Iceland reopening: Tourists allowed into country, free coronavirus tests included

While much of the world remains locked down, one European country has come up with a novel plan to woo back tourists and allay virus concerns.

Iceland is keen to get tourists back – and it’s handing out COVID-19 tests in a bid to woo us.

Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir announced this week it would begin allowing tourists to enter the country as early as June 15.

Additionally, each visitor will be given a free COVID-19 test upon arrival, the results of which are processed immediately. Those who test negative will be free to enter, while infected tourists will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, at their own cost, the New York Post reports.

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In an official statement, Ms Jakobsdottir explained Iceland would loosen travel restrictions “no later than June 15 2020”, while from May 15, some professionals arriving in Iceland – including scientists, filmmakers and athletes – will be eligible for a modified quarantine, Lonely Planet reports.

Prime Minister of Iceland, Katrin Jakobsdottir, wants to get tourists back. Picture: Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images

The statement added those who could prove they recently tested negative may be allowed to forego the arrival exam, though exactly how to apply for said waiver was not reported.

Newcomers may also be asked to download and join Iceland’s official contact tracing smartphone app, which is already being used by nearly 40 per cent of its population. The country has been lauded for its rigorous testing and research efforts, which has helped the isolated island country avert disaster.

“When travellers return to Iceland we want to have all mechanisms in place to safeguard them and the progress made in controlling the pandemic. Iceland’s strategy of large-scale testing, tracing and isolating have proven effective so far,” Tourism Minister ThórdÍs Kolbrún Reykfjord Gylfadottir said.

“We want to build on that experience of creating a safe place for those who want a change of scenery after what has been a tough spring for all of us.”

Iceland’s tourism industry leaders are eager to restart the northern summer holiday season.

The dramatically beautiful country had been a favourite among tourists before COVID-19 struck. Picture: iStock

“I believe that if everything goes well, we should see some tourists here this summer,” said Bjarnheiður Hallsdóttir, the chair of the Icelandic Travel Industry Association, according to the ReykjavÍk Grapevine.

“For those who want to come, this will be a very real possibility.”

Icelandair has struggled to stay alive amid record-low bookings. The airline recently was forced to lay off 3000 of its employees, according to Insider.

“There is a lot at stake that Icelandair continues operations, and it’s in reality a life-or-death question for tourism in Iceland,” Ms Hallsdottir said.

“Hopefully people realise that the situation isn’t just about Icelandair but tourism in Iceland as a whole, and not just tourism but the economy and our whole society.”

Out of about 364,000 citizens of Iceland there have been just over 1800 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths, according to data reported by John Hopkins University.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission