Medical exams for the Iceland Working Holiday Visa

Volare Editorial Staff | May 1, 2026

The platform specialized in exchange programs and visas, Volare, presents a detailed report on the sanitary protocols required for participants of the Iceland Working Holiday Visa. This technical resource aims to guide young people on the mandatory health checks upon arrival in Icelandic territory, based on current regulations from the Directorate of Health and the Directorate of Immigration.

Iceland maintains a strict public health policy that classifies applicants according to their geographic origin and the epidemiological risks associated with each region, ensuring the integrity of the national healthcare system.

Exemptions by Nationality

The Directorate of Health of Iceland establishes specific exemptions for citizens of countries included in its low-health-risk list. In this sense, applicants of the following nationalities are completely exempt from presenting or undergoing medical tests:

• Canada: This nationality is listed in the health authority's exception list, removing any obligation to undergo testing after entering the country.

• Japan: Similar to the Canadian case, Japanese citizens do not require medical checks to validate their residence permit.

Mandatory Requirements and Post-Arrival Protocol

For the remaining participating nationalities, the law is strict in dictating the obligation to undergo medical examinations for infectious diseases. This process must unavoidably be carried out at a local health center within the first 14 days after arrival in Iceland. The countries subject to this regulation are:

• Andorra: Since it does not belong to the European Economic Area, its citizens must comply with the detection protocol.

• Chile: As a country from South America, Chilean citizens must obligatorily undergo testing.

• United Kingdom: Following the Brexit process, this nationality has been included in the group requiring preventive sanitary control.

  
  

The medical exam mandatorily includes detection for tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. It is the visa holder's responsibility to coordinate the medical appointment and present the results to the Directorate of Immigration for their residence permit to be fully validated.

Transport Planning and Logistical Support

In line with long-stay migration regulations, safety in travel planning is a fundamental pillar of the application file. For the application to be admitted for processing, the applicant must present a duly confirmed exit ticket reservation from Iceland for the end of their stay. In the event of not having the ticket at the time of application, it is mandatory to demonstrate through bank statements that the applicant possesses additional and sufficient funds exclusively intended to secure such international transport.

With this new tool, Volare reaffirms its commitment to providing technical clarity on international regulations, facilitating safe and organized mobility for young travelers.

To obtain more information about this destination and know the specific application details, interested parties can visit the official Iceland Working Holiday page on Volare.