Iceland was among the first countries in the world that used proof of vaccination as its requirement for entry.
The northern Atlantic island has been increasing in popularity in recent years, especially among younger and adventure-oriented travellers. Here’s the key information you need to know if you’re planning a trip to Iceland.
Iceland Travel Restrictions
As of February 25, 2022, all visitors are welcome regardless of their vaccination or testing status.
How Can Canadians Enter Iceland?
Travellers are allowed to enter Iceland through all international airports and as well by sea, in the way of a cruise. As of October 2021, when departing Canada by air, travellers are required to present proof of vaccination.
As of February 25, 2022, there are no entry requirements to Iceland – yes, no vaccination requirement, no testing requirement, and no pre-registration.
Testing & Quarantine Upon Return
As of April 1, 2022, a negative test is no longer required prior to travelling back to Canada.
If you need to find a test in Iceland, it’s quite easy to do so.
You can register for a COVID-19 test on the visit.covid.is website. Antigen tests are provided free of cost.
Alternatively, consider purchasing a Switch Health RT-LAMP or antigen test kit for an easy remote testing option via telehealth video link.
Current Health Requirements in Iceland
Like pre-entry requirements, Iceland has done any with any and all COVID-19 restrictions on the ground.
There are no capacity restrictions, no mask requirements, and no other COVID-19 prevention tactics.
How to Get to Iceland
For the summer and fall of 2021, Icelandair is the only airline operating direct flights between Canada and Iceland, from Toronto Pearson.
Economy class fares for the summer are pricing at $1,000+ round-trip, which is fairly high compared to historical standards.
Fall 2021 is much more reasonably priced in comparison, running $570 round-trip, closer to the end of peak travel season in Iceland.
(Some connecting flights via the US may be available for cheaper, although note that Canadians cannot enter the US from Europe until the US travel ban on Schengen Area countries is lifted.)
Due to the lack of a direct Air Canada flight, redeeming Aeroplan points will be an expensive proposition for the rest of 2021, due to the backtracking required through continental Europe.
This year, the most convenient business class routing would be on Lufthansa, via Frankfurt or Munich, from Toronto or Montreal for 70,000 Aeroplan points, or from Vancouver for 85,000 Aeroplan points.
If you’re an aspirational traveller looking to celebrate your first post-pandemic trip with some luxury flying, consider aiming for Lufthansa First Class from a US gateway airport via Frankfurt or Munich for 100,000 Aeroplan points.
As things stand, Air Canada will be restarting direct flights from Toronto and Montreal to Reykjavik starting in June 2022.
One-way flights are priced in the region of 35,000 Aeroplan points in economy class or 60,000 Aeroplan points in business class (marketed as premium economy), although the dynamic pricing model can lead to either lower or higher price points.
Conclusion
Iceland has reopened to international travellers, including Canadians, since May 2021. Entry requirements are identical to pre-pandemic times, as is life on the ground.
As icing on the cake, Iceland offers free antigen tests for everyone booked via the visit.covid.is website.
As always, you can refer to our Travel During COVID-19 Resource for Canadians for the most up-to-date information on travelling in the pandemic era.
Lol go have a look at the availability of hotels, Marriot or Hilton for next June. It’s almost hilarious.
“Present proof of recovery from Covid “ This is the first time I’ve seen this from any country!
Interesting. All this additional testing even after being vaxxed, before and after for a large family just isn’t worth the hassle and money spent. I guess I’ll have to wait a few more years before travelling!
Greece also allows proof of recovery as a means to enter the country – in Greece’s case, without a PCR test in that case.