from 14 days to 7, ending with a test

The Minister of Health, Svandís Svavarsdóttir, has accepted a proposal from the Chief Epidemiologist to enable people to complete quarantine in connection with COVID-19 in 7 days if a test at the end of that time proves negative. On completing quarantine, people will still be required to observe precautions against infection and to avoid contact with vulnerable individuals. Testing arrangements will be organised by the Chief Epidemiologist and will be free of charge to those tested. The new arrangement applies to infection precautions within Iceland, not to persons arriving at the border.

04. Sep 2020Life and Health, Ministry of Health

Less stringent restrictions on gatherings take effect on 7 September

The ‘social distancing’ rule will be relaxed from 2 metres to 1 metre and the maximum size of gatherings will be increased from 100 to 200 people on Monday, 7 September 2020. ​These are the main points in a new regulation that has been issued by the Minister of Health, Svandís Svavarsdóttir, on measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, following guidelines proposed by the Cief Epidemiologist.

27. Aug 2020Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

New advertisement: Restrictions on the size of gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic

A new advertisement issued by the Minister of Health setting out restrictions on the size of gatherings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic takes effect on 28 August 2020 and will remain in effect until and including 10 September. This will involve only minor changes to the restrictions already in force, which is in accordance with the proposals submitted to the minister by the Chief Epidemiologist. The changes in question are described below.

18. Aug 2020Ministry of Health, Prime Ministers Office, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

New rules on quarantine, isolation and screening at the border

Passengers arriving in Iceland on and after 19 August 2020 may choose either to submit to two screening tests for COVID-19, separated by five days’ quarantine until the results of the second test are known, or else not to undergo border screening but instead to spend 14 days in quarantine after arrival. The ministerial regulation announcing this takes effect as from midnight on 18 August. The requirement regarding quarantine and/or testing applies to all people who have spent more than 24 hours during the past 14 days in locations that are defined as potential infection risk areas; at present, this means all countries.…