Friday, February 25, 2022, marks the date on which Iceland will remove all of its COVID travel restrictions which include internal restrictions in the country. Both domestically and at the border the restrictions have been lifted regardless of whether individuals are vaccinated or unvaccinated.
Iceland is joining four other countries that have lifted all internal and external covid-related restrictions and rules and usher travelers back to pre-COVID normalcy.
The ministry of health was quoted in that “widespread societal resistance to COVID-19 is the main route out of the epidemic….[and] to achieve this, as many people as possible need to be infected with the virus as the vaccines are not enough, even though they provide good protection against serious illness.”
Furthermore, PCR tests will be limited to those with severe symptoms or underlying illnesses and are going to be replaced by rapid antigen tests. Those who test positive on a rapid test will not be obligated to isolate for five days, though it is recommended.
Scrapped are the testing and quarantine requirements, instead, the only item required to enter Iceland is to apply for a visa (if the passenger’s nationality requires one). Not only are tourists welcomed back to Iceland with no barriers, the government is removing the mandatory mask measure, limits on gatherings and hourly restrictions for bars and restaurants.
Other countries who have recently ended all (or nearly all) COVID-related entry requirements earlier this week include: Slovenia, Norway, Mexico and El Salvador.