Iceland

Iceland has a low crime rate. However, you could face petty theft. This often occurs around bars late at night in downtown Reykjavik.

There have been rare instances of gang-related violent crime.

To protect yourself from crime:

• watch your belongings on buses and taxis, especially at night
• don't go out alone after dark or to isolated places, especially on foot
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
• be alert to suspicious behaviour
• pay attention to your surroundings.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Civil unrest is rare, and protests are mostly peaceful. However, public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. If there's civil unrest, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.

• monitor the media for news of protests
• avoid affected areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other locations frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

There's an ongoing threat of terrorism in Europe.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Be careful when engaging in adventure activities in Iceland, including mountaineering, trekking, skiing and glacier climbing.

The weather conditions, rough terrain, and volcanic activity in Iceland can lead to safety concerns if you don't adequately prepare for your trip.

Trails and natural hazards aren't always well-marked or signed. Certain routes cross glaciers that are dangerous to navigate without proper equipment and training. Volcanic and geologically active areas pose a risk to hikers and trekkers. Hazards can be hidden within the landscape.

Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it. Buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts. If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• register your itinerary and contact details with the Icelandic authorities and book accommodations, or camp, in authorised campsites
• carry a cell phone, emergency contact information, and bring an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) to remote areas

Icelandic authorities maintain a web portal to inform tourists of good practices and hazards. You can register your itinerary and receive safety alerts through SMS. Icelandic emergency services also offer a location-based emergency assistance app called 112 Iceland App.

Trekking

If you want to do an adventure activity or go trekking:

• get local advice on routes and the weather before setting out
• use an experienced and well-known trekking company
• always let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return
• don't trek alone or off marked trails
• keep a safe distance from seals
• follow the advice of rangers in wilderness areas.

Swimming safety

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides, large waves, and strong ocean currents can catch even experienced swimmers off guard. Large surges of water or “sneaker waves” have killed people at the Reynisfjara and Kikjufjara black sand beaches in southern Iceland. 

Inland waters may also be dangerous. Many of Iceland’s rivers have swift currents and waterfalls. Hot springs can be dangerously hot.

• Always check downstream before you swim in a river
• Always check the water before going into a natural hot spring

More information:

• Advice, alerts, and registration of itinerary – Safe Travel Iceland
• 112 Iceland app – Government of Iceland

Iceland experiences natural disasters and severe weather such as:

• glacial floods
• volcanic eruptions
• earthquakes and landslides

If there's a natural disaster:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• contact friends and family with regular updates about your welfare
• monitor the media, other local information and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

Travel and Road Conditions - Safe Travel Iceland

Volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis

Iceland has active volcanoes. Monitor the local media for reports on volcanic and seismic activity and follow the advice of local authorities.

Volcanic and seismic activity has increased around Mt. Thorbjörn, 40km southwest of Reykjavik, and near the Blue Lagoon and Keflavik International Airport.  

Clouds of volcanic gas could move across southern Iceland, bringing potentially dangerous levels to areas including Þorlákshöfn and Vestmannaeyjar. If you're in an area affected by volcanic gas:

• monitor the local air quality, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• keep your windows closed and turn off ventilation systems
• avoid low-lying ground and valleys

If you're in Iceland:

• stay away from areas near the eruption sites, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments due to the risk of harmful gases
• avoid areas close to mountains and steep slopes on the Reykjanes peninsula due to the danger of falling rocks
• monitor local media to stay informed and
• follow the advice of local authorities.

Volcanic eruptions have disrupted flights. Check with your airline for any flight changes due to ash releases.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office continues to monitor the situation.

Iceland is in an active earthquake zone.

Tsunamis are a threat in coastal areas.

If you're near the coast, move to high ground straight away if advised, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

More information:

• Map of Icelandic volcanoes – State Volcano Observatory
• Alerts and warnings – Safe Travel Iceland
• Civic Protection and Emergency Management website
• Civil Protection and Emergency Management Facebook (live updates)
• News | Icelandic Meteorological office (vedur.is) – Icelandic Meteorological Office
• Air Quality Management System (loftgaedi.is) – Icelandic Environment Agency

Severe weather

Iceland can experience severe weather. The climate can be unpredictable, with:

• snow storms
• sand storms
• ash storms

The Icelandic Meteorological Office gives weather reports.

For recorded weather information in English 24/7, call (+354) 522 6000 or (+354) 902 0600.

For reports on road closures and other disruptions, visit:

• Climate information and warnings - Icelandic Meteorological Office
• Safe Travel Iceland
• Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration

Civil Protection in Iceland advises on what to do in emergencies.

Travel in the Arctic

Some places in the Arctic are a long way from help, including:

• search and rescue
• evacuation
• medical facilities

Search and rescue teams in the region are highly skilled. However, help depends on the weather and sea conditions in an emergency. If you need help, you may have to wait a long time.

Before booking travel in the region, check your travel company's:

• experience
• reputation
• standard of onboard medical help

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• Arctic travel 

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy must cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered) 

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Iceland. Check if any rules or restrictions apply. Depending on your medication, you may need to apply for a permit to bring it into Iceland. Always bring a copy of your prescription and transport your medication in its original container. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Ask an embassy or consulate of Iceland about any restrictions on amounts that may apply.

Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.

The standard of health facilities and care is high. Many people speak English. However, services can be limited in areas with fewer people. 

Australia doesn't have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Iceland.

Healthcare costs are the same as, or more expensive than, private treatment in Australia. Upfront payment may be required.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

If you break the law in Iceland, you may be banned from the Schengen area for a limited time (up to 10 years) or permanently.

More information:

• Arrested or jailed Overseas

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences, even for possession of small amounts of recreational drugs or some prescription medications, include:

• heavy fines
• imprisonment
• being removed from the Schengen area
• a potential entry ban

If you intend to take medication, confirm it's legal in your destination. Check if any rules or restrictions apply. Depending on your medication, you may need to apply for a permit to bring it to your destination. Always carry a copy of your prescription and transport your medication in its original container.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Always carry an ID, such as your driver's licence or a copy of your passport.

Penalties for drink driving and speeding are severe and include the following:

• heavy fines
• jail sentences

Even minor offences can attract fines and jail sentences.

If you're found guilty of an offence:

• you may face jail or deportation
• you may be banned from the Schengen area

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Iceland recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

Iceland is part of the Schengen area. You may be able to enter Iceland without a visa in some cases. Get an entry stamp in your passport from border control when you first enter the Schengen area.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Iceland, or the Directorate of Immigration, for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area has been delayed until 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped.

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Iceland for the latest details on entry requirements before you travel.

Validity

Passports of non-EEA nationals, including Australians, must have been issued in the last ten years and be valid for at least 3 months from the date of departure from Iceland.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Always carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

Iceland's currency is the Icelandic Kroner (ISK). 

Declare cash of over 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Iceland and any non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You'll have to pay a fine on entry or exit if you: 

• don't declare your money
• give incorrect information

You can use major credit cards in most places.

More information:

• Cash declaration - Iceland Revenue and Customs

Volcanic activity

A volcanic eruption has occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula north of Grindavík (see Safety). The international airport remains open. 

More information

• Keflavik Airport
• Civil Protection Department

Natural attractions

Hazards at natural attractions rarely have warning signs or safety barriers. Stay on marked paths and use common sense. Certain routes cross glaciers that are dangerous to navigate without proper equipment and training. Volcanic and geologically active areas pose a risk to hikers and trekkers. Hazards can be hidden within the landscape.

If you visit geysers, take care. The hot steam and water can cause injuries. Take extra care on windy days.

Road travel

Driving conditions can be hazardous. Check guidance from the Icelandic Transport Authority before driving.

Roads are narrow and can be impassable in winter when there's less daylight. Speed limits are low. Most urban roads, as well as Iceland’s national Route 1, the “ring road,” are paved. Many inland roads are unpaved, narrow and lack shoulders.

Most bridges outside of Reykjavik are one-lane. Slow down when approaching bridges to ensure there is no traffic approaching from the other side. If cars are approaching from both sides, the closest car to the bridge has the right of way.

Driving can be hazardous, particularly in winter. Wildlife road accidents can occur. Be particularly vigilant if driving at nighttime.

The weather and river levels can change quickly. Plan ahead.

The northern lights can distract drivers, making them lose control or stop without warning, creating a hazard for other road users.

If you want to drive, be aware that authorities:

• impose heavy fines for speeding
• strictly enforce drink driving laws with severe penalties
• strictly control off-road driving

Always keep your headlights on (low beam during the day).

You need winter tyres from around November to April. The dates may vary each year. 

Driving permit

Australian driving licences are valid in Iceland if you have had your licence for a minimum of 1 year. However, some car rental companies require customers to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) if holding a licence issued outside Europe or North America. Digital driver's licences may not be accepted.

If you need an IDP, get this before you leave Australia. An IDP doesn't replace the requirement for a regular driver's license.

If your driving licence is not written in Latin letters or doesn't include your licence number, a photograph or an issuing date, you'll also need an IDP to drive in Iceland.

Highland driving

Many highland tracks are only open for a short part of the summer.

If you plan to drive to the highlands or other remote regions, check with the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.

Call (+354) 522 1100 for updates on:

• road hazards
• weather conditions
• off-road driving conditions

If you plan to drive in a remote area, including the highlands:

• check road conditions
• use a four-wheel-drive vehicle
• share your travel itinerary with a third-party
• bring a cell phone and sufficient supplies of fuel, water and food

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike or quad bike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

A range of authorised taxi and limousine services are available. You can book these through your hotel or at the Taxi stands around the city.

Public transport

Public transport options are limited outside Reykjavik. Bus shuttle services from the international airport to the capital region are available. Long-distance buses also operate throughout the country.

Straeto publishes bus timetables.

Trains

There's no rail service.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Several international cruise lines stopover in Iceland.

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• Travel to Antarctica and the Arctic

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Iceland's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or go to a hospital.

Police

Call 112 or go to the local police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Emergency app

The 112 Iceland app from the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) helps in an emergency.

To call for help, press the red 'Emergency' button. This will send your location by text message to the 112 response centre. The green 'Check In' button tells ICE-SAR your location.

For non-emergency medical help in the Reykjavik metropolitan area, call:

• (+354) 544 4114 during business hours
• (+354) 544 1770 outside of business hours

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Iceland.

You can seek consular help from the Canadian Embassy in Reykjavik.

Canadian Embassy, Reykjavik

Túngata 14

101 Reykjavik, Iceland

Phone: (+354) 575 6500

Email: rkjvk@international.gc.ca

You can also seek consular help from the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark:

Australian Embassy, Copenhagen

Dampfaergevej 26

2nd floor

2100 Copenhagen Ø Denmark 

Phone: +45 7026 3676

Email: copenhagen.embassy@dfat.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Denmark, Norway and Iceland

X: @AusAmbDK

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia