Dear Camper Iceland family and friends

Should I travel to Iceland in 2020

Yes, the only answer to that question can ever be yes. Once the worldwide governments and Schengen will decide when the borders open we have a clearer picture on what’s going on. The fact is that without transportation it is hard to get to Iceland unless you are a viking and own a longship. Btw the ferry is already transporting travelers to Iceland. However, the newspapers announced that Schengen will answer this question soon as they were in a meeting a few days ago to find out how to approach the international opening of borders. Iceland was open until the 24th of April and now the government has decided that tourists will have to do the same as Icelanders (quarantine). We have already published what this means for tourists here.. However, we moved the bookings of our customers because it makes no sense going to Iceland before the 15th of May and that’s just a bit more than a week from now.

Iceland has not had one infection the past 24h and no one is in intensive care (Morgunblaðið – Newspaper). Why would you not go to Iceland then? During the transportation (flight or ferry) you would have to wash your hands or even wear a mask. That would have made sense long before corona, wouldn’t it? Who has not taken a flight somewhere and ended up with a flu or cough? They say the corona is worse, hence there will be IATA or governmental regulations on these things anyway. We have not seen any proof that using a bus or train is wiser than an airplane. So frankly as soon as the borders open we ourselves will fly again. We are camper people and travelers.. This is our passion and hence what we do for a living. You only live once..

Iceland is the best choice

More rumors state that local governments and newspapers are telling people to stay at home this year. The only real fear that would back up such a statement is if you are risking not getting back home if something happens. If what happens? Something can always happen and could always happen. That did not stop us from travelling before the coronavirus. If you look at the facts that Iceland is probably the cleanest country in Europe we highly recommend going there. Perhaps the governmental recommendation for staying home has another aim. Rumor has it that they are trying to save their local tourism because of the fear that foreigners will not visit their country this year. Have you ever thought of that? Well for us this makes no sense at all, so here is our advice:

Get out of your country where you have been in lock up for month. Look at facts and statistics rather than believe the hype. Iceland has the smallest population per square kilometer in Europe with approximately 4 persons per square kilometer (Switzerland has 216 persons per square kilometer). If you don’t believe it check the world atlas where it states: “The Nordic island of Iceland located in the North Atlantic Ocean has the least population density in Europe.” Where else can you enjoy nature, the best water and air quality?

We hope to see you in Iceland in 2020, take good care and thanks for reading our news

A quote from the Icelandic Travel association (SAF), source is from the local Newspaper Morgunblaðið:

According to Jóhannes Þór Skúlason, managing director of SAF, the Icelandic Travel Industry Association, markets in Central Europe and in the Nordic countries may open to tourism in the coming months. His reason for optimism is that the number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 is rapidly declining in many European countries. The pandemic has abated in the Baltic States, Slovenia and Slovakia.

In addition, the Nordic countries finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, at least in terms of the first wave of the pandemic, and the Faroe Islands have so to say gotten rid of COVID-19 for now. Jóhannes states that his understanding, after talking to officials, is that the arrival of tourists this fall is being carefully considered. “The focus is on the balance between the possibility to travel between countries and the risk involved,” he explains. “In addition, limitations regarding the number of people gathered are being looked at, and how to make sure people are not infected [with the novel coronavirus]. If we manage to make bilateral agreements with other countries, that too hinges on the flights being offered. We hope this assessment will be done as soon as possible, and we realize there are numerous factors that require consideration. The willingness of Europeans to travel this summer remains a question. One factor being looked at is setting European rules regarding the reception of tourists under these circumstances. So-called “quarantine tourism” has been discussed, where groups of tourists have limited contact with other people while traveling. Some sorts of tests for the virus have been discussed as well. “Most likely, there won’t be a special Icelandic solution, but a bilateral agreement with other countries,” Jóhannes states. According to public data, COVID-19 began spreading in Europe in March, or two months ago. August is three months away, and along with September, it has been a popular time to visit Iceland in recent years. It appears, however, that the US and the UK will still be closed to tourism in August, due to the pandemic.