News

Report on Icelandic-Polish relations

Relations between Iceland and Poland should be further strengthened, and the presence of Iceland in Poland increased, according to a new report of a working group that Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation of Iceland appointed in September 2019.

Signing of a joint declaration on increased co-operation between Iceland and Greenland

Today, on the West-Nordic Day, Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation, and Pele Broberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Industry, Trade and Climate Affairs in Greenland, signed a joint declaration on increased co-operation between the two countries.

International Equal Pay Day event of Iceland and the OECD

To mark the second International Equal Pay Day, Iceland and the OECD hosted an event at the OECD headquarters in Paris on Friday, dedicated to equal pay and gender equality in the labour market.

Iceland and Sweden sign Joint Declaration on defence cooperation

Guðlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation of Iceland, and Peter Hultqvist, Minister of Defence of Sweden, signed today a Joint Declaration on defence cooperation.

International Equal Pay Day Online Event: Equal Pay, What Do We Gain?

The Government of Iceland and the OECD invite you to an online event on 17 September 2021 marking the second International Equal Pay Day.

Relations between Iceland and the Faroe Islands – Proposals for the Future

Increased co-operation in the field of trade, health and education are among the proposals of a new report on how to strengthen the relations between Iceland and the Faroe Islands.…

New report on Icelandic-Faroese relations

Increased co-operation in the field of trade, health and education are among the proposals of a new report on how to strengthen the relations between Iceland and the Faroe Islands.…

The Government Approves the Proposals of the Refugee Committee

Absentee voting abroad has commenced

Absentee voting abroad for the parliamentary elections in Iceland on 25 September 2021 commences today, 13 August, and will take place in all Icelandic embassies abroad, as well as in Consulate general offices in New York, Winnipeg, Nuuk and Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands. Absentee voting is also possible by agreement at Icelandic honorary consul offices abroad.

COVID-19: Current restrictions on gatherings extended to August 27

Iceland’s Minister of Health has decided, in accordance with the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist, to extend the current regulation on restrictions on gatherings due to COVID-19 by two weeks. The general limit of gatherings will be 200 persons and one metre social distance rule will remain in place.

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.…

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.

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.

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.…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.…

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.…

FAQ regarding amended rules at the borders on testing and quarantine

As of April 1, 2021 new regulations no. 355/2021 are in effect about quarantine and isolation and testing at the Icelandic border due to COVID-19. With regards to inquiries made about quarantine houses and other novelties related to this regulatory change, Icelandic authorities have compiled the main questions and answers to them:

COVID-19: Spain removed from the list of countries identified as risk zones

The Ministry of Health has decided to remove mainland Spain from the Chief Epidemiologist´s list of countries identifying the countries defined as risk zones due to high notification rates of new COVID-19 infections.…

COVID-19: Amended rules at the borders on testing and quarantine on the 1st of April

Children born in 2005 or later shall be tested at the borders of Iceland as from the coming 1st of April. - Passengers who submit a vaccination certificate or a certificate of a prior infection will be required to undergo one test upon arrival to the country.…

Regulation exempting vaccinated non-Schengen travellers from travel restrictions to come into force on 6 April

The Minister of Justice of Iceland has decided that the previously announced decision to exempt from travel restrictions those who can provide proof of vaccination or prior infection will take effect on 6 April. The change in regulation will allow travellers from non-Schengen countries, who meet the criteria, to travel to Iceland for non-essential reasons.

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.…

Stricter COVID-19 measures at the Icelandic border

Iceland’s Minister of Health has decided to impose stricter border measures at the recommendation of the Chief Epidemiologist. Changes will take effect on 1 April and will affect children and those traveling from areas that are classified as dark red or grey by the ECDC (where the 14-day incidence rate exceeds 500 or insufficient data is available).

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.…

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.

Foreign Minister Thórdarson addressed the 46th Regular Session of Human Rights Council

Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of Iceland, today warned that the Covid-19 pandemic must not be used to justify long-term restrictions of civil liberties and freedom.

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's International Trade Policy

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland has published an extensive report on Iceland's international trade policy. The report covers a wide range of trade related topics and gives an overview of Iceland’s free trade agreements and improved market access for Icelandic exporters worldwide.

Report on Iceland's international trade policy

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland has published an extensive report on Iceland's international trade policy. The report covers a wide range of trade related topics and gives an overview of Iceland’s free trade agreements and improved market access for Icelandic exporters worldwide.