Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. The main risks come from nature and weather, not crime.
- Overall risk
- Very low crime; among the safest countries
- Main concern
- Sudden weather changes and difficult road conditions
- Emergency number
- 112 (all services)
- Iceland (capital Reykjavík) is a Schengen and EEA member with extremely low crime. Take normal precautions in Reykjavík and focus your caution on the outdoors: check forecasts and road status before travelling.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no unsafe areas due to crime. The real hazards are natural: unmarked cliffs, geothermal areas, sneaker waves and rough highland F-roads.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers
- Natural hazards
- Cliffs, geothermal fields, coastal waves, F-roads
- Keep away from unfenced cliff edges, stay on marked paths in geothermal areas, and never turn your back on the ocean at black-sand beaches. Highland F-roads often need 4x4 vehicles and river crossings.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Iceland is volcanically and seismically active. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, glacial hazards and sudden storms occur; check vedur.is and safetravel.is.
- Volcanoes
- Reykjanes activity since 2021; eruptions near Grindavík in 2023-2024
- Weather
- Sudden storms, blizzards and strong winds
- Monitoring
- vedur.is (weather) and safetravel.is (alerts)
- Volcanic and seismic activity is common, and glaciers and glacial lagoons carry their own risks. Weather can change quickly with fierce winds and blizzards; always check official forecasts and heed closures.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Iceland has excellent healthcare and among the best tap water in the world. The main outdoor risks are cold and dehydration.
- Healthcare
- High-quality; EEA visitors covered by EHIC/GHIC
- Tap water
- Excellent quality and safe (mild sulphur smell in hot water is harmless)
- Outdoors
- Guard against hypothermia and dehydration on hikes
- Medical care is modern and widely available. Cold-water tap is superb; the sulphur smell in hot geothermal water is harmless. Dress warmly and carry water when hiking. EEA travellers can use an EHIC/GHIC.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Scams and crime targeting tourists are rare. The biggest real risk is underestimating nature, not being robbed.
- Main risk
- Very low; occasional petty theft in busy spots
- Scams
- Uncommon; overcharging is rare
- Advice
- Respect weather and terrain warnings
- Violent crime and tourist scams are uncommon, and prices are generally transparent though high. Keep valuables secure as anywhere, but focus your caution on natural hazards rather than crime.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Iceland is a stable democracy with a high standard of governance. For current travel advice, check your own foreign ministry.
- Government
- Stable parliamentary republic
- Demonstrations
- Peaceful and rarely disrupt travel
- Political unrest is very uncommon and demonstrations are generally peaceful. For the latest situation, it is best to check the official travel advice from your own government.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Drink-driving has zero tolerance, alcohol is sold only at state Vínbúðin stores, and off-road driving is illegal with heavy fines.
- Alcohol
- Sold only at state Vínbúðin stores, not supermarkets
- Drink-driving
- Effectively zero tolerance, strictly enforced
- Off-road driving
- Illegal on unpaved terrain; heavy fines
- Nature is strictly protected. Driving off marked roads or tracks damages fragile land and is illegal with large fines. Buy alcohol only at Vínbúðin and never drive after drinking.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. The 112 Iceland app is recommended for outdoor safety.
- All emergencies
- 112
- Country code
- +354
- Recommended app
- 112 Iceland (location sharing)
- A single number, 112, covers police, ambulance and fire nationwide. Install the 112 Iceland app to share your location and check in when travelling in remote areas.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Rescue costs, medical care and prices are high; EEA visitors can also use an EHIC/GHIC.
- Why
- High rescue and medical costs; expensive country
- EU/EEA/UK
- EHIC or GHIC helps but is not enough alone
- Include
- Adventure activity and rescue/repatriation cover
- Search-and-rescue and medical costs can be high, and Iceland is an expensive destination, so comprehensive insurance is close to essential. Ensure adventure activities and repatriation are covered; an EHIC/GHIC only supplements it.