Iceland recently gave travelers stuck at home some much-needed hope by announcing it would open its borders to international tourists starting June 15. The European Union (EU) may extend travel restrictions for those outside of the EU to July 1.
The opening date is one of the many questions remaining about travel to Iceland. One of the biggest questions was what the Icelandic government would do regarding tourists taking coronavirus tests upon arrival.
That's changed. According to the Icelandic Government website, starting on June 15, all passengers, currently, only those from the Schengen area, arriving in Iceland can choose to be tested for COVID-19 free of charge for an initial two-week period, or quarantine for two weeks.
Starting on July 1, passengers will be required to pay $115 USD (ISK 15 000) for a single test. Further, children born in 2005 or later are exempt from both testing and quarantine.
The testing will be available at Keflavik airport (KEF). Passengers arriving in other international airports or ports will be tested at the closest local healthcare center.
Per Iceland's chief epidemiologist, passengers will be required to fill out a pre-registration form before arrival, and will be required to provide personal details and contact information, flight information, travel dates, and address(es) for your stay in Iceland.
Passengers will not be required to self-quarantine until they receive their test results which should arrive within 24 hours through the app (Rakning C-19), or through text message.
Any passengers who test positive will receive a phone call notifying them. If a passenger tests positive, they may be offered to undergo further tests to determine whether or not they have an active infection. In the case of an active infection, the passenger will be required to self-isolate.
There does not appear to be any restrictions for U.S. based travelers to enter the country as long as they adhere to the testing guidelines outlined above.
Bottom Line
Iceland will offer two weeks of COVID-19 testing free of charge for an initial two-week period starting on June 15. Starting on July 1, passengers will be required to pay ISK 15 000 for a single test (roughly $115) to enter the country.
This is a breaking news story. Check back to Thrifty Traveler for more updates as more details become available.Â
Seems a bit much to pay for test I wont be flying there hope other places dont start charging makes it costly to travel.