COVID-19: Current restrictions on gatherings extended to August 27

Iceland’s Minister of Health has decided, in accordance with the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist, to extend the current regulation on restrictions on gatherings due to COVID-19 by two weeks. The general limit of gatherings will be 200 persons and one metre social distance rule will remain in place.

Since the end of June there has been an uptick in domestic infections due to the spread of the Delta variant. Most cases are among fully vaccinated individuals showing little or no symptoms. Current restrictions were announced on July 23 and took effect two days later. They were supposed to remain in force until August 14 but have now been extended for further two weeks.

Last week, the Government of Iceland announced that as of August 16, vaccinated passengers with ties to Iceland must undergo testing within 48 hours of arrival in Iceland.

From 1 July vaccinated travellers (and those with prior infections) have not been required to undergo any testing or quarantine when arriving in Iceland. The government has announced that from 17 July vaccinated travellers and those with prior infection must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or rapid antigen) prior to boarding a vessel on the way to Iceland.