A new policy is to be implemented by Iceland’s government on December 10 to boost tourism. Anyone who has tested positive for the coronavirus and has recovered will be able to visit the country, without the need for quarantine or testing.
Visiting Iceland In The COVID-19 Era
Like most countries in the world, Iceland closed its borders when the coronavirus pandemic hit. Also like other countries, it eased its lockdown, letting travelers visit as long as they went into quarantine and produced proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Iceland has now expanded its offer to visitors wishing to travel to this beautiful country. From December 10, anyone who has had the virus and has recovered will be able to visit without the need for quarantine or testing.
The new policy will allow visitors who have recovered from the virus to submit an antibody test from a European laboratory or epidemiologist in Iceland, or submit a positive PCR test that is at least 14 days old. The Office of the Medical Director of Health advised that rapid or spot tests are not acceptable for the new program.
U.S. Visitors Still Not Allowed
However, the Directorate of Immigration noted that while the new measure will expand the ways people can visit Iceland, U.S. visitors are still not allowed to enter Iceland. This is due to the high numbers of infections currently suffered throughout the U.S.
Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir said in a statement that the measures are intended to “limit the risk of infections getting into the country across the border.” She said that while they can never guarantee that all potential sources of future outbreaks can be stopped, it is still prudent to aim to minimize this risk as much as possible.
However, the Prime Minister did say Iceland is hopeful that the development of effective vaccines will allow them to review the border measures during the first weeks of the new year.
Current COVID-19 Protocols
At present, Iceland requires visitors to quarantine for 14 days on arrival. Alternatively, they can get tested for COVID-19 twice – once on arrival in Iceland and then quarantine for five to six days before getting a second test.
Travelers who quarantine in Iceland are not currently allowed to visit the major tourist attractions, including the country’s beautiful waterfalls. However, they are allowed to enjoy a remote walk, which is easy to do in the vast landscapes of this beautiful country.
According to the Iceland government’s website, the country’s famous swimming pools are still closed, while restaurants with a liquor license are required to close at 9 p.m. It is mandatory to wear masks whenever people are within two meters of each other.
Work From Nature
While currently U.S. citizens are barred from visiting Iceland for a quick vacation, they can apply for a long-term visa, which allows them to stay for up to six months. This allows Americans to experience the ultimate WFN (work from nature) experience. However, they must earn around $88,000 per year to partake of this offer. This allows the long-term visitors to stimulate the tourism economy, while not taking away from local jobs.
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