Children from Non-Schengen Countries to Be Tested at Border

The government of Iceland is expected to approve a proposal from the chief epidemiologist today, suggesting that children from countries outside the Schengen Area be tested once for COVID-19 upon arrival in the country, Morgunblaðið reports.

So far, children haven’t been vaccinated for COVID-19, making them unqualified to obtain a certificate of vaccination. Such a certificate is required for entering the country from a non-Schengen country.

Children are, however, believed to be more susceptible to new variants of the coronavirus – something which does require special attention.

We reported yesterday that a new regulation would take effect immediately, making it possible for vaccinated citizens of countries outside the Schengen Area, which comprises 26 European countries, to visit Iceland.

Today, however, Morgunblaðið reports that the regulation won’t take effect until next week, since a law regarding flight operators must first be amended. Flight operators must ensure that people do have the required certificates before boarding a flight to Iceland.

According to the government website, the said regulation will take effect March 26. The press release posted by the government yesterday has been amended. For details, see here.