It was mentioned on another forum that current COVID test wait times, usually 5-6 hours but possibly up to 24 hours, could increase substantially with a large influx of summer tourists. That would likely cause some people to reevaluate their options.
My point is that you might want to keep a close eye on trip reports, particularly with the summer season just around the bend.
Any other thoughts on this?
CR tests (polymerase chain reaction tests) are analysed by the National University Hospital’s Department of Virology. While tests results have so far been communicated in a timely manner, it is unlikely that the hospital will be able to cope with the stress from the busiest arrival days at Keflavík Airport this summer.
https://www.icelandreview.com/society/keflavik-airport-prepares-for-busiest-weekend-of-the-year/
I won't be going at all if any kind of covid test is required before, during, or after. I'm not shelling out money only to have everything derailed by a false positive.
While false negatives are common, the chance of a false positive is close to zero..
I apologize if this has already been answered, but where do passengers go while they are awaiting test results?
Donna, here is the place to go: covid.is
From the airport straight to your hotel, check-in, and await test results. You can have "short walks" around the hotel but must avoid any crowds and you can't go inside anywhere. Ask your hotel if they will allow early check-in on the date of your arrival, or you may have to pay for the night before so you can access a room.
According to U.K. scientists, false positive results are more likely in places where infection rates are low. They estimate as few as 2-10% of positive results maybe accurate in these areas, which is why two tests are recommended.
Thank you BigMike!
Hello,
Visitors must wait in their hotel while awaiting their test results, however, does anyone know of any issues allowing a visitor to drive to a location nearby Skagafjordur to spend their first night after arrival (~ 5 hour drive)? I'll be driving the Ring Road and that will be my first stop... The website below shows accomodations welcoming visitors while in quarantine (or awaiting test results), they are all over Iceland, so that makes me believe it's possible... Any thoughts?
Thank you!
Alex,
I've seen the question about the 5 hour drive in a couple of places, but with no direct replies. That probably means that nobody here has a definitive answer for you, at this point.
Perhaps the best source of an answer for the possible 5 hour drive (no stops at all along the way for food or visiting) would be the Iceland government. Have you tried asking the question of the Iceland Embassy or Consulate in New York?
If you are in NJ they are probably the closest....
Their website is https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/consulate-general-of-iceland-in-new-york/
Mine this week was almost 7 hours on the dot. I rented an airbnb and purposefully rented the day before to be sure I could immediately go in. Got in, ate (more on that), and slept. Was out on the town by 15:30 local.
My recommendation (that I read somewhere) is to bring ramen or something you can easily pack and eat while you wait. Or get Aha.is on your phone and order delivery in.
Don’t forget to get tested on the way back to the US (assuming that’s your path back), and they’ve made it easy as well.
Couldn’t have been a better or easier trip!
Thank you for your replies!!
Nigel - it's a great idea to contact the Icelandic Consulate, I didn't think of that before :)
Kittehdurid - well, you are the first hands-on experience I've read... and on a 7 hr drive, to top it off!! This is extremely helpful... The delivery option is excellent too, Ive just downloaded the Aha.is app... So you got your results back ty 15:30? I'll be arriving ~ 8:00 so by the time I arrive my destination I should be getting clearance by phone on the results... we'll see... and I agree 100% with you, reading the official Icelandic websites, they have their act together, besides this minor hiccup (and the PCR testing on the way out), it should be pretty simple and easy!... Thank you so much for your feedback!
Alex
Mine this week was almost 7 hours on the dot.
kittehdurid, are you saying the results for the test were 7 hours, or that you drove to your room and the drive took 7 hours?
The thread of comments answers most of my questions and concerns-but to verify my thinking- does anyone think the following makes sense.:
I am vaccinated and plan 1 week trip in late June. Booking a flight from JFK to Akuryi so an airport transfer from KEF to domestic airport is required. Plan to stay at Icelandairhotel in Akuryri (approved for quarantine) to await test results. Does anyone foresee complications with this. Seems like each step is via Icelandair, so should be seamless. Appreciate any feedback
Follow up to my post
FYI a call to Icelandair indicates domestic connection in Reykjavik is not possible without awaiting test results-so internal flight should be delayed by a day
We are doing a Viking Ocean trip to Iceland in August. Viking is going to pick us up at the airport, take us to the ship and give us our test (they have a lab on board to do this). Prior to return, they will again test us on board to meet all re-entry requirements in the US. It should (fingers crossed) be very simple.
