COVID Testing in Reykjavik

You can register for a Covid test at this website. Remember to register at the same website before leaving for Iceland as well.

Thanks for the information!

travel.covid.is for those that don't want to click on the link

I'm looking forward to trip reports where we find out the real deal on how long it takes after testing in Reykjavik to get results. I mean, that could be a nightmare situation if there is any glitch.

I haven't googled it lately, but I'd expect we'll see some boots-on-the-ground information soon.

I am going to Iceland in June, and I keep reading conflicting reports about having to get a Covid test when arriving at the airport. I am fully vaccinated, and at first it sounded like a vaccination card was the requirement, but I think a Covid test at the airport is also required. We are planning to drive to our B&B (in Stykkisholmur) and then wait for results of the Covid test. I know we can't stop to eat or do anything until we get those results. If anyone has more information on this, I'd love to hear it.

New guidelines come out on May 1, so that is also something to watch.

As for Covid tests in Reykjavik, I've been reading a lot about those, and have heard results come back fairly quickly - within 5-7 hours. Hoping this is true since we'll get our return tests the day before we leave to go back to the US.

Lisa,
Check out the website listed above.
You need to register on that site prior to leaving the US.
As of right now, you will need to get a free Covid test upon arrival. It will be attached to your email. I was told it takes about 5 hours to get the results, but I am wondering if it will take longer once more tourists are flooding into Iceland.

For our benefit, please come back to the forum and give a trip report. We want to hear about your trip AND how it goes with testing, etc.

Lisa and Vanda, yes, also wondering if a big influx of summer tourists will gum up the system.

So between arrival at Keflavik, arrival in Reykjavik for testing, and then getting your results, well, that 8 hours. If you arrive at 0700 then hopefully results should be forthcoming by 1700.

Is it correct that a person needs cellular service for receiving both arrival and departure test results? That cellular service is basically a requirement of entry and exit?

No need to be a worrywart big Mike. The antigen test is accepted by the US. It was no big deal to do when I flew back to the States in February.

I will definitely be using my Verizon travel plan to have cellular service. Not only do I want that to communicate regarding Covid issues, but I want to have my navigation available on the Ring Road and to be able to call for help if I am in a remote area.

Another option would be to use hotel or other business provided wi-fi.

I don't think that Mike is being a worry-wart. He is trying to gather as much information as possible so that he can make appropriate plans.

Bets, fair enough. I'm OK with walking around the hotel until 1700 or so, but my wife is a less enthusiastic traveler, so I hope you catch my drift. July 11 is quite a ways off, so we'll see. 30 days out I can still cancel for a 90 percent refund, so we'll see how things look in mid-June.

Also, having to semi-quarantine most of the first day kills a lot of precious touring time. The last thing I want to do is nap too long in the hotel and end up with more jet lag. Other than just walking around for 5-plus hours, what are you going to do?

Does anyone know how widespread the testing locations are that one can register for? If I am flying back to the US and need a test within 72 hours, does that mean I need to spend the last couple days of my trip in/near Reykjavik?

Claire, good question.

Let's assume one gets tested at airport soon after arrival, let's say 0800. You could then drag your feet and get some booze, etc. at the airport duty-free joint and then get on the shuttle to your hotel in Reykjavik. What if your room isn't ready? Then what? If all goes well you get your results by 1300, or five hours. That's a lot of time to kill figuring out what to do besides go to sleep on the hotel lobby sofa, which of course is a bad idea if you want to beat jet lag.

Claire,
I would recommend spending the last day prior to flight home in/near Reykjavik. You can register for a test at the website listed above.

Claire:

Testing is available all over the island. Reservations are not required in most locations.

https://www.landlaeknir.is/um-embaettid/greinar/grein/item42633/covid-19-border-testing

Both times I've been to Iceland, I got in very early due to the red eye flight from Dulles Airport (IAD). I did not stay in business hotels like the ones that are part of the Iceland Air packages. No matter how dead tired I was and how much I wanted to take a shower, I was not allowed to check in until the check-in time (which was probably around 1:00 pm). One time I just walked around for hours (despite having 2 hours of sleep) and the other time I spent many hours at a gym working out and then swimming. So I would not assume your room will be ready unless you ask ahead of time and/ or there are different rules in place now due to need to quarantine, etc. Walking around and enjoying the outdoors is really not that stressful, not worth worrying about. I would definitely bring some food if you're not allowed indoors anywhere.