Travel advice and advisories for Iceland

Take normal security precautions in Iceland

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Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.

Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Although rare, violent crime has occurred in downtown Reykjavik, particularly inside and near nightlife venues including bars and clubs. Incidents include:

Tourists are usually not targeted. However, you could be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides, large waves, and strong ocean currents can catch even experienced swimmers off guard.

Inland waters may also be dangerous. Many of Iceland’s rivers have swift currents and waterfalls. Always check downstream before you swim in a river. Hot springs can be dangerously hot. Always check the water before going into a natural hot spring.

Large surges of water between waves known as “sneaker waves” can reach far up the shore and pull you into the ocean. Sneaker waves have killed five people since 2017 at the Reynisfjara and Kikjufjara black sand beaches in southern Iceland, including one in June 2022. 

If you plan on trekking, biking, visiting natural tourist attractions or remote areas:

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

The 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.

In 2021 and 2022 the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted in the Reykjanes Peninsula, around 40km from Reykjavik. While the volcano is no longer actively erupting, visitors are not allowed to walk on the lava for their safety and to protect the natural landscape.

Trails and natural hazards are not 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 distinct risk to hikers and trekkers. Hazards can be hidden within the landscape.

Road conditions and road safety can vary throughout the country. 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.

Roads in the highlands and other remote areas are only open during the summer.

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

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

Municipal bus services are generally not available outside Reykjavik and the surrounding towns. Bus shuttle services from the international airport to the capital region are available. Long-distance buses also operate throughout the country.

There is no rail service.

Ferries connect the main island to certain remote islands.

Taxis are available in main cities and populated areas.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

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Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Icelandic authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Iceland is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Business visa: not required.Student visa: requiredStudent visa: requiredWork visa: required

Certain workers in Iceland for short-term projects or contracts are exempt from work permit requirements for up to 90 days. This exemption does not apply to travel guides or tour operators. You should contact the Icelandic Directorate of Labour to confirm if you are eligible for exemption.

Learn more about travelling with children.

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

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This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

Country Entry Requirement*

Recommendation

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

 Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Health care is excellent, but services can be limited outside of urban areas. Most doctors and medical staff will speak some English. Upfront payment may be required.

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

Travel health and safety

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

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You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Canada and Iceland are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Iceland to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Iceland authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.

Local authorities may ask for your identification at any time. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of loss or seizure. Keep your original passport in a safe, dry place.

The recreational and commercial flying of drones is strictly regulated.

You must have permission from the Environment Agency of Iceland to use a drone in several protected areas. If you don’t comply, you may be fined and have your drone confiscated.

It’s illegal to camp outside organized campsites or urban areas unless the landowner has explicitly granted permission.

By law, human waste must be properly disposed of when camping in Iceland. This includes travellers using camper vans or cars to visit remote areas. All human waste must be stored and disposed of at designated sites.

It’s illegal to remove and export fossils and certain types of rocks from their natural setting without a permit issued by the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Iceland.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Iceland, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Travellers with dual citizenship

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Iceland.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Iceland, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Icelandic court.

If you are in this situation:

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

You can drive in Iceland with your Canadian driver’s licence for up to 6 months. After that, you must apply for an Icelandic driver’s licence.

You should also carry an international driving permit.

It’s strictly forbidden to drive off-road and track in Iceland.

You must keep headlights on at all times.

Winter tires are mandatory between November and April. Exact dates are subject to change based on weather conditions. Tires with studs are commonly used in the winter in Iceland. Most car rental services providers outfit their vehicles with studded tires during the winter months.

The currency of Iceland is the Icelandic krona (ISK).

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave Iceland.

The sum can be in:

Cash declaration - Iceland Revenue and Customs

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Reykjanes Peninsula

On December 18, 2023, a volcanic eruption occurred in the Reykjanes Peninsula, near the city of Grindavík, in southwest Iceland. As of December 21, 2023, the Icelandic authorities report that the situation is still considered active and unpredictable, but that the eruption and earthquake activity have diminished.

The evacuation order implemented on November 10, 2023, by the Icelandic Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management for the town of Grindavík remains in effect.

The eruption created dangerous lava flows in the immediate area. Clouds of volcanic gas could move towards Reykjavik in the following days, which could bring potentially dangerous pollution levels.

If you are in an area affected by volcanic gas:

If you are in Iceland:

Iceland’s geographical location makes it prone to severe weather. The climate can be unpredictable regardless of the time of year.

Monitor weather reports closely.

There are several active volcanoes in Iceland. Some have erupted in recent years. Further eruptions could occur at any time and without warning.

Volcanic ash fall may damage vehicles, disrupt domestic and international flights, and cause the closure of roads and bridges. The air quality may deteriorate and affect your breathing, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments

There are several geysers around the country. Boiling water and steam from geysers can result in severe burns. Follow safety advice and stay a safe distance from active geological features.

During your stay in Iceland:

Iceland is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes commonly occur, especially around volcanoes before and during eruptions.

Landslides can occur with little warning following volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Roads may become impassable.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

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