News

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.

Access to quarantine facilities will be limited

The Ministry of Health has amended Regulation no. 747/2021 that will limit access to quarantine facilities in Iceland. Recently, there has been a lot of strain on the quarantine facilities but the new regulation places emphasis on using the facilities first and foremost for people that need to go in isolation.

COVID-19: Restrictions on gatherings as of 25 July

As of Sunday 25 July, general limit of gatherings in Iceland will be 200 persons and social distancing rules will take effect again. These are the main measures introduced in a new regulation from the Minister of Health regarding restrictions on gatherings due to COVID-19.…

Sameiginleg yfirlýsing kvenna fastafulltrúa ÖSE um árlegu framvinduskýrslu um framkvæmd kynjaaðgerðaáætlunar OSCE.

COVID-19 test certificate required before departure for vaccinated travellers

As of 27 July, all vaccinated persons and those that can present a certificate of a prior COVID-19 infection must present a negative PCR or antigen (rapid) test that is no more than 72 hours old before departure to Iceland. This decision by the Minister of Health is based on recommendations from the Chief Epidemiologist.

Svar við ávarpi H.E. Zbigniew Rau, utanríkisráðherra Póllands í sambandi við formennsku ÖSE 2022.

Signing of a Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom

Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation, has signed on behalf of Iceland a new Free Trade Agreement between the United Kingdom and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. He says that the FTA marks a new beginning in the relations between Iceland and the UK.

EFTA Ministers meet in Siglufjördur

On 6 July 2021, EFTA Ministers convened for an informal meeting in Siglufjörður, Iceland, as an opening to Iceland’s one-year chairmanship of the EFTA Council. It was the first physical meeting of the EFTA Ministers since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Iceland

The human rights situation in Belarus and Iceland´s support to the cause of reform movements in the country were the main topics of discussion at a meeting between Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation of Iceland, and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, opposition leader from Belarus on Friday.

Sumaropnunartími sendiráðsins

Í sumar er sendiráðið í Kaupmannahöfn opið eins og vanalega alla virka daga frá kl. 9-16. Símatími sendiráðsins verður frá kl. 9-12 í júlí og ágúst.

Fastafulltrúar hinna 57 aðildarríkja ÖSE, Öryggis- og samvinnustofnunar Evrópu komu saman til fundar í Hofburg Vín 29. júní 2021.

Treasury outcome affected by the pandemic

The results of the Government accounts for 2020 have now been published and the accounts sent to Parliament. According to the accounts, the outcome was negative by ISK 144bn, as compared with a surplus of ISK 42bn in 2019. Revenues totalled ISK 802bn and operating expenditures ISK 990bn. Net financial expense totalled ISK -46bn, and the share in earnings of Government-owned companies was ISK 90bn.…

COVID-19: Iceland removes all domestic COVID restrictions

The Government of Iceland has announced that all domestic restrictions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted as of midnight tonight. Minister of Health Svandís Svavarsdóttir announced this morning that requirements to wear masks, socially distance and restrict gatherings would be fully lifted. On the 1st of July, amended rules on testing at the borders will enter into force.…

Konur, friður og öryggi á dagskrá OSCE.

Iceland combats desertification and soil erosion

Mr. Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources, described Iceland‘s long battle against desertification and soil erosion in his address at the United Nation Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) forum.

Extensive report on the status of global Arctic research: Knowledge for a Sustainable Arctic

Following a successful 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM3) which was held in Tokyo in May, the newly released ASM3 Report is out now and publicly available.

COVID-19: Easing of restrictions on gatherings as of 15 June

As of 15 June, general limit of gatherings will go from 150 persons to 300 persons and the distance rule will be one metre instead of two. There will be no distance rules at sit-down events, but everyone in attendance will be required to wear a face mask. The opening hours of restaurants will be extended by one hour, i.e. they will be able to stay open until midnight.…

COVID-19: Border screening of vaccinated travellers stopped after 1 July

The Minister of Health has decided, in keeping with the recommendation of the Chief Epidemiologist, to retain the current measures to contain the spread of infections at the borders until 1 July. After that time, the measures will be relaxed by cease the screening of those who present a certificate of vaccination or prior infection with COVID-19.…

Conclusion of a new Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom

Iceland, together with Liechtenstein and Norway, has concluded a new Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom. Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation of Iceland, says that the agreement marks a new era in the relationship between the countries.…

Interoperable European COVID-19 vaccination certificate for travellers

A trial project is being undertaken for the reception of a European digital COVID-19 certificate at the borders of Iceland for those arriving to the country.

Alþingiskosningar á Íslandi 25. september 2021.

Foreign Affairs - Excerpt from the Report of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation to the Parliament 2021

Excerpt from the annual Report of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation to the Icelandic Parliament in 2021.

Kristín A. Árnadóttir nýr fastafulltrúi Íslands í Vínarborg.

Kristín A. Árnadóttir sendiherra tók við stöðu fastafulltrúa Íslands í Vínarborg 1. maí s.l.

COVID-19: Amended rules on staying in quarantine facilities entering into force on the 31st of May

As from the 31st of May the provision stipulating a compulsory stay in quarantine facilities for people arriving from specific high-risk areas ceases to apply. As from that time, only those who do not have access to adequate facilities to undergo home quarantine are required to stay in a quarantine facility.…

Foreign Minister's meeting with Nordic Ministers for Development and UNESCO Director-General

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation, Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, took part in the yearly consultation meeting between the Nordic Ministers for Development and UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azouley.

Hönnunarmars breiðir úr sér á Norðurlöndunum

Hönnunarmars breiðir úr sér á Norðurlöndunum í ár með gerð hlaðvarpa í samstarfi við sendiráð Íslands í Helsinki, Kaupmannahöfn, Ósló og Stokkhólmi. Hönnuðir, íslenskir og frá viðkomandi löndum, hittust í aðdraganda HönnunarMars hátíðarinnar og áttu áhugaverð samtöl um hönnun.

Covid-19: Substantial easing of restrictions on gatherings from 25 May

The maximum number of people allowed to gather together will be raised to 150 and the face-mask and 2-m social distancing rules are to be relaxed. Restrictions on numbers permitted in swimming pools and bathing facilities, skiing facilities, camp sites and museums will be lifted; the rules applying to fitness centres will be eased, with a maximum of 150 persons allowed in each separate area.

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.…

Foreign Ministers of Iceland and Russia met in Harpa

Trade, bilateral relations, international affairs and human rights were the main topics at the meeting of Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today in Harpa.

Arctic Council Foreign Ministers sign the Reykjavik Declaration, adopt the Council’s first Strategic Plan and pass the Chairmanship from Iceland to the Russian Federation

The Arctic States reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to maintain a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Arctic region during the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting – the first in-person meeting held by the Arctic Council since the onset of the pandemic.

Guðlaugur Thór Thórdarson met the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Finland and Sweden

Guðlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation, met the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Finland and Sweden, who are in Iceland to attend the Arctic Council’s Ministerial meeting. Relations between the states were discussed, as well as various other matters.

Sendiráðið tók þátt í tengslamyndunarviðburði um samstarf við Rúmeníu og Búlgaríu um grænar lausnir á sviði orku og hugvits

Helga Hauksdóttir, sendiherra Íslands í Kaupmannahöfn, flutti í morgun ávarp á vef- og tengslamyndunarviðburði í boði Innovation Norway undir yfirskriftinni ”Green Opportunities on Energy and Innovation with the EEA and Norway Grants in Romania and Bulgaria".

US Secretary of State Visiting Iceland

Trade, security and defence, Arctic issues, international affairs and human rights were the main topics discussed at the meeting of Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation, and United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.…

Ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council

The Ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council will be held in Reykjavik later this week. The Foreign Ministers of all the Member States will be coming to Iceland to attend the meeting which marks the end of Iceland’s two-year Chairmanship of the Arctic Council.

COVID-19: Borders – New list of areas and countries that are considered high-risk

New list of areas and countries that are considered high-risk due to COVID-19 enters into force on May 18. The definition of high-risk areas affects which individuals must quarantine in a quarantine facility upon arrival in Iceland.

Iceland 'A/A-1' Ratings Affirmed; Outlook Stable

S&P Global Ratings has affirmed its 'A/A-1' long- and short-term sovereign credit ratings on Iceland. The outlook is stable.

Nauðsynlegt að sækja um Settled/Pre-Settled Status

Umsóknarfrestur rennur út 30. júní 2021

Science holds the solutions: Ministers of Science meet on Arctic cooperation

"Cooperation in Arctic science is required to meet the complex challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss," said Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, Minister of Education, Science and Culture, in her opening speech at an international meeting of 28 ministers of science over the weekend.

COVID-19: The restrictions on social gatherings to be expanded to 50 persons and more rules will be relaxed from 10 May

The restrictions on the number of people who are allowed in one location will be expanded from 20 to 50, swimming pools, spas and gyms will be able to receive 75% of their permitted maximum number of guests, the maximum number of participants in sports and stage art events will be 75 per each compartment or on stage, and the maximum number of seated guests at events will be extended from 100 to…

Memorandum of Cooperation signed on Cooperation between Iceland and Japan: Education, Science, Technology and Innovation

Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, Minister of Education, Science and Culture, had a bilateral meeting with Koichi HAGIUDA, Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

COVID-19: Borders - revised criteria for the definition of high-risk areas

The definition of criteria for determining whether countries or areas are considered high-risk areas has been revised. In addition to criteria on the incidence rate of infection, a condition will be added regarding the ratio of positive samples which influences whether a region or country is considered a high-risk area or not.…

​Ban on unnecessary travel from high-risk areas

The Minister of Justice has issued a regulation banning unnecessary travel from specified high-risk areas due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The regulation enters into force today, 27 April, ​and remains in force until the end of May.

COVID-19: Stricter requirements for quarantine of arriving passengers coming from high-risk areas

A new regulation by the Minister of Health on quarantine and isolation and COVID-19 testing at the Icelandic border will take effect on Tuesday 27 April. The regulation introduces obligation for arriving passengers to stay in a quarantine facility if they come from countries with high infection rate of COVID-19 as defined by the regulation.…

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.…

Ísland aðili að samstarfsvettvangi um öryggis- og varnarmál

Ísland gerðist í dag aðili að samstarfsvettvangi líkt þenkjandi ríkja í Norður-Evrópu um öryggis- og varnarmál sem Bretar leiða undir merkjum sameiginlegrar viðbragðssveitar. Sturla Sigurjónsson, sendiherra Íslands í London undirritaði samkomulag þessa efnis í dag ásamt Ben Wallace varnarmálaráðherra Bretlands.

IMF mission concludes Article IV Consultation with Icelandic Authorities and other stakeholders

The International Monetary Fund published its Concluding Statement today, after meeting with the Icelandic Authorities and other stakeholders over the past three weeks.

Utankjörfundaratkvæðagreiðsla vegna tillagna um sameiningu sveitarfélaga

Sendiráðið vekur athygli á að utankjörfundaratkvæðagreiðsla vegna tillagna um sameiningu sveitarfélaganna Skútustaðahrepps og Þingeyjarsveitar annars vegar og Blönduósbæjar, Húnavatnshrepps, Skagabyggðar og Sveitarfélagsins Skagastrandar hins vegar hófst 10. apríl sl.

COVID-19: Relaxation of restrictions on gatherings and in schools from 15 April

The general restrictions will go from 10 to 20 persons; sports, swimming and health centre activities will resume, with restrictions; as will stage art activities; and the ski areas can reopen.…

Utankjörfundaratkvæðagreiðsla vegna tillagna um sameiningu sveitarfélaga

Kosning fer fram 5. júní en utankjörfundaratkvæðagreiðsla er hafin.

COVID-19: Border measures - amended requirements for quarantine

As of April 9, 2021, new regulation no. 375/2021 is in effect about quarantine and isolation and testing at the Icelandic border due to COVID-19. Clearer requirements are made for home quarantine, regarding housing and rules of conduct. Those who are unable to stay in a home quarantine that fulfils the requirements will need to stay at a quarantine facility.…