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Reissued after periodic review without changes.
Exercise normal precautions in Iceland.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Iceland.
If you decide to travel to Iceland:
Engjateigur 7
105 Reykjavik
Iceland
Telephone: +(354) 595-2200
Emergency Telephone: +(354) 595-2248
Fax: +(354) 562-9118
Email: reykjavikconsular@state.gov
COVID-19 Requirements
There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
Visit the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration website for the most current visa information.
Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Iceland.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:
Crime: Iceland has a low crime rate with rare instances of violent crime. Using common sense will go a long way in ensuring you do not become a victim.
International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at ReykjavikConsular@state.gov. After working hours, call +(354)595-2248. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should dial 112 for immediate emergency assistance and may contact the Embassy for non-emergency assistance.
The Icelandic Red Cross has a helpline that is open 24 hours a day, every day, for anyone needing assistance with grief, anxiety, fear, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Dial 1717 to reach Red Cross volunteers in Iceland.
Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules are regularly enforced; and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is sporadic due to limited hours and geographic distance from care. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first-responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.
Faith-Based Travelers:
See the following webpages for details:
LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Iceland.
See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Iceland law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities and requires that public accommodations and government buildings, including elevators, be accessible to individuals with disabilities. All government buildings in Iceland are wheelchair accessible, as are most museums, malls, and large shopping centers in the capital area. The public bus system and taxis provide transportation services for individuals with disabilities.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
COVID-19 Testing: COVID PCR and antigen tests are available for U.S. citizens in Iceland and results are available within 72 hours. PCR tests that are not conducted upon request are at the citizen’s expense and average 7000ISK or $54. Antigen rapid tests are provided by private companies and the price varies between them. Test results are provided via text message or via e-mail.
COVID-19 Vaccines: The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Iceland. Visit the FDA's website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
Medical care in Iceland is of high quality, but limited services are available outside large, urban areas. The Icelandic medical system offers coverage only for people who live in Iceland. Non-residents are expected to pay their own medical costs, and you should be prepared to pay your bill in full before leaving the hospital or clinic.
For emergency services in Iceland, dial 112. For non-emergency medical assistance in the Reykjavik metropolitan area, dial 544-4114 during business hours. During non-business hours, dial 1770.
Ambulance services are:
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments, though most hospitals and clinics in Iceland do accept credit cards. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the government of Iceland to ensure the medication is legal in Iceland. Please review the CDC guidance on purchasing medicine overseas.
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
Health facilities in general:
Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy
Surrogacy is illegal in Iceland.
Adventure Travel
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.
General Health Language
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Icerland
Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Iceland is on the right side of the road, as in the United States.
For information on current road conditions throughout the country please consult The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerdin) website. This website can show you in real time the status of most roads in Iceland, color-coded by status.
Traffic Laws: You can use a valid U.S. driver’s license for up to 90 days while visiting Iceland, but you must be at least 17 years old to drive.
Public Transportation: Public transportation in Iceland is safe and reliable.
See our Road Safety page for more information.
Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Iceland’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Iceland’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Iceland should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts on the Maritime Administration website. Information may also be posted to the websites of the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Geospace Intelligence Agency (select “broadcast warnings”).
Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Iceland. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.
Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.
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