The Government of Iceland announced yesterday that it expects to start easing restrictions on international arrivals no later than June 15th. Instead of a two-week quarantine, travelers are expected to be given the choice of being tested for the virus upon arrival, or otherwise prove that they are free of the corona-virus infection.

In accordance with recommendations from Iceland’s Chief Epidemiologist, the Minister of Health has changed the current rules restrictions on arrivals due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Yesterday the government of Iceland introduced steps to lift the restrictions currently in place in Iceland due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Travel restrictions imposed for the Schengen Area and the European Union are still in place.

Departures of foreign passengers from Iceland via Keflavik airport were about 80 thousand in March, according to figures from the Icelandic Tourist Board, or less than half the numbers in March 2019, when departures were 170 thousand. The reason for this reduction in number should be obvious.

Almost half of Icelanders believe that the spread of COVID-19 will, to some or large extent, affect their domestic travel in the next six months. Nevertheless, almost 90% of Icelanders are planning to travel domestically in the coming months. These are the results of a survey carried out by the Icelandic Tourist Board to assess the impact of the virus on Icelanders travel plans.

Iceland has implemented the travel restrictions imposed for the Schengen Area and the European Union. As of 20 March 2020, foreign nationals - except EU/EEA, EFTA or UK nationals - are not allowed to enter Iceland. This advice is valid until 17 April 2020.

SafeTravel connects travelers in Iceland with essential resources to help reduce their exposure to risks and ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience. Here you find information for the next few days.

Yesterday gasses were measured near the volcanic cones and craters at Eldvörp on the Reykjanes peninsula. Gas levels are now monitored and weekly measurements are carried out as a part of the contingency plan implemented in response to unrest and uplift of ground around the MT. Thorbjörn.

Departures of foreign passengers from Iceland via Keflavik airport were about 121 thousand in January, according to figures from the Icelandic Tourist Board, or about 18 thousand less than in January 2019. The decrease between years is 13%. This is the second year in a row that fewer passengers depart in January, compared to previous year.

Tourism in Figures – January 2020 offers a summary of key figures on Icelandic tourism in 2019; number of visitors, registered overnight stays, hotel occupancy rates along with visitor survey results.