News

COP26 results a cause for optimism, says Iceland‘s Environment Minister

Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Iceland‘s Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources, says that the final results of COP26 in Glasgow is a source of optimism for the most urgent task of the 21st Century: To avert a climate catastrophe.

Iceland‘s message at COP26: We need to upgrade our pledges

The message from Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir at the UN Climte Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow was clear. We need to do more, since the Paris pledges will not suffice to keep global warming within safe limits.

The Icelandic Government and Landsvirkjun Agree on Remuneration for Utilisation Rights in the Þjórsá Area

The Prime Minister‘s Office and Landsvirkjun, the National Power Company of Iceland, have reached an agreement on remuneration for Landsvirkjun‘s utilisation of water- and ground rights in an area at the river Þjórsá, within the public land.

Female leaders call for women’s rights and equal opportunities to be upheld in Afghanistan

Women heads of state and government sent out a joint call to current and future power holders in Afghanistan to refrain from violence against women and girls and to uphold and ensure equal rights and participation of women in public life. Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, and Zuzana Čaputová, President of Slovakia, initiated the call.

Ending gender-based violence: ​activists and survivors aim to shape global agenda

The Government of Iceland and the city of Reykjavík will welcome activists and survivors from around the world on August 16th-18th, digitally and in-person in a bid to hasten the end of gender-based violence, with a conference and activist meeting.

Ending gender-based violence: ​activists and survivors aim to shape the global agenda

The Government of Iceland and the city of Reykjavík will welcome activists and survivors from around the world on August 16th-18th, digitally and in-person in a bid to hasten the end of gender-based violence, with a conference and activist meeting.

Vaccinated passengers with ties to Iceland to undergo testing

As of August 16, vaccinated passengers with ties to Iceland must undergo testing within 48 hours of arrival in Iceland.

COVID-19: Border measures extended to 15th of June

Svandís Svavarsdóttir, Minister of Health of Iceland, has decided to extend the application of current government regulation on quarantine, isolation and testing at the border of Iceland in connection with COVID-19 until the coming 15th of June.…

COVID-19: Temporary introduction of stricter border measures

The Government of Iceland has announced temporary border measures to counter the domestic spread of COVID-19. These measures aim to create conditions to allow lifting domestic restrictions as much as possible.…

Stricter measures intended to stop new outbreak in Iceland

The Government of Iceland announced yesterday measures to prevent a potential new wave of COVID-19 infections. After multiple clusters of infections were detected (largely in two primary schools in Iceland), these new measures will remain in place for three weeks. A total of 89 people in Iceland are currently in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.…

A small volcanic eruption has started in Iceland

At approximately 20.45 last night lava began flowing from a rupture in the ground around Fagradalsfjall near the fishing town of Grindavík on the Reykjanes peninsula. The eruption is considered to be small and due to its location, there is no threat to any populated areas or critical infrastructure.…

Commission on the Status of Women Statement by Katrín Jakobsdóttir

Exemption from border measures for vaccinated individuals to be extended to non-Schengen countries

The Icelandic government has announced that all those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to travel to Iceland without being subject to border measures, such as testing and quarantine.…

Possible volcanic activity in southwest Iceland

Following a series of earthquakes, a volcanic tremor pulse was detected south of Mt Keilir, in the Reykjanes Peninsula, yesterday afternoon. The area is in southwest Iceland, about 20km (12.5 miles) from Keflavik International Airport and about 15km (less than 10 miles) from the Reykjavík metropolitan area.…

Significant easing of domestic restrictions in Iceland to take effect tomorrow

The Government of Iceland announced today new loosening on COVID-19 measures. The general limit on gatherings will be raised from 20 to 50, with ongoing emphasis on distancing and other personal precautions. As of tomorrow, a general limit of 150 people within confined areas will apply to higher level schooling, including universities.

The Government launches the Icelandic Income Database

The Icelandic Income Database is an interactive tool that examines changes in the financial position of different groups in Icelandic society. The data used is provided by Statistics Iceland and is gathered from domestic tax returns for the period of 1991-2019.

Travelers required to present negative PCR test before boarding

New border measures will come into force on February 19 which requires all arriving passengers in Iceland to present a negative PCR taken within 72 hours of their time of departure to Iceland. This is in addition to the current system of double screening, that also requires all arriving passengers to submit to a PCR test upon arrival, followed by a 5-day quarantine and a second PCR test.…

Iceland hosts first activist led conference against gender-based violence in over 25 years

The Government of Iceland and city of Reykjavik will host the Reykjavik Dialogue and Conference, on August 16th-18th 2021. This three-day event will be the first conference led by international activists and survivors of gender-based violence since the Brighton conference in 1996 which was inspired by the 1976 International Tribunal on Crimes against Women.

Covid-19 screening mandatory for arriving passengers until spring

As of today, all passengers must undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Iceland, followed by a 5–6-day quarantine and a second screening at the end of quarantine period. This procedure will remain in place until 1 May, when cautious steps will be taken to ease restrictions, based on the epidemiological situation at passenger's point of departure. This was decided at today's cabinet meeting.

Iceland announces enhanced ambition at Climate Ambition Summit

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, announced on 12 December that Iceland would enhance its ambition in emissions cuts. The announcement came at the Climate Ambition Summit, convened by the United Nations, United Kingdom, and France, in partnership with Chile and Italy, at the 5th Anniversary of the landmark Paris Agreement.

Prime Minister of Iceland addresses UNESCO High-Level Round Table on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, prime minister of Iceland, addressed a UNESCO high-level round table on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women on the 25th of November.

Border measures to be reviewed by 15 January

The Icelandic Government has announced that current border measures to limit the influx of COVID-19 infections will remain mostly unchanged until 1 February next year. As of 10 December, arriving passengers who have already recovered from a COVID-19 infection will exempt from border measures if they can provide proof of prior infection.…

Resilience: strengthening Iceland’s foothold – Resilience subsidies and support for job-seekers, old-age pensioners, families with children, and vulnerable groups

The Government has decided to pay a special supplement over and above basic unemployment benefits next year, so as to support the large group of people whose income-linked unemployment benefits will expire in the next few months. The 2.5% supplement will be paid in addition to the 3.6% increase provided for in the 2021 fiscal budget proposal.…

Katrín Jakobsdóttir hosts the Council of Women World Leader's Annual Meeting

On November 9, 2020 H.E. Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the Prime Minister of Iceland and Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders, gathered current and former women presidents and prime ministers for the Council’s annual meeting

Eight stability measures

Following discussions with employer and employee unions, the Government presented a package of eight measures designed to promote social and economic stability in accordance with Living Standards Agreement from autumn of last year.

Double screening until December

The current procedure of double screening for covid-19 at the border for all passengers arriving in Iceland is planned to remain in place until 1 December, unless circumstances warrant earlier easing.

Iceland welcomes Syrian families from Lesbos

The Government of Iceland has agreed to receive refugees from the Greek island of Lesbos, with emphasis on vulnerable Syrian families. These families previously lived in the Moria refugee camp, which was destroyed by fire earlier this month.

Prime Minister of Iceland addresses Beijing 25th anniversary meeting

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, addresses today the high-level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women (FWCW), which took place in Beijing, China in September 1995.

Prime Minister Statement at the High Level Meeting of the General Assembly on Beijing+25

Prime Minister of Iceland addresses 25th anniversary meeting of the Beijing Women’s Conference

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, addresses today the high-level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women (FWCW), which took place in Beijing, China in September 1995.

Prime Minister of Iceland addresses 25th anniversary meeting of the Beijing Women’s Conference

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, addresses today the high-level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women (FWCW), which took place in Beijing, China in September 1995.

The world after COVID-19

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, discussed the challenges facing the planet following the COVID-19 pandemic, at an international symposium hosted by the Icelandic committee for the future this morning.

Science and Technology Policy 2020–2022

In 2030, Iceland will be a diverse society characterised by welfare, security and equal opportunities. Iceland will be among leading countries when comparing quality of life, happiness and democracy. Emphasis will be placed on the quality of education, everyone's access to it and an education system that is constantly evolving in step with the society and the future.

Declaration of Intent on Funds for the Maintenance of Sustainable Development

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, together with parties constituting the majority of the Icelandic financial market have signed a declaration of intent on the use of funds to maintain sustainable development while bearing in mind Iceland's international obligations and the standards set by the Icelandic government.

What will the future look like beyond COVID-19?

The Prime Minister of Iceland opens an international, online symposium on changes, challenges and opportunities in various areas of society following the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday 30 September.

The 75th UN General Assembly 2020 - Prime Minister's Adress

An intergenerational dialogue on how diverse leadership can change the world for gender equality

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, participated in a virtual intergenerational dialogue​of high-level female leaders with activists and young leaders from different parts of the world to focus on the importance of inclusive leadership and the change it can bring for all girls and women.

Call for action - International Equal Pay Day

International Equal Pay Day will be celebrated for the first time this 18 September. On the occasion of this event the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), of which Iceland is a member, hosts a virtual global event and Call to Action to encourage all labour market actors to take the necessary steps to ensure that equal pay is at the heart of recovery efforts worldwide.

Call for action - International Equal Pay Day, 18 September

International Equal Pay Day will be celebrated for the first time this 18 September. On the occasion of this event the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), of which Iceland is a member, hosts a virtual global event and Call to Action to encourage all labour market actors to take the necessary steps to ensure that equal pay is at the heart of recovery efforts worldwide.

New rules on quarantine, isolation and screening at the border

Passengers arriving in Iceland on and after 19 August 2020 may choose either to submit to two screening tests for COVID-19, separated by five days’ quarantine until the results of the second test are known, or else not to undergo border screening but instead to spend 14 days in quarantine after arrival. The ministerial regulation announcing this takes effect as from midnight on 18 August.…

Double border screening for all arriving passengers

The Government of Iceland has decided to impose more comprehensive border-screening measures as of 19 August. All arriving passengers must choose between a 14-day quarantine and a double testing procedure along with a quarantine for 5-6 days.

Iceland takes precautionary measures

New clusters of domestic infections are being investigated. Gathering limit set at 100 individuals and continued emphasis on personal hygienic measures and individual responsibility

Iceland one of the UN Member States in Generation Equality Forum Action Coalitions

Iceland will be among the UN Member States chosen to lead one of the UN Women Generation Equality Forum Action Coalitions, as has been announced. Iceland will lead the Action Coalition on gender-based violence along with Kenya, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

New Climate Action Plan - Iceland will fulfil its commitments and more

Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Minister of Finance Bjarni Benediktsson and Minister of Transport and Local Government Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson presented the second version of the Climate Action Plan today.

Information for travellers arriving in Iceland from 15 June 2020

Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir says utmost care is being taken not to jeopardize the success achieved in Iceland during the COVID-19 pandemic as Iceland prepares to offer tests for travelers on the 15 June 2020.

Iceland jumps four spots on ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Europe Map and Index

Iceland jumps up four places on ILGA-Europe‘s Rainbow Europe 2020 Map and Index, a review of the legal and policy situation for LGBTI people in Europe. Iceland is now in the 14th spot, placing 18th last year (2019).

Testing for international arrivals could start in June​

The Government of Iceland has today announced it is expected to start easing restrictions on international arrivals no later than 15 June 2020, while from 15 May some professionals arriving in Iceland including scientists, filmmakers and athletes will eligible for a modified quarantine.…

Webpage on the Chairmanship of the Icelandic Prime Minister in the Council of Women World Leaders

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, became Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders in February 2020. A special webpage dedicated to her chairmanship in the council has been launched. The webpage also features a news section on Icelandic and International measures on promoting gender equality.

Prime Minister of Iceland and Austrian Minister of Equality discuss COVID-19 and gender equality

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland and Susanne Raab, Federal Minister for Women and Integration in Austria had, earlier this week, a conference call where they discussed the effects of the current coronavirus pandemic on women and gender equality and COVID-19 recovery measures.

Women Leaders Virtual Roundtable on COVID-19

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, participated last week in a Women Leaders Virtual Roundtable on COVID-19 and the Future which was convened by UN Women and OECD to address the disproportionately negative impact the pandemic has had on women and girls and how to prevent the crisis from becoming a major backlash for the fight for gender equality.