ISK 100,000 Fine for Failure to Present Certificate

A fine of ISK 100,000 (USD 795; EUR 650) may now be issued to travelers who fail to present a certificate upon arrival in Iceland, showing negative results of a PCR test, taken within 72 hours of departure, mbl.is reports. A fine in the same amount may be issued for a traveler’s refusal to be tested for the coronavirus upon arrival in Iceland, according to new instructions from the state prosecutor.

Until Tuesday night, it was not entirely clear how high the fines would be for violating recently enacted disease prevention rules. That has now been clarified.

Last week, new rules took effect at Icelandic borders, requiring arriving passengers to present a certificate, showing negative results of a PCR test, taken within 72 hours of departure. The certificate will have to be presented before departure to Iceland and again upon arrival in the country. 

In addition, every arriving passenger must be tested for the coronavirus upon arrival in Iceland and again four to five days later. Travelers are required to stay in quarantine in between the two tests.

Violating quarantine laws, such as by refusing to stay at a quarantine facility, if required, or by violating the rules of quarantine, can result in a fine of ISK 50,000 to 250,000, according to the state prosecutor’s instructions. Finally, violating rules regarding isolation can result in a fine of ISK 150,000-500,000, depending on the severity of the violation.

Those who provide valid proof of vaccination are not required to provide a PCR test prior to boarding and are also exempt from screening and quarantine measures at the border. The same applies to those who can provide proof of prior infection.