Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to Iceland.

 

Crime

 

Petty theft and anti-social behaviour can occur, particularly around bars where people gather late at night in downtown Reykjavik. Take sensible precautions and avoid leaving valuables lying around.

 

Road Travel

 

You can drive using a valid EU/EEA driving licence. There is no need for an International Driving Permit.

 

Make sure you have the correct vehicle insurance cover before you arrive. Read the small print on car rental agreements and make sure you understand which damages are covered by the excess or damage waiver. Some car hire agreements limit the class of roads you are allowed to drive on. Costs for breakdown recovery, especially in remote areas, can be very high. Iceland can be affected by strong winds causing localised sand and ash storms. Though this extreme weather is infrequent, foreign tourists have had to pay significant sums of money to repair damage to hire cars caused by sand and ash.  

 

Distances between towns can be great, roads are narrow and winding, and speed limits are low. Driving takes longer than you think. Take particular care on gravel and loose surfaces. Driving conditions may be hazardous and roads impassable, especially in winter. Winter (but not studded) tyres are mandatory from around 1 November to 14 April; exact dates can vary from year to year. Keep dipped headlights on at all times. Fines for exceeding the speed limit are high.

 

Many highland tracks only open for a short part of the summer. If you intend to drive to the highland, or the more remote regions of the country, check with the Icelandic Road Administration (Vegagerdin) - telephone +354 522 1000 - before you leave. Vegagerdin provides up to date information on all roads in the country and will also advise you on weather conditions and off-road driving, which is strictly controlled. Beware of rapidly changing weather patterns, including river levels, which can change dramatically even within the same day.

 

Drink/drive laws are strictly enforced. Alcohol limits are far stricter than UK levels. Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol are severe.

 

In 2013 there were 15 road deaths in Iceland (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 4.7 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the EU average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2013.

 

See the AA guide on driving in Iceland.

 

Accommodation

 

Hotels in Iceland are often fully booked for the summer period. If you visit on flight only tickets make sure all your accommodation has been reserved before departure. 

 

Hiking and adventure tourism

 

Hiking, mountaineering and other adventure sports are increasingly popular activities in Iceland. Unfortunately there are incidents each year of visitors getting into difficulty and needing the help of the emergency services. Follow the guidance of the Icelandic emergency services as detailed on the Safe Travel website. Leave travel plans and contact details with your hotel, or directly on the safe travel website, and take a mobile phone with you.

 

Local laws and customs

Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even small quantities or soft drugs can lead to heavy fines and/or imprisonment. Using or importing khat/qat is prohibited in Iceland.

 

Smoking in restaurants, bars, public transport and public buildings is prohibited. Anyone caught smoking will be asked to leave the premises and may be fined.

 

You don’t have to carry your passport with you, but it is sensible to keep some form of ID on you. Make sure next of kin details are entered into the back of your passport.

 

Whale meat is available in Iceland but tourists should be aware that its importation into the UK/EU is illegal under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Any importation of whale meat to the UK and some other countries will result in seizure of the goods, possibly a fine of up to £5,000 and a custodial sentence.

 

Money

Iceland is expensive. Credit cards are widely used. Icelandic Kronur are available through banks and cash machines in Iceland although some UK banks require advance notice before allowing debit or credit cards to be used in Iceland.

 

Health

If you’re visiting Iceland you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving  your home country (EU citizens only). The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Icelandic nationals. The EHIC won’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately. 

 

Natural disasters

Iceland is volcanically and seismically active. Eyjafjallajokull and Grimsvötn volcanoes erupted in 2010 and 2011 respectively causing disruption to Icelandic and European airspace. Further eruptions are possible, although constant monitoring by the Icelandic authorities means that there should be some warning.

 

Up to date information on seismic activity and the effects of volcanic eruptions in Iceland can be found on the following websites: 

 

Icelandic Meteorological Office

 

Icelandic Civil Protection Authority - This also includes health advice.

 

Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration

 

Institute of Earth Science

 

UK Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre

 

Visas

 

If you have an EU passport you do not need a visa for stays of up to 3 months. 

 

Iceland is a member country of the European Economic Area. EU Citizens are entitled to live and work in Iceland with a residence/work permit, which you can get from the Directorate of Immigration, Útlendingastofnun, Skogarhlid 6, 105 Reykjavík. Telephone: 510-5400.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. You don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

 

The Icelandic authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Iceland.