Glad to see you are enjoying my home country :) It's actually rooted in the Icelandic soul to be nice to tourists, in the early days (like the 1800s), visitors were not so common so when they came, it was super important to the household, and especially the host, to make sure that the visitor enjoyed his/hers stay so that he/she could then go on and tell everyone else what a delight it was to visit set household :)
I've been reading every website, so I'm sure there are tons of people who appreciate this helpful guide. Hope you have fun in Iceland! It's my favorite place and I'll be going back soon too!
@@TheAwkwardTourists hey there ! love your channel ..while on the ring road where did you take your covid test to depart Iceland for the U.S? Im hoping to do the ring road and it seems like they only have specific places for departure testing..
@@TheAwkwardTourists question, before flying out the US, did you guys get a negative test even if vaccinated? I read that delta airlines require a negative test before boarding but no mention about vaccinated travelers. Thank you
Hey! So I found your series since we’re leaving next week for Iceland! The checklist you have for things to know is awesome, but if you don’t mind me asking, was your CDC vaccination card enough proof? Did you happen to use vaccine records or something else as well?
I'm so glad to see you asked this question! My family is traveling to Iceland for the second time in August and I was wondering if the CDC card was enough--hurray! Can't wait! Enjoy your trip, as well!
"Are you sure you can?" I'm cracking up!! Contemplating a trip to Iceland beginning of next year so I can't wait to see the rest of what your trip was like!
@@FumiyoBookstein Camping van is better as you can pace yourself, I did the ring road in 2019 (10 days) and used airbnb locations. Using airbnb booked ahead meant that we had to stay on a schedule rather we wanted to add attractions or not.
@@FumiyoBookstein There are a lot of towns on the ring road, and hotels/guesthouse/airbnb in most of them. We booked a few on the fly when we didn't want to camp
You can easily find accommodations on the fly, but in Reykjavik and Akureyri (and maybe Egilstadur), it could be hard to find something last minute, as so many people are now returning!
This video was awesome! The Air France Lounge is my home lounge. They have decent airport meatballs and wine selection. Can’t wait to go to Iceland again this year after seeing your video!
@@TheAwkwardTourists we are going Labor Day weekend! This will be my 3rd time. We are hiking the volcano and hiking a glacier. We are there for only 3 days.
Hi :) Thank you for your helpful detail video on arrival to Iceland. I'm curious on how long does it take you to go through customs, then to get the Covid test and shuttle to rental car counter? I have a strict time frame to pick up my rental car and afraid I'll get there late due to custom and Covid test. Again, thank you for your video and can't wait to see your next video on Iceland! :)
The whole thing took us over an hour. But of course that's not for sure that that's how long it'll take you. It could be longer or shorter. And the rental car shuttle wasn't even running at the time, but that was weeks ago
Thanks for the info and video. I'm heading there shortly. Does your CDC Vaccination card with your vaccine dates/doses suffice for proof of vaccination? Skol
Hi love the videos. I see the video was posted in July but theres a fair bit of snow around so just wondered what month you visited iceland. Ps how scetchy wS the drive to the east fjords? Ive heard its mountain passeswith no safety barriers?
We visited in March and we got snow a few nights on our 2 week trip around the ring road. The only time we really felt sketchy driving was on the pass to Seydisfjordur. That road was a little scary and sections were completely covered in snow. Other than that we didn't have any issues with roads
For your covid test prior to the trip, where did you take yours? I was looking at their Iceland website which says that it cannot be a self administered test. Not sure if that means the normal drive thru/CVS tests qualifies. I'm in Los Angeles too!
Thank you for this amazing video!!! We’re planning our honeymoon to Iceland, and just wondering what would it be to go through the customs and the test and quarantine... I'm so happy to see this vlog!!! It helps a lot!!!
Thanks for the super helpful video, you guys are fun to watch! Did you guys need to book the hotel for the night before your arrival in order to check in early?
Hi! Thanks you guys for the useful informations. Do you happen to know if you must quarantine at a hotel until you get your negative test result? My plan was to be camping my entire stay in Iceland at the end of June this year. Am i allowed and wait for my result at a camping ground also? Thanks! I will be following your adventures up until I go on mine in a few weeks! Safe travels!
We're not sure of the official information on this, I think the general idea is to not have contact with anyone until you get your results so if you did that you might be fine
We actually sat in the middle (those were the only seats left for us- we fly standby) The pilot did a circle around both sides so people could see it from each side of the airplane. I don't think that they do this on every flight, I think we just got lucky that the pilot did it on our flight
Hello! Great video! I still have a month before my trip and wanted to register on covid.is for a departure covid test, but the drop down for dates only shows a couple dates, but none are the dates before my flight. When you registered for your covid test before departure, do you need to select the day you are going to take the test?
When we were in Iceland you had to pick the specific dates for your test. We only had the option to book them a week in advance of the testing date, so we booked our the night before and there was plenty of availability.
This was the info I needed. Understanding the rules on their website was a bit confusing, my trip is in September and I cannot wait. So excited for this trip.
I remember watching this video a while back. Even with the Delta variant going on you think it's still safe to travel? I was thinking about going next week
Thanks for posting this. Very helpful information since we are also heading to Iceland next week. Did you have any problem with Icelandair? They cancelled our flight twice already.
Thanks for the video! Would you say someone who is disabled, or not able to hike, can still get around ring road and see some stunning shots? I’m a photographer and want to visit but my spouse isn’t able to hike etc so just wondering what the possibilities are.
Hey Chase, I think you would still have a great time. There is a ton to see right from the car/parking lot. We pulled right up to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and ate dinner right out of car with one of the best views I have ever seen. Just driving the Ring Road and never gettting out of the car would be worth it, but It seemed like there were accessible options at some of the bigger tourists sites. Happy Travels!
Hi, on the icelandic website it mentioned vaccination card requires official stamp and signature? I got my CDC vaccination card in california and my doesnt have a stamp. Did yours have a stamp? Just worry about flying 10 hours there and get denied entry. Also, where do you get covid test in iceland for return flight to US? Great video!!!!
Mine doesn't look too official and they accepted it, so I think you'll be fine. Plus, they check it before you board your flight so you at least won't be iceland haha. But you'll be fine. We got our test in Reykjavik, you can register online at travel.covid.is
We are traveling to Iceland in early August. The last time I visited it was winter, so I'm trying to figure out how to pack for summer. Your Iceland videos posted in early June....were you there in May? Thank you for the video! My boys loved your s'more over lava video!
We just booked a week in Iceland then on to Scotland for a week. So excited! When will you post the rest of your Iceland videos? Did you stay in different hotels or Air Bnb's? Thank you for all your help!
Super helpful! Definitely lowered my stress over the whole process. Ill be arriving in Iceland this Friday! Just curious about your rental car - where did you pick it up from? Did a shuttle take you to it? Im renting with City Rental Car and Im a bit confused on where I will be picking up my car
There was supposed to be a shuttle but it wasn't running because of covid, so we had to walk it. It was like a 5 minute walk. Just call them if there's no shuttle and they'll tell you what to do
Love you guys! Did you get a SIM card at the airport? How did you download the form and enter a phone number before you got to Iceland? Or maybe you had a SIM card mailed to you in the USA - but I guess that wouldn't work because you're not on that Iceland network? Hmmmm...like you said, I guess you have to do it at the airport in Iceland.
We did not get a SIM card. We had a Wifi hotspot that came with our car rental, so we used that and were able to use Google Maps, WhatsApp, Wifi calling etc.... That worked for most of the trip. For a few days we used our international plan through Verizon, which is $10 extra per day, but like I said, most of the time we used the Wifi hub and got by fine
Thank you both so much for the info you have shared with us! I just have a question about 24 hr quarantine, I am traveling to Iceland next week, and my first accommodation is a guesthouse, is that okay to quarantine until the test results comes out? or is it better to have a hotel room to be safe? thanks again for the videos, keep them going!
Great Video! Question - How did you schedule a covid test for your return flight home to U.S.? How long did u wait for test results and how much was it? I'm going to Iceland next week and worry about how/where to get the covid test to return home because my itinerary is very tight and I won't be in Reykjavik till night before my flight.
We registered for our test on travel.covid.is We took ours in Reykjavik, It was about $55 USD and the results were guaranteed within 24 hours. We have a video about that process but it wont be out for a few more weeks.
Enjoyed the video and very timely for my wife and I. We are flying from MSP at the end of June to see the volcano. I have a question, did Border Control accept the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card as proof of being fully vaccinated?
Thank you so much for the informative video! This was super helpful as I am planning to travel to Iceland with my boyfriend in a couple months, will be first international flight since COVID. Happy travels!
We are on the Viking 1 week cruise around Iceland 9-7-2021. Have our COVID vaccines but will fly from Orlando to Iceland. AAA booked us. I have enjoyed watching your Camper videos and if we were your age that would be our style. (I will be 82). Would love to rent a helicopter and land on the nearby ridge as it looks like it continues to actively FLOW……I do plan to bring a drone DJI. Safe travels to both of you!
Such a useful and comprehensive video, major props guys! Do you know if the tests are run overnight? For example our flight is getting in at 9pm so will we have to wait additional time in the am for the test results?
Not too sure on this one, but the turnaround is pretty quick from our experience/what we have heard from others. Usually 4-6 hours (max 24 hrs). Hopefully you can check into your hotel and the results will be in when you wake up the next morning
So glad we found your series. Very informative, great sense of humor. I Need to check out your other travels adventures. We're headed to Iceland on 6/3. Thanks for the travel tips on arrival and volcano. We are sooooo excited
This is the exact video I've been needing! So you don't need a covid test to enter iceland if you are vaccinated but do you need a negative covid test before departing a flight from the US? Is that the same thing? I'm flying out from detroit and just want to know if I am allowed to get on a plane from here in the states without a test! Sorry for the wordy question, great video!!
Hello. I was reading on the Iceland embassy that even though you are vaccinated you still need to take a COVID test on the arrival and then wait 6-24 for the results?
Awesome video and great info! Question - how were you able to get your results via the Rakning app? I've been trying to log-in with my U.S. phone number, but no verification number came up :(. I also see this is a common problem with other U.S. numbers. It looks like you are from the U.S. so any help is appreciated!
When we were getting our documents checked there were instructions on how to turn on notifications through the Rakning App. Are you already in Iceland? If you haven't arrived yet, they will help you when you get to Iceland. We downloaded the app while we were waiting in line
So you get tested at the airport, before getting luggage, etc? So you could feasibly pick up some groceries, get a rental car, and spend a chunk of your quarantine just driving to your first location, right? Thanks for posting all this info!
When we went, They had a list of approved things that we could and couldn't do. Picking up a rental car was ok, but you weren't allowed to go to the grocery store. You can find more information on the Icelandair blog that we linked in the description in the video
Hello! When you arrived at the airport in Iceland, did you have to take the covid nasal test that goes very far up the nasal cavity? Or do you have options for an oral swab? Thank you for your time.
"From July 1, 2021, there is no longer a requirement for arrival testing for passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it." - ICELANDAIR. You'll see this on the website linked in the video description.
Thanks for the informative video, im flying from the UK to Iceland in August (fully vaccinated) but it seems that I will need to take a Covid test 3 days before departure back to the UK. Any advice on where I could go in Iceland to get this test along with prices?
We booked our test through travel.covid.is before our flight back. We chose thee testing site on Suðurlandsbraut in Reykjavik and it cost us about $55 USD per person. Guaranteed results in 24 hours
Thanks for the information. We are going Iceland in August. May I ask you what's the best way to get online in Iceland? Should I get a SIM card from KEF or pocket Wifii? I have T-mobile in SF, Will it work in Iceland? Thanks!
Check to see if you have an international option with t mobile. We have verizon and we were able to get international data for $10 buck a day without changing our SIM cards. We rented a campervan that had a wifi hub with the rental, and we used that A TON. If you rent a car and they have that option, I would definitely recommend it. It gave us 4G pretty much everywhere throughout the country
@@TheAwkwardTourists Yes we see it. Not so many. But we think you must have luck. But Iceland have more than this. See it on your Chanel.. We love t o travel, but corona stop us. Best wishes Siri and Uwe
Hi, I know just like you said, no matter what if you are fully vaccinated, you still have to take the COVID testing in Reykjavik upon arrival? Do they choose the place or hotel for you to stay? So Airbnb is a no?! 😬
Great video and thanks for explaining the process so well! Did they ask for antibody rest or an antigen test? Most places who accept rapid testing, they accept antigen test only.
We are vaccinated so we only have to show our cards when we landed. Then we had a rapid test upon arrival. I have heard that on the 26th they are changing the requirements again and you will need to show a negative covid test before you can board the plane to Iceland. That wasn't the case when we were there though. Your best reference is going to be the website travel.covid.is They have all the info you need.
@@TheAwkwardTourists Thanks, we are heading to Italy soon and currently they accept rapid antigen test, but the regulations obviously can change quickly!
Hi! Would love some more Iceland content :) Headed there soon. I know you are enjoying everything at the moment. Thank you for the video! It is getting real! Hopefully, our tests will be processed as quickly as yours.
Hi question for you! I’m traveling to Iceland in August, so I have familiarized myself with the covid test process (and I also am vaccinated), but I was curious how long it took you two to receive the results from your test. I know it could be up to 24 hours, but I hope it’s not that long 😂 Also, where did you have to wait to get your results back? The KEF airport? Thanks :) Loved this video
Hey guys! Going to Iceland in 10 days. So excited! I was wondering if you guys booked your trips to The Blue Lagoon or waterfalls in advance? Can I just go into downtown and find a bus to take me there on the spot?
We rented a car and drove ourselves around, so not sure on the bus situation. I know that a lot tour companies/public transportation stopped service during Covid, but might be reopening now. We bought our tickets online for the Blue Lagoon the day before and there were plenty of spots available, but it will probably get busier in the next few weeks.
We’re going to Iceland in two weeks and just found you guys. Great info, thanks! Question, which side of the plane on the flight in is best for seeing the volcano?
That depends on the pilot/airline, Some flights don't even fly over the the volcano. I think this one if just luck of the draw. Book a window seat and hope for the best!
Thank you so much for this, so helpful! We’re RVing Ring Road the end of July!! How long would you say it took to get your Covid results? Trying to figure out when to make a few reservations. Thanks again!
Great video in a beautiful country. If you don’t mind me asking you one question is the cost of PCR test for return flight. Also if you’d know how long it’ll take for the result. Thanks in advance, and have a safe trip!
Given other options, is renting a car necessary? Are there enough on-demand services or you can hire a driver for a day if you want to do a long day trip?
@@TheAwkwardTourists Not a tour per se but can you get around without the burden of a RAC? Are there car hire/taxis for short runs? I hate getting a car then spending too much time dealing with it and parking. If there are options...
@@lohphat Outside of Reyjavik you will need a car. The options for public transport are a little unclear as most of those options closed up during Covid, so I'm not sure if you will be able to find anything. And Parking isn't an issue, unless you're in downtown
Lauren, I'm planning on going mid September, have you confirmed if the card that is given at the pharmacy will be enough proof of vaccination or the WHO Yellow card must be presented?
@@TheAwkwardTourists Hey, we are booked for a trip in mid-June. Our question is how long from the COVID test to receiving the result was it for you? We see they say to expect 5-6 hours and up to 24 hours. For our relatively short trip, we do not know if we should cancel because losing 24 hours waiting for the negative test result would make it not worthwhile. BTW, we are ALL fully vaccinated so we know we still need to take the test on arrival. THANKS!!!!
Hi! This is so helpful as we are looking forward to going to Iceland but are full of questions. Would you please consider adding exact dates to your travel as this helps us a lot to know how current this information is. Thank you guys.
Hello we r going Iceland next week with my kids one is 10 and one is 5 year old . Any advice will help I want to know how is weather is there now . After we coming back USA what should we provided them covid test ? Plz let me know where we have to do covid test ? Plz provided me info it’s helpful for us thanks
Hi, thanks for watching! You'll have to check the weather forecast for Iceland to get an accurate idea of the weather. As of now, everyone will need a negative Covid test to re-enter the US. We got ours in Reykjavik, you can make an appointment at travel.covid.is
You don’t mention prices. Which hotel were u staying in & how much? What did 3 bottles of wine cost in duty free? How much was your rental car & which company did u use?? I’m going in two months & would like a ball park on costs!! Thanks!!
We booked our hotels with Credit Card points that we had saved and also camped (10-15 bucks a night), We booked a rental car through fox and it was about $75 USD per day, but that price will fluctuate with the time of year and tourism demand. We also hired a campervan that usually costs $95 per day, but we worked with the company providing Photos/Videos/Exposure so that expense was covered. Hope that helps a little
Nice video. I was curious as to how things were going with international travel. I think I'll wait another year until covid restrictions simmer down a bit. I just don't want to take the risk of something going haywire and screwing up a trip like this. Thank you for the video. Glad you had a good time!
Hi! Love your video! I was just wondering if you know the answer to this. My husband and I (both vaccinated) will be traveling to Iceland with 2 kids who are not vaccinated. Will we need to be quarantined for 5 days or we just need to get swabbed upon arrival like you guys. Thank you!
@@DerKatzeSonne thank you! yes it says kids born after 2005 do not need to get PCR prior to travel and they don't need to quarantine as long as parents are vaccinated. they still need to get tested upon arrival.
This was super helpful! I will be going for a week in July flying to BOS on American and then that night on Icelandair. It's a little unnerving reading about flight cancellations by AA!
So let me see if I understood. If I am fully vaccinated in the US or PR and I have official proof, I am good to go and I dont need to take any covid test or quarantine myself. Is that correct?
I am confused. Can you please answer a couple questions? On the Iceland government website it says you only have to stay in your accommodation. We are going directly into our camper van. On the website it says with the vaccine (which we have) you have to test and stay in your accommodation until you get the results. Our accommodation is our van we are renting. Is this enough? Did they make you get the hotel?
Sorry, we can't give you any different or more info than the government website. We stayed in a hotel, if you want to stay somewhere other than that I would ask them when you get there
We’ve decided to go booked leaving in two weeks. Can you tell me what options are available to get to volcano - and if possible can you tell me what car rental you used? Seeing crazy rates. Thanks for taking the time
There is a shortage of rental cars (due to COVID impact last year) in Iceland right now, hence the spike in prices. I have personally used Blue Car Rental. Probably your best option today.
So we both had small backpacks (wandrd prvke 30L) and small duffels as our personal item and carry on. We checked our rollerboard bag. They were making people check their rollerboards if they were toward the end of boarding
what was your process of exchanging for ISK? and also gas I heard many places dont take credit card for gas? Were you able to use your US credit card there?
The only place we needed Cash was for a campground shower that only took coins, and that was only one time on our trip. Everywhere else took Credit Cards. Literally everywhere. We really didn't need cash for anything. All the gas pumps took CC but some of them asked for a pin for your CC, which we didn't have, you can buy a gas card, or just go to another gas station (which is what we did) that didn't require a pin for your card. As for that one time getting cash out, we just used an ATM in a town and took out enough for showers
We are planning on going to Iceland the end of July to mid-August. This vlog will be so helpful to learn situation on US side and after landed on Iceland. We are both fully vaccinated, so according to your vlog we can skip Step 1, but we need to be in a hotel until Covid-19 test comes out. Thank you for both of you. Any suggestions around the Iceland?
I haven't done any research yet but I want to fly from NY to Iceland next month *very last minute). Did you have to convert money before you went? can I use my credit card with no foreign transaction fees? how does currency and cell phone work?
As with any destination, you can convert money before you go, you can convert it on arrival, or you can get local currency out of an ATM. Foreign transaction fees depends on the credit/debit card you have. And I'm not sure what you mean about currency and cell phone. If you're talking about international data, there are several ways to go about doing that. It depends on your cell phone, data plan, and preferences
@@TheAwkwardTourists Sorry I should've been more specific! I have a no foreign transaction fee credit card and wasn't suer if I would be okay with just that or if I should get some cash exchanged at the airport as well. I thought I saw a video online saying credit cards can be used for almost everything in the main tourist areas. Would you agree with that statement? should I also bring local currency/cash as well?
