Iceland plans to open to tourists from June 15
Since the health crisis began due to covid-19, Icelandic authorities have taken preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus in the country.
As they point out from the official Icelandic Tourism website, “The country has few entry points and the lowest population density in Europe and has been able to move quickly to identify, contact and, when necessary, quarantine Icelandic residents.”
In this sense, Iceland has applied the travel restrictions imposed for the Schengen area and the European Union –foreign citizens, except EU/EEA, EFTA or UK citizens, are not allowed to enter Iceland–, valid until May 15.
However, last Tuesday, May 12, the Icelandic Prime Minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, announced at a press conference that restrictions to travel to the country will be lifted in June, with conditions.
In this regard, the Government of Iceland plans begin easing restrictions on international arrivals as late as June 15, while as of May 15, "some professionals who arrive in the country will be eligible for a modified quarantine," they pointed out.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Iceland
"When travelers return to Iceland, we want to have all the mechanisms to safeguard them and the progress made in controlling the pandemic. Iceland's strategy of large-scale testing, tracing and confinement has proven effective so far," he said. Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Innovation.
“We want to take advantage of that experience of create a safe place for those who want a change of scenery after what has been a difficult spring for all of us" , the minister continued.
For her part, Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland He added: “Although Iceland is an island, it has always prospered thanks to international trade and cooperation. With just three cases of the virus diagnosed in May, we are once again ready to carefully open our doors to the world. While we are cautious, we are optimistic as a country that we can successfully begin our journey back to normal."
MAY 15: ARRIVAL OF PROFESSIONALS
The Government of Iceland announced that, As of May 15, professionals and others traveling to Iceland for work may be eligible for modified quarantine.
In this line, they explained that “essential workers and those working on vital infrastructure projects that cannot be postponed safely have already been able to apply for modified quarantine with specific limitations and criteria, and this will now also apply to a wider range of professions, including scientists and academics, filmmakers and athletes.”
The modified quarantine allows businesses to request an exemption from home quarantine as long as they comply with extensive requirements in the environment and apply security procedures. Eligibility for modified quarantine was extended to journalists on May 7.
As of May 15, professionals arriving in Iceland may be eligible for a modified quarantine
JUNE 15: THE FIRST TRAVELERS
As for foreign tourists, the Icelandic government pointed out that as of June 15, it is proposed that travelers can choose between: quarantine for two weeks, be tested for the virus upon arrival, or prove free of coronavirus infection.
According to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Icelandic government will cover the cost of the test for travelers during a two-week trial period.
The exact details of the reviews will be decided by the Government's multi-sectoral working group, so Specific requirements are still being defined, but travelers will likely be required to download and use the official tracking app which is already used by 40% of the population in Iceland.
The application has been developed following the strictest privacy standards, with location data stored locally on the user's device, unless it is published for tracking purposes in the event an infection is discovered.
Final details on easing quarantine requirements for travellers** will be announced in late May.**
Iceland can become the road trip of your life
With just three confirmed infections in May, the Icelandic authorities are interested in maintaining the progress made so far in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, Iceland has had **1,802 cases of coronavirus and 10 deaths. **
From the official website of the Government of Iceland, they point out that: “Test and trace measures for travelers will be reviewed frequently to ensure the pandemic remains under control. and all measures will take into account the state of the pandemic and current travel restrictions in other countries. These measures do not exclude the option of Bilaterally open borders between coronavirus-free countries.
Iceland is always a good idea