Iceland

Use Normal Level of Caution

The Republic of Iceland is an island in northern Europe, northwest of the United Kingdom, and between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Greenland Sea. The country is sparsely populated with a population of about 315,000 people. Although the national language is Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, and German are widely spoken.

The government is a constitutional republic with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government. In recent years, Iceland’s economy expanded mainly due to the financial sector. Iceland’s banks expanded overseas and foreign revenue coming into the country fueled the economic growth. With the global economic crisis of 2008, Iceland’s banking system collapsed, and the International Monetary Fund stepped in to provide emergency financial assistance. In 2011, the economy began to show some growth and unemployment began to fall.

Iceland is known for its glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, active volcanoes, the Northern lights and breathtaking landscape. Visitors can enjoy thermal pools, museums, and a range of outdoor activities.

Currency	ISK: Icelandic króna
Language	Icelandic
Capital	Reykjavik
Recent Alerts	2
Latest Alert	July 22, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Iceland (22 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Iceland. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a some risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Iceland.
Hepatitis B There is some risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Iceland.
Rabies Rabies may be present in bats in Iceland.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Iceland.

Hepatitis A Vaccine Although the risk of exposure to hepatitis A is low in Iceland, it is always beneficial to be vaccinated against hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Although the risk of exposure to hepatitis B is low in Iceland, it is always beneficial to have the vaccination against hepatitis B.
Rabies Vaccine The rabies vaccination is recommended for those travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Iceland.

None required.

Safety and Security in Iceland

Emergency Numbers

112

Personal Safety

Petty theft and anti-social behaviour can occur, particularly around bars where people gather late at night in downtown Reykjavik. Travellers should always take precautions to secure valuables and cash.

Possession of even small quantities of soft drugs carry penalties of heavy fines and/or imprisonment. Using or importing khat/qat (legal in the UK) is against the law in Iceland.

Although main roads in Iceland are in good condition, inland, rural roads may be unpaved, narrow and in poor condition. The highland roads are only open during the summer months. Drive with caution, especially in the winter when the weather can be unpredictable. When driving in Iceland, headlights must always be kept on.

If you plan on participating in outdoor adventure activities, ensure you do so with a group or a guide. Monitor the weather forecast closely. Ensure travel and medical insurance is acquired before departing and that your insurance policy covers outdoor adventure activities and medical evacuation.

Iceland is very progressive with regards to LGBTI rights. Same-sex sexual activity and relations are legal in Iceland and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: July 22, 2021

Iceland

Diseases To Be Aware Of

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Rabies