Maximum Alerts / Iceland

IcelandLevel 1/4

Level published by the State Department on 04.05.2026 · read 16 October 2026 · source checked daily

Iceland — official level as of 16 October 2026: Level 1/4 ("Exercise Normal Precautions"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, EUR 1.5M, certificate on payment.

Four official readings
United StatesState Departmentsource ↗Our reference level — the one shown across this site
Is the whole country advised against?Nono restriction on the whole country
Level 1/4 — “Exercise Normal Precautions”levels 1 and 2 are advice to be careful, not travel restrictions
FranceFrance Diplomatiesource ↗Added on top of the U.S. level, under its own rules: red or orange AREAS
Is the whole country advised against?Nono restriction on the whole country
our reading: no area of the country is classified red or orange
United KingdomFCDOsource ↗Added on top of the U.S. level, under its own rules: travel statuses
Is the whole country advised against?Nono restriction on the whole country
our reading: no travel advised against
source reviewed 11 August 2026
SwitzerlandFDFAsource ↗Advisory cited by the Maximum policy
Is the whole country advised against?Nono restriction on the whole country
our reading: the FDFA advises against no travel
The four readings on record agree: no restriction on the whole country.Our comparison reading: 27 September 2026

All 207 countries compared, advisory by advisory →

How we read these four advisories

Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?

An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.

The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.

Get covered — €990/yr
Regional map…
Level 1/4 — Exercise Normal Precautions Checked on 16 October 2026 · U.S. State Department
Country briefing
Get the PDF

Where are you right now in Iceland?

Doctors — Reykjavik27
DrLæknastofa Björgvins M. Óskarssonar0.6 km

near Hamrahlíð

Google MapsDirections
DrAugnlæknar Reykjavíkur0.7 km

near Stakkahlíð

DrFótaaðgerðastofa Reykjavíkur0.7 km

near Háaleitisbraut

Google MapsDirections
DrLæknavaktin0.9 km

68 Háaleitisbraut
Mo-Fr 17:00-23:30; Sa,Su 09:00-23:30

DrHeilsugæslan Efstaleiti1.0 km

3 Efstaleiti Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrHeilsugæslan Hlíðum1.1 km

18 Skógarhlíð Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrRauði krossinn1.1 km

9 Efstaleiti Reykjavík

Google MapsDirections
DrHeilsugæslan Glæsibæ1.3 km

74 Álfheimar Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrLivio1.3 km

74 Álfheimar Reykjavík
fertility
Mo-Fr 08:00-16:00

DrDomus Medica1.4 km

near Egilsgata

Google MapsDirections
DrHeilsugæslan Kirkjusandi1.5 km

13 Hallgerðargata Reykjavík
general
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrLæknastöðin1.9 km

Réttarholtsvegur

Google MapsDirections
DrHeilsugæslan Hamraborg2.7 km

8 Hamraborg Kópavogur
general
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrHeilsugæslan Miðbæ2.8 km

7 Vesturgata Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrHeilsugæslan Höfða3.7 km

9 Bíldshöfði Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrHeilsugæslan Hvammur3.8 km

5 Hagasmári Kópavogur
Mo-We 08:00-17:00; Th-Fr 08:00-16:00

DrHeilsugæslan Mjódd3.9 km

6 Þönglabakki Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrHeilsugæslan Salahverfi5.0 km

2 Salavegur Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrHeilsugæslan Árbæ5.0 km

115 Hraunbær Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrHeilsugæslan Seltjarnarnesi og Vesturbæ5.0 km

12 Suðurströnd Seltjarnarnes
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrHeilsugæslan Efra-Breiðholti5.2 km

6 Hraunberg Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrHeilsugæslan Garðabæ5.4 km

7 Garðatorg Garðabær
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

DrHeilsugæslan Grafarvogi5.6 km

35 Spöngin Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-16:00

DrHeilsuvernd heilsugæsla5.8 km

14 Urðarhvarf Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 08:00-16:00

DrDomus Barnalæknar6.0 km

near Breiðholtsbraut

Google MapsDirections
DrSunna6.1 km

8 Urðarhvarf Kópavogur
fertility

DrHeilsugæslan Sólvangi7.7 km

2 Sólvangsvegur Hafnarfjörður
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

Pharmacies — Reykjavik40
+Lyfjaval0.3 km

near Álftamýri

Google MapsDirections
+Lyfjaval0.3 km

101 Miklabraut
Mo-Sa 09:00-22:00

+Lyfja0.4 km

5 Lágmúli Reykjavík
Mo-Su 08:00-24:00

+Farmasía0.5 km

near Stigahlíð
Mo-Fr 08:00-20:00; Sa 10:00-18:00; Su 13:00-18:00

Google MapsDirections
+Lyf & heilsa0.6 km

8-12 Kringlan Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 10:00-18:30; Sa 11:00-18:00; Su 12:00-17:00

+Apótekarinn0.6 km

50b Skipholt Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00

+Apótekarinn0.9 km

68 Háaleitisbraut Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-24:00; Sa-Su 09:00-24:00

+Lyfjaver0.9 km

Suðurlandsbraut

Google MapsDirections
+Efstaleitis apótek1.0 km

27B Efstaleiti Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00

+Lyfis1.2 km

Grensásvegur Reykjavík

Google MapsDirections
+Borgar Apótek1.2 km

Borgartún
Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00

Google MapsDirections
+Lyfjaval1.3 km

74 Álfheimar Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:30-18:00

+Lyfja1.4 km

11B Skeifan Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-16:00

+Apótekarinn1.5 km

13 Hallgerðargata Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00

+Íslands Apótek1.7 km

near Laugavegur
Mo-Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-16:00

Google MapsDirections
+Garðs Apótek1.9 km

108 Sogavegur Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00

+Lyfja2.4 km

4 Nýbýlavegur Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 10:00-18:30; Sa 11:00-16:00

+Lyfja2.5 km

19 Hafnarstræti Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-16:00

+Apótekarinn2.7 km

8 Hamraborg Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00

+Reykjavíkur Apótek3.3 km

Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-16:00

Google MapsDirections
+Lyfja3.4 km

3 Fiskislóð Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-23:00; Sa-Su 11:00-19:00

+Lyf & heilsa3.5 km

1 Fiskislóð Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-22:00; Sa-Su 11:00-19:00

+Lyfja3.6 km

1 Smáratorg Kópavogur
Mo-Su 08:00-24:00

+Apótekarinn3.7 km

9 Bíldshöfði Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00

+Lyfja3.8 km

1 Hagasmári Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 11:00-19:00; Sa 11:00-18:00; Su 12:00-17:00

+Lyfjaval3.9 km

near Mjódd
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:30; Sa 12:00-16:00

Google MapsDirections
+Apótekarinn3.9 km

14 Álfabakki Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa-Su 11:00-16:00

+Apótekarinn4.1 km

20 Bíldshöfði Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-15:00

+Lyfjaval4.1 km

4 Hæðasmári Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 10:00-18:00

+Lyfjaval4.7 km

8 Grjótháls Reykjavík
Mo-Su 09:00-23:00

+Bæjarapótek4.7 km

near Nesvegur
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-15:00

+Lyfja4.8 km

2-6 Lóuhólar Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-14:00

+Apótekarinn4.9 km

2 Salavegur Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00

+Lyfjaval4.9 km

4 Suðurfell Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-17:00

+Lyfja5.0 km

115 Hraunbær Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-15:00

+Rima Apótek5.1 km

21 Langirimi Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00

+Apótek Garðabæjar5.2 km

3 Litlatún Garðabær
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:30; Sa 10:00-16:00

+Lyfja5.3 km

5 Garðatorg Garðabær
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-16:00

+Lyfja5.6 km

39 Spöngin Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:30; Sa 10:00-16:00

+Lyfjaval6.0 km

8 Urðarhvarf Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00

Official — Reykjavik15
Consulates and embassies 12
ASendiráð Svíþjóðar0.4 km

7 Lágmúli Reykjavík

Google MapsDirections
ASendiráð Japans0.5 km

182 Laugavegur Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00

ASendiráð Bandaríkjanna0.7 km

7 Engjateigur Reykjavík

AAðalræðisskrifstofa Ítalíu0.7 km

6 Suðurlandsbraut Reykjavík
Th 10:00-12:00; Fr 14:00-16:00

ASendiráð Póllands1.3 km

2 Þórunnartún Reykjavík
Mo,Tu,Th,Fr 09:00-14:00; We 13:00-18:00

ASendiráð Kína1.4 km

1 Bríetartún Reykjavík
Mo,We,Fr 09:00-11:30

ASendiráð Danmerkur2.1 km

29 Hverfisgata Reykjavík
Mo-Th 08:30-16:00; Fr 08:30-15:30

ASendiráð Sviss2.1 km

near Hjartatorg - Hljómalindarreitur

Google MapsDirections
ASendiráð Noregs2.1 km

17 Fjólugata Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-16:00

ASendiráð Bretlands2.2 km

near Þingholtstorg
open "By appointment only"

ASendiráð Þýskalands2.2 km

near Hellusund
Mo-Fr 09:00-12:00 open || Mo-Th 08:00-15:30 "phone calls only" || Fr 08:00-13:30

AHonorary Consulate of the Czech Republic2.2 km

5 Ingólfsstræti Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00

Town halls 3
ARáðhús Kópavogs2.8 km

near Hafnarfjarðarvegur

Google MapsDirections
ARáðhús Garðabæjar5.4 km

near Garðatorg

Google MapsDirections
ARáðhús Hafnarfjarðar7.9 km

near Strandgata

Google MapsDirections
Police — Reykjavik3
PLögreglan á höfuðborgarsvæðinu1.3 km

113 Hverfisgata Reykjavík
24/7

PLögreglustöð Dalvegi3.5 km

near Dalvegur

Google MapsDirections
Plögreglan6.1 km

2-4 Vínlandsleið Reykjavík

Google MapsDirections
Transport — Reykjavik5
Taxis 5
THreyfill1.1 km

Grensásvegur

Google MapsDirections
THreyfill Bæjarleiðir1.6 km

near Sundlaugavegur

Google MapsDirections
TBSR2.4 km

near Amtmannsstígur

THreyfill4.5 km

near Leirubakki

Google MapsDirections
TA Taxi6.9 km

Hjallahraun

Google MapsDirections

The next 7 days around Reykjavik Atlantic/ReykjavikMET Norway ↗read 16.10.2026

Fri 16 Oct6–8°overcast · 0.4 mm
Sat 17 Oct7–10°heavy rain · 21.6 mm
Sun 18 Oct6–9°heavy rain · 17.9 mm
Mon 19 Oct4–7°showers · 4.4 mm
Tue 20 Oct2–4°heavy rain · 22.2 mm
Wed 21 Oct2–4°heavy rain · 9.3 mm
Thu 22 Oct-2–3°rain and snow · 0.6 mm

Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.

Nearest river dischargeOpen-Meteo ↗updated 16.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026

10-16 12.8 · 10-17 12.3 · 10-18 14.2 · 10-19 15.6 · 10-20 15.8 · 10-21 15.9 · 10-22 15.1 m³/s

Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.

No geolocated event in this country at this reading.

No geolocated UCDP incident in this country.

No news located around Reykjavik in this reading.

The country feed →

National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.

Recommended vaccines and medicines8

Routine vaccinesCDC ↗

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles

COVID-19CDC ↗

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information.

Hepatitis ACDC ↗

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis BCDC ↗

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Iceland.

MeaslesCDC ↗

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

MonkeypoxCDC ↗

Monkeypox vaccination is recommended for any adult who anticipates any of the following activities during travel: Sexual or intimate contact with a new partner Sexual or intimate contact at a commercial sex venue, like a sex club or bathhouse Sexual or intimate contact in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade Sexual or intimate contact in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party, or…

RabiesCDC ↗

Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Iceland. If rabies exposures occur while in Iceland, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.

Yellow FeverCDC ↗

CDC recommendations: Vaccine is not recommended. Country entry requirements: Vaccine is not required. Updated April 23, 2025

CDC Travelers' Health, re-read weekly — the recommendation depends on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm it with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure.CDC ↗read 10.10.2026

Diseases without a vaccine — how they spread

Avoid contaminated food and water
  • Leptospirosis — Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud Drinking water or eating foo
Airborne & droplet
  • Hantavirus — Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents Bite from an infected rodent Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus
  • Tuberculosis (TB) — Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Risks in figures

Tuberculosis — cases per 100,000
Iceland3 2024
Switzerland5 2024
France8 2024

Low incidence, comparable to Europe.

Children vaccinated against measles (%)
Iceland97 2024
Switzerland96 2024
France95 2024

High coverage.

World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026

The official advice, in full

Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).

In brief
  • Consult your doctor or international vaccination centre before departure to assess your health and receive vaccination recommendations. France Diplomatie
  • Pack only necessary medications in original packaging with original labels, accompanied by a prescription listing drugs by international non-proprietary name. France Diplomatie
  • Verify that your medications are authorised in Iceland before travelling, as legal status and regulation of medicines differ between countries. Foreign Office
  • Check vaccine recommendations at least eight weeks before your trip and ensure you are up to date with French vaccination schedule, particularly diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, pertussis and measles. France Diplomatie
  • Carry your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for medically necessary state healthcare, but note this is not a substitute for travel insurance. Foreign Office
  • If taking regular medications containing narcotics or psychotropic substances, contact the relevant embassy or consulate before departure to verify import requirements. DFAE

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

WHO: no outbreak reported for this country in the last 24 months (Disease Outbreak News).who.int ↗read 16.10.2026

FDFA (Switzerland) — medical care, in French

Medical care

Les soins médicaux sont assurés. Pour tout traitement médical la carte européenne d’assurance maladie (CEAM) doit être présentée. Institution commune LAMal Seeking medical assistance Si vous prenez régulièrement des médicaments , emportez-en une quantité suffisante avec vous. N’oubliez toutefois pas que l’importation de médicaments contenant des stupéfiants (p. ex. méthadone) ou l’importation de substances utilisées pour traiter des troubles psychiques est soumise à des prescriptions spéciales dans de nombreux pays. Le cas échéant, renseignez-vous à ce sujet, avant le départ, auprès de la représentation étrangère compétente (ambassade ou consulat) et consultez la rubrique Liens voyages , où vous trouverez, entre autres, de plus amples informations sur ce thème ainsi que sur la médecine du voyage en général. Les informations concernant la propagation de maladies et les éventuelles mesures de protection à prendre sont fournies par le personnel médical et les centres de vaccination. Liens voyages

France Diplomatiesource ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Recommandations pour la santé

Consulter si besoin son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) pour faire une évaluation de son état de santé et bénéficier de recommandations sanitaires, notamment sur les vaccinations. Consulter éventuellement son dentiste avant le départ.

Constituer sa pharmacie personnelle en conséquence et n’emporter dans ses bagages que les médicaments strictement nécessaires ; ne jamais consommer de médicaments achetés dans la rue (risque de contrefaçons). Les médicaments doivent être dans leur emballage d’origine avec les étiquettes originales, accompagnés d’une ordonnance portant le nom des médicaments en dénomination commune internationale (DCI). Il est indispensable de vérifier que les médicaments concernés sont autorisés dans le pays visité : pour plus d’informations, consulter la fiche Informations pratiques .

Pour les voyageurs se rendant en Islande pour de longs séjours en hiver, la prise de compléments en vitamine D est recommandée pour compenser le manque de luminosité.

Vaccinations

Les vaccins recommandés en France sont également indispensables lors d’un séjour à l’étranger : les maladies qu’ils préviennent circulent partout dans le monde, parfois même plus fréquemment qu’en France. Avant tout départ, le voyageur (adulte et enfant) doit donc d’abord s’assurer d’être à jour du calendrier vaccinal français, en particulier des vaccins contre la diphtérie, le tétanos, la poliomyélite, la coqueluche mais aussi contre la rougeole. Le carnet de vaccination peut être demandé à l’arrivée de certains pays.

Health — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Health — Foreign Office

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

  • check the latest vaccine recommendations for Iceland
  • see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Iceland , including biting insects and ticks.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

Healthcare in Iceland

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Iceland where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Iceland, you can now use the Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) or European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ) .

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

  • how to apply for a GHIC
  • how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
  • who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
  • what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

  • changes to travel and accommodation bookings
  • additional standard costs for treatment
  • medical repatriation to the UK
  • treatment that is ruled non-urgent
  • private healthcare
  • private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Iceland .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

TravelHealthPro ↗

Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.

The comparator

What is your current insurance?

The verdict
No area exclusion at this level — but three written limits: deductible and prior approval, 90-day cap, advance under conditions.
Exact wording (official French text): « Des Voyages vers des pays où Votre gouvernement a conseillé de ne pas voyager » — general exclusion n° 11, applying to ALL travel covers.
Line by line
Cover
With your Amex Platinum
Territorial exclusion at this level
No territorial exclusion at this level — the clause targets countries your government advised against travelling to
Covered — the core of the Maximum contract
Medical expenses cap abroad
€2M — but 10% deductible (€150–500), insurer's prior approval, trip paid with the Card
EUR 1.5M emergency medical expenses
Hospital deposit before admission
Advance possible — prior approval required before care
Direct payment guarantee: the insurer settles the hospital
Trip duration covered
Maximum 90 consecutive days per trip
12 months, unlimited trips
Visa certificate (incl. Schengen)
Not provided
Official named certificate, issued on payment

Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).

Where to go, where not to

No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.

In brief
  • National level “Exercise normal security precautions”; no region named (advisory of 24.09.2026). Global Affairs Canada
  • Advises against neither the country nor any area (reviewed 11.08.2026). Foreign Office
  • The security page lists no red or orange area (page of 19.03.2026). France Diplomatie
  • Level 1 of 4: exercise normal precautions (advisory of 04.05.2026). State Department

The levels each government publishes, unsummarised: their texts, linked below, prevail.

Reykjavik is in no region these official readings advise against.The red dot on the map. Change the city at the top of the page to read the map from another point.
Austurland — Country-wide vigilanceSouthern — Country-wide vigilanceSouthern Peninsula — Country-wide vigilanceReykjavík — Country-wide vigilanceCapital — Country-wide vigilanceWestern — Country-wide vigilanceWestfjords — Country-wide vigilanceNorthwestern — Country-wide vigilanceNortheastern — Country-wide vigilanceReykjavik
Country-wide vigilanceReykjavikNone of the readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie) names a region: the whole country keeps the “country-wide vigilance” colour. Boundaries: Natural Earth.
Country-wide vigilance
the whole country, including Reykjavik
So:

no region is advised against by these readings; the trip follows the national advice. A new regional advisory would call for a new, written decision.

US04.05.2026
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
FR19.03.2026
No red or orange areaThe security page lists no red or orange area.Your region (Reykjavík): not covered
GB11.08.2026
No area coveredYour region (Reykjavík): not covered
CA24.09.2026
Exercise normal security precautionsYour region (Reykjavík): not covered
Maximum excludes no area of the country.The VIP Pack covers care and repatriation there. Still enforceable: sanctions and embargoes, and a country already at war at departure. Extraction and security belong to the VIP Pack Extreme, upon eligibility. See My cover

Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (24.09.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (19.03.2026) · Natural Earth

No located event in this reading.

Last change: Updated information on European Entry-Exit System (EES) (‘Entry requirements’ page).

Iceland - Level 1: Exercise Normal PrecautionsState Department ↗updated 04.05.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Updated 04.05.2026

Exercise normal precaution in Iceland .

  • Iceland is generally a safe destination for travelers.
  • Iceland regularly experiences quickly changing weather, dangerous natural features, active volcanoes, and earthquakes. Review our information on weather and natural disasters in Iceland.
  • Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.
  • Review our travel guidance for Iceland to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Nearest river dischargeOpen-Meteo ↗updated 16.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026

10-16 12.8 · 10-17 12.3 · 10-18 14.2 · 10-19 15.6 · 10-20 15.8 · 10-21 15.9 · 10-22 15.1 m³/s

Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.

Where, exactly?

What the national level does not tell you

The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.

  • U.S. State Department — the full advisory details the regions concerned and the reasons (crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest) (read the advisory)
  • Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (United Kingdom) — the United Kingdom advises against no travel to this country · reviewed 11 August 2026
    Last announced change : « Updated information on European Entry-Exit System (EES) (‘Entry requirements’ page). » (read the advisory)
  • France Diplomatie — France classifies no area of this country as red or orange (see the Security page)

No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.

Safety in figures
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people
Iceland1.3 2023
Switzerland0.6 2023
France1.3 2023
Road traffic deaths per 100,000 people
Iceland2.0 2019
Switzerland2.2 2019
France5.1 2019

Reading: The homicide rate is above Switzerland's, without being out of range. On the road, a level close to Switzerland's; road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.

World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026

What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.

I travel on a passportEach government writes for its own nationals. The advisory that counts for you — and for your policy's clauses — is your country's.

French passport — France Diplomatie

In brief
  • Iceland is under normal vigilance status as of 19 March 2026. Urban petty crime including pickpocketing occurs at major tourist sites; avoid displaying valuables and keep documents in hotel safes. France Diplomatie
  • The central highlands are a particular attention zone due to climate and transport risks. Do not travel there alone and register your itinerary beforehand at https://safetravel.is/?lang=fr. France Diplomatie
  • Iceland experiences severe weather causing rapid road closures and flight disruptions at Keflavik airport. Consult Safetravel, Civil Protection, Veðurstofa Íslands weather app, and road.is regularly. France Diplomatie
  • Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur regularly, particularly in southern Iceland and the Reykjanes peninsula. Follow Civil Protection instructions and local authority recommendations strictly. France Diplomatie
  • All glacier hikes and ice cave visits must be guided by an Icelandic guide. Visit ice caves only November to March when danger is lower. France Diplomatie
  • For risky sports activities including glacier hiking and diving, consult professionals about specific risks. Always carry appropriate clothing, shoes, water, food and communication device on excursions. France Diplomatie

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

The security page lists no red or orange area.France Diplomatie ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Islande

- Présentation de l'Islande

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Zones de vigilance

Dernière actualisation le 19/03/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour

L’ensemble du territoire islandais est placé en zone de vigilance normale.

Les conditions générales de sécurité sont bonnes. Néanmoins, une certaine délinquance urbaine (cambriolages, agressions) est constatée. Il convient de prendre les précautions d’usage en la matière. L’augmentation continue du nombre de touristes a conduit à l’apparition d’une petite délinquance, notamment de pickpockets, particulièrement observée sur les sites touristiques les plus fréquentés du pays.

Il convient de se montrer vigilant et de prendre toutes les précautions d’usage pour se prémunir des vols et autres agressions

La zone des hautes terres, au centre de l’île, est une zone d’attention particulière, notamment en ce qui concerne les risques liés au climat et aux transports. Il est déconseillé de s’y rendre seul et il est recommandé de renseigner préalablement son itinéraire sur le site https://safetravel.is/?lang=fr .

Risques météorologiques

En raison de sa situation géographique entre l’Atlantique-Nord et le cercle polaire arctique et de son insularité, l’Islande est sujette à un climat rude qui se traduit par des évènements météorologiques intenses (inondations, tempêtes, avalanches en hiver, glissements de terrain etc.) Cela peut conduire à des fermetures rapides de route et à des perturbations sur le trafic aérien, au départ comme à destination de l’aéroport de Keflavik. Il est recommandé à tous les Français se rendant en Islande de faire preuve de vigilance, et de consulter régulièrement :

  • Le site officiel des autorités islandaises Safetravel
  • Le site de la Protection civile islandaise
  • L’application météorologique islandaise Veðurstofa Íslands
  • Le site road.is.

Pour toutes les recommandations sur les routes islandaises, sujettes aux intempéries, à la formation de crevasses et aux rudes conditions climatiques, consulter la rubrique Infos utiles .

Risque volcanique

L’Islande est traversée du nord au sud par plus de cent volcans actifs. De par sa position sur deux plaques tectoniques, des tremblements de terre et des éruptions régulières peuvent se produire, parfois avec un cours préavis.

Des éruptions sont susceptibles d’intervenir principalement dans le sud du pays et dans la péninsule de Reykjanes. Il convient de suivre les consignes de la Protection civile et de respecter rigoureusement les recommandations faites par les autorités locales .

Glaciers

Toute randonnée sur un glacier ou toute visite de grotte glaciaire doit être obligatoirement encadrée par un guide islandais. En outre, il est fortement recommandé de ne visiter les grottes glaciaires que durant la période hivernale (novembre à mars), le danger étant fortement accru pendant la période estivale.

Recommandations générales

De manière générale, il est recommandé de :

  • Ne pas montrer de signe ostentatoire de richesse, ne pas se déplacer avec des sommes d’argent importantes et laisser tout objet de valeur en lieu sûr (ex : coffre des hôtels) ;
  • Ne pas transporter tous ses papiers et biens de valeur dans un seul sac ;
  • Laisser, si possible, ses documents d’identité et de voyage en lieu sûr et se munir de photocopies ;
  • Ne rien laisser de visible dans les voitures ;
  • Faire preuve de vigilance dans les bars, en particulier le week-end où la consommation abusive d’alcool induit parfois des comportements agressifs.

Avant le départ, il est recommandé aux voyageurs de prendre connaissance des dispositifs d’alerte et de signalement (Chapitre III) mis à leur disposition par les services de la protection civile islandaise. Il convient également de s’inscrire sur fil d’Ariane afin de recevoir des recommandations sécuritaires et d’être informé en cas de crise dans le pays durant son séjour.

Activités sportives

Pour les activités sportives à risque (randonnée sur les glaciers, plongée, etc.), il est nécessaire de consulter des professionnels afin de se renseigner sur les risques spécifiques et sur la zone ciblée.

Lors d’excursions, il est recommandé de toujours être muni de vêtements et de chaussures adaptés et d’être en possession d’eau, de nourriture et d’un moyen de communication. La météorologie étant sujette à des changements brusques et rapides, il est important de prévoir un équipement adapté.

Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French

In brief
  • Iceland is generally considered safe for travel, though terrorist attacks cannot be excluded; consult the terrorism section for details. DFAE
  • In Reykjavik, crime levels vary significantly by neighbourhood and time of day; use standard precautions against petty crime and note that knife attacks cannot be ruled out. DFAE
  • Secondary roads are often unpaved; use four-wheel-drive vehicles in mountains and monitor weather forecasts closely as conditions change rapidly. DFAE
  • Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can occur at any time; consult the Icelandic Met Office forecasts and follow local authority warnings, including evacuation orders and restricted zones around active volcanoes. DFAE
  • Extreme weather requires proper preparation and equipment for outdoor activities; local guide accompaniment is recommended. DFAE
  • In remote regions, telephone and internet connections are often unreliable; contact loved ones immediately if a natural disaster occurs and follow local authority instructions. DFAE

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

FDFA update note — Ces conseils pour les voyages ont été contrôlés et confirmés. (published 10.07.2026)

General assessment

Les voyages en Islande sont en principe considérés comme sûrs. Les personnes en voyage doivent être conscientes de certains risques naturels. Dans ce pays comme ailleurs, le risque d’attentats terroristes ne peut être exclu. La rubrique terrorisme et enlèvements attire l'attention sur les risques liés au terrorisme. Terrorisme et enlèvements

Crime

Observez les précautions d'usage contre la petite délinquance. Dans la capitale Reykjavik, la situation peut varier considérablement d’un quartier à l’autre et selon le moment de la journée. L’usage d’armes blanches ne peut pas être exclu.

Natural hazards

Des tremblements de terre et des éruptions volcaniques peuvent se produire à tout moment. Les conditions météorologiques extrêmes exigent une bonne préparation et un équipement adéquat lors d’ activités en plein air . Il est recommandé d’être accompagné par une guide locale ou un guide local. La circulation peut se trouver temporairement perturbée par des phénomènes naturels. Safetravel: Official source for safe adventure Consultez les prévisions du Service météorologique étatique (Icelandic Met Office) et suivez les mises en garde et les instructions des autorités locales, par ex. zones interdites autour des volcans actifs, ordres d’évacuation etc. Icelandic Met Office Civil Protection and Emergency Management in Iceland Si une catastrophe naturelle devait se produire durant votre séjour, prenez immédiatement contact avec vos proches et suivez les instructions des autorités.

FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 16.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 16.10.2026

British passport — Foreign Office (UK)

In brief
  • Volcanic eruptions have recently occurred on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland; consult the Extreme weather and natural disasters section for details. Foreign Office
  • Obtain appropriate travel insurance covering your itinerary, planned activities and emergency expenses before travelling. Foreign Office
  • Do not carry illegal drugs including cannabis and khat; possession carries severe jail sentences and heavy fines, with excellent airport detection technology scanning all baggage. Foreign Office
  • Smoking and using e-cigarettes are illegal in restaurants, bars, public transport and public buildings; you could receive a fine. Foreign Office
  • When hiking, choose trails matching your experience level, avoid ocean cliffs and hot springs, carry sufficient food and equipment, and register plans with your hotel or Safe Travel Iceland. Foreign Office
  • You may drive with a UK photocard licence for up to 30 days; keep dipped headlights on year-round, follow speed limits, use winter tyres when needed, and observe lower drink-driving limits than the UK. Foreign Office

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Volcanic eruptions

Recently there has been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland.

For more details see Extreme weather and natural disasters .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

  • see general advice for women travellers
  • read our guide on disability and travel abroad
  • see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
  • read about safety for solo and independent travel
  • see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Iceland

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Iceland, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Crime levels are low but petty theft and antisocial behaviour can occur, particularly around bars in downtown Reykjavík. Take sensible precautions and keep your belongings safe.

Personal ID

You do not have to carry your passport with you, but it is sensible to have some form of ID, such as a photocard driving licence. You could also carry a copy of your passport’s photo page as ID. Keep your passport somewhere safe.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke or use e-cigarettes in restaurants, bars, public transport and public buildings, and you could get a fine.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, even small amounts, including cannabis and khat carry severe penalties.

You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Iceland have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Iceland and same-sex relationships are recognised in law.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Hiking, mountaineering and other adventure sports have specific risks.

You should:

  • read the Safe Travel Iceland guides
  • leave travel plans and contact details with your hotel, or on Safe Travel Iceland
  • take a phone with you
Hiking and mountaineering

When hiking, choose a trail suited for your level of experience. Conditions in Iceland could be different to what you’re used to.

Going too close to the ocean, cliff edges and hot springs are common causes of accidents in Iceland.

Take enough food, equipment, clothing and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario. Use a map, compass, GPS and phone.

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Iceland, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Iceland guide . The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of or risk a sizeable fine up to £500. Follow speed limits, keep dipped headlights on year-round, and have suitable tyres, including tyres for winter weather when needed. Drink driving limits are also lower than the UK.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Iceland for up to 30 days. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) as well.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP .

If you bring your own car, check if you need a UK sticker to drive it outside the UK .

Driving conditions

Driving in Iceland can be very different to the UK, the weather can change quickly and make driving conditions challenging at times. Speed limits are lower than in the UK and the…

American passport — U.S. Department of State

In brief
  • Iceland is generally safe; exercise normal precautions as a traveler. State Department
  • Weather changes rapidly; active volcanoes and earthquakes occur regularly in Iceland. State Department
  • Petty crime is common in popular tourist locations; guard against purse snatching and pickpocketing. State Department
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates from the U.S. embassy. State Department
  • Purchase travel insurance before departure; verify it covers evacuation assistance, medical care, and trip cancellation. State Department

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Iceland - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions 2026-05-04travel.state.gov ↗updated 04.05.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Advisory summary

Exercise normal precaution in Iceland .

  • Iceland is generally a safe destination for travelers.
  • Iceland regularly experiences quickly changing weather, dangerous natural features, active volcanoes, and earthquakes. Review our information on weather and natural disasters in Iceland.
  • Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.
  • Review our travel guidance for Iceland to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Global Affairs Canada — additional reading

Exercise normal security precautions

Open Government Licence – Canada · September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026

In brief
  • Canadian drivers may use their Canadian licence for six months, but should carry an international driving permit and keep headlights on at all times.
  • It is illegal to camp outside organized sites or urban areas without landowner permission, and all human waste must be stored and disposed of at designated locations.
  • Travellers must not remove natural artefacts like fossils or certain rocks without a permit from the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.
  • Carrying €10,000 or more in cash or bearer negotiable instruments requires a declaration to customs upon entry or exit.
  • Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs, even small amounts, carries severe penalties including long jail sentences and heavy fines.
  • Winter tires are mandatory from November to April, with studded tires commonly used and often provided by rental companies.

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all

Local laws

You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

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

Identification

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.

Drones

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.

Camping

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.

Natural artefacts

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.

International Child Abduction

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:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Iceland to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

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.

Driving

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.

Equipment

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.

Money

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:

  • banknotes and coins
  • bearer negotiable instruments such as:
  • cheques
  • travellers’ cheques
  • promissory notes
  • money orders

Cash declaration - Iceland Revenue and Customs

Open Government Licence – Canada · September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You do not have to carry your passport with you, but it is sensible to have some form of ID, such as a photocard driving licence. You could also carry a copy of your passport’s photo page as ID. Keep your passport somewhere safe.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke or use e-cigarettes in restaurants, bars, public transport and public buildings, and you could get a fine.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, even small amounts, including cannabis and khat carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport. Airports in Iceland have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Iceland and same-sex relationships are recognised in law. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026

FDFA (Switzerland) — laws and customs, in French

Specific legal provisions

Il est interdit de conduire un véhicule après avoir consommé de l’alcool. Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants, y compris la détention de petites quantités de drogue quelle qu'elle soit, sont passibles de peines de plusieurs années de prison.

FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Air: Fair 27/100PM2.5 2.7 µg/m³ · PM10 9.0 µg/m³
UV low today max 0.5Right now 0.0 · WHO scale 0–11+

What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan.

Reading 04:00 (Atlantic/Reykjavik)Open-Meteo ↗updated 16.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.

Physicians per 1,000 people
Iceland4.4 2023
Switzerland4.5 2022
France3.3 2022
Hospital beds per 1,000 people
Iceland2.8 2020
Switzerland4.4 2023
France5.7 2022
Health spending per person (USD)
Iceland7,642 2024
Switzerland11,784 2023
France5,327 2024
Life expectancy (years)
Iceland82.8 2024
Switzerland84.4 2024
France83.0 2024

Reading: Medical density comparable to Switzerland: the local network handles most cases; repatriation remains a question of convalescence and cost. Health spending of 7,642 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784): expensive care, settled directly by the insurer with the payment guarantee.

World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026

I travel on a passportVisa, passport validity, entry form: the rules depend on your passport. Each government describes them for its own nationals.

French passport — France Diplomatie

In brief
  • French nationals may travel freely to Iceland for stays under three months with a valid national identity card or passport covering the entire stay. France Diplomatie
  • French identity cards issued between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013 remain valid for five years beyond their expiry date, but a valid passport is recommended to avoid travel complications. France Diplomatie
  • Stays exceeding three months require registration with Iceland's National Registry Office. France Diplomatie
  • Travellers carrying only an extended-validity identity card should download and print the multilingual notice from the French Interior Ministry explaining the extended validity rules. France Diplomatie
  • Import regulations for animals, animal products, alcohol and tobacco are detailed on the Icelandic Customs directorate website. France Diplomatie

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Islande

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Visa court séjour

L’Islande étant membre de l’espace Schengen, les ressortissants français peuvent y circuler librement pour un séjour inférieur à 3 mois. Ils sont admis sur le territoire islandais sur présentation d’une carte nationale d’identité ou d’un passeport dont la validité doit couvrir toute la durée de leur séjour .

Au-delà de cette période, les personnes souhaitant s’établir dans le pays doivent s’inscrire auprès du Bureau du registre national . Plus de détails sur le site de l’ambassade de France en Islande – S’installer en Islande .

Extension de la validité des CNI

Les cartes nationales d’identité françaises (CNI) délivrées pour les personnes majeures entre le 1er janvier 2004 et le 31 décembre 2013 sont encore valables 5 ans après la date de fin de validité indiquée au verso. De façon à éviter tout désagrément pendant votre voyage, il vous est fortement recommandé de privilégier l’utilisation d’un passeport valide à celle d’une CNI portant une date de fin de validité dépassée, même si elle est considérée par les autorités françaises comme étant toujours en cours de validité.

En cas de voyage uniquement avec une CNI, il convient de télécharger et d’imprimer la notice multilingue du ministère de l’Intérieur expliquant ces nouvelles règles.

Réglementation douanière

Les informations concernant la réglementation de l’importation d’animaux, de produits d’origine animale, ou de biens (alcool et tabac notamment) sont présentées sur le site internet de la direction des Douanes islandaises (en anglais).

Entry and stay pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland)

The FDFA does not publish entry requirements: they are set out by the destination's embassy or consulate in Switzerland — check them before booking, passport in hand. As a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 16.10.2026

British passport — Foreign Office (UK)

In brief
  • British passport holders must ensure their passport was issued less than ten years before arrival and expires at least three months after departure from the Schengen area. Foreign Office
  • British citizens may stay in Iceland visa-free for up to ninety days within any one hundred eighty-day period for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, or short-term studies. Foreign Office
  • Overstaying the ninety-day visa-free limit in Schengen countries may result in a ban from entering Schengen countries for up to three years. Foreign Office
  • At Icelandic border control, you may need to show a return or onward ticket and prove you have sufficient money for your stay. Foreign Office
  • The Entry/Exit System now requires registration of biometric details such as fingerprints and photographs when entering the Schengen area; registration is free and may occur at special booths before the immigration desk. Foreign Office

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Entry requirements — rules for a British passportForeign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Entry requirements — rules for a British passport

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Iceland set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Icelandic Embassy in the UK .

Passport validity requirements

Iceland follows Schengen area rules . Your passport must:

  • have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
  • have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement . See Dual citizenship .

Visa requirements

You can travel to the Schengen area, which includes Iceland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

  • as a tourist
  • to visit family or friends
  • to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
  • for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Iceland are different.

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

At Icelandic border control, you may also need to:

  • show a return or onward ticket
  • show you have enough money for your stay
Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, to work or study, or for other reasons, you must meet the Icelandic entry requirements. Check what type of visa or work permit you need with the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration .

If you‘re in Iceland with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about entry processes if you live in Iceland.

New Schengen entry requirements

The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.

This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo.There is no cost for EES registration.

On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children…

American passport — U.S. Department of State

The State Department publishes the requirements ("Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements") on its country page, which our servers cannot read. Read it before you go; as a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.travel.state.gov ↗updated 04.05.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Living on site

For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.

CrimeMODERATE

What the texts say · Crime levels are low but petty theft and antisocial behaviour can occur, particularly around bars in downtown Reykjavík. Although rare, violent crime has occurred in downtown Reykjavik, particularly inside and near nightlife venues including bars and clubs.

What they advise:
  • Take sensible precautions and keep your belongings safe.
  • Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
Foreign Office · Global Affairs Canada
TransportMODERATE

What the texts say · The weather can cause damage to rental cars that is not covered by insurance.

What they advise:
  • Bus shuttle services from the international airport to the capital region are available.
  • Check road and weather advice from the Icelandic Road Administration.
Foreign Office · Global Affairs Canada
Nature and climateMODERATE

What the texts say · Since December 2023, there have been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland, the latest started on 16 July 2025. It is likely that there will be further eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula.

What they advise:
  • You should closely monitor local media for updates and always follow the authorities’ advice on travel to, or near to, the area of an ongoing eruption.
  • In the event of an eruption or wider seismic activity, always follow the latest advice issued by the authorities, including on areas to avoid and actions to take if air quality is affected.
Foreign Office
Laws and customsTO KNOW

What the texts say · Illegal drugs, even small amounts, including cannabis and khat carry severe penalties. It is illegal to smoke or use e-cigarettes in restaurants, bars, public transport and public buildings, and you could get a fine.

What they advise:
  • Local authorities may ask for your identification at any time.
  • Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of loss or seizure.
Foreign Office · Global Affairs Canada
Crowds and calendarMODERATE

What the texts say · Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.

What they advise: Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place.
Global Affairs Canada

Sentences copied word for word from the official texts cited, chosen for the destination; the level is our reading. The full texts, at each source:Foreign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026 (updated 11.08.2026 · read 28.09.2026)Global Affairs Canada ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026 (updated 24.09.2026 · read 28.09.2026)

Safety in figures
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people
Iceland1.3 2023
Switzerland0.6 2023
France1.3 2023
Road traffic deaths per 100,000 people
Iceland2.0 2019
Switzerland2.2 2019
France5.1 2019

Reading: The homicide rate is above Switzerland's, without being out of range. On the road, a level close to Switzerland's; road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.

World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026

—:—Local time · Atlantic/Reykjavik ·
112Local emergency numbers · Single number 112
Schuko, Europlug230 V
Drivingon the right
1 EUR = 136.40 ISK1 CHF = 146.59 ISK · 2026-10-15

Time zone: IANA and timezone-boundary-builder (ODbL) · RESTCountries · EmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · European Central Bank

Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Photon search by komoot.

FDFA (Switzerland) — transport and specific advice, in French

Transport and infrastructure

Les routes secondaires ne sont souvent pas asphaltées. En montagne, il est préférable de faire usage de véhicules tout terrain. Ne sous-estimez pas les longues distances et tenez compte des conditions climatiques. Suivez les prévisions météorologiques car les conditions atmosphériques peuvent évoluer très rapidement. Road conditions and weather Safetravel: Driving in Iceland Transports publics: le Pays dispose d’un bon réseau de transports publics correspondant à la densité de la population (bus, avions, ferrys). Public Transport Dans les régions reculées, les liaisons téléphoniques et la connexion Internet sont souvent défaillantes.

FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Public holidaysNager.Date ↗read 25.09.2026

  • Thu 24 Dec — Christmas Eve
  • Fri 25 Dec — Christmas Day
  • Sat 26 Dec — St. Stephen's Day
  • Thu 31 Dec — New Year's Eve
ESSENTIAL

Maximum policyholder: before paying anything, call the 24/7 number. If you are admitted for more than 24 h, Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).

+41 22 ••• •• •• — Full number in your client area

The hospitals to know — Reykjavik

The hospital list has not been read from OpenStreetMap for this page yet: the medical-network map loads it when opened. Maximum's assistance directs you to the right facility, 24/7. The medical-network map ↗

40pharmacies27doctorsFull map and list ↗

Before you go

  • Routine vaccinesup to date
  • Hepatitis Brecommended
  • Hepatitis Adepending on the trip
  • Mpoxdepending on the trip
  • Yellow fevernot recommended

CDC Travelers' Health recommendations, most important first. They depend on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm them with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Details, disease by disease ↗cdc.gov ↗read 10.10.2026

On site

MedicationIn their box, with the prescription — in English if possible.

The health system — Medical density comparable to Switzerland: the local network handles most cases; repatriation remains a question of convalescence and cost. Health spending of 7,642 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784): expensive care, settled directly by the insurer with the payment guarantee.

Back home — a fever in the following weeks should be told to a doctor, naming the country.

The next 7 days Atlantic/ReykjavikMET Norway ↗read 16.10.2026

Fri 16 Oct6–8°overcast · 0.4 mm
Sat 17 Oct7–10°heavy rain · 21.6 mm
Sun 18 Oct6–9°heavy rain · 17.9 mm
Mon 19 Oct4–7°showers · 4.4 mm
Tue 20 Oct2–4°heavy rain · 22.2 mm
Wed 21 Oct2–4°heavy rain · 9.3 mm
Thu 22 Oct-2–3°rain and snow · 0.6 mm

Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.

I travel on a passportYour embassy, and the service to register with, depend on your passport.

Your country, 24/7, from abroad

FR
Crisis and Support Centre — French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs+33 1 53 59 11 0024/7 emergency line, standard rate. First contact abroad: the French embassy or consulate.www.diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
CH
FDFA Helpline+41 58 465 33 33+41 800 24 7 36524/7, 365 days a year — helpline@eda.admin.ch. Beware of scam calls spoofing these numbers.www.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 10.07.2026 · read 16.10.2026
GB
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office+44 20 7008 500024 hours, for British nationals.www.gov.uk ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026
US
Overseas Citizens Services — U.S. Department of State+1 202 501 4444+1 888 407 4747From abroad; the second number from the U.S. and Canada.travel.state.gov ↗updated 04.05.2026 · read 16.10.2026

French passport — French embassy and consulates

Useful contacts listed by France Diplomatie (in French)diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Updated: 14 October 2026

OpenStreetMap

Swiss passport — Swiss embassy and consulates

CH
Ambassade de Suisseembassy · nearest · 2.1 km

phone not published

Useful addresses — FDFA, in French

Numéro d'urgence général: 112 Revenue and Customs: Travelling to Iceland Public Services Représentations suisses à l’étranger: En cas de situation d’urgence à l’étranger, vous pouvez vous adresser à la représentation suisse la plus proche ou à la Helpline DFAE. Centre consulaire régional Pays Nordiques et Baltes à Stockholm, Suède Ambassade de Suisse à Oslo, Norvège Helpline DFAE Représentations étrangères en Suisse: Pour obtenir des informations sur les prescriptions d’entrée (documents d’identité admis, visa, etc.), veuillez vous adresser aux ambassades et consulats étrangers compétents. Ceux-ci peuvent également vous renseigner sur les dispositions douanières pour l’importation et l’exportation d’animaux et de marchandises: appareils électroniques, souvenirs, médicaments, etc. Représentations étrangères en Suisse

OpenStreetMap · DFAE

British passport — British embassy and consulates

OpenStreetMap

American passport — U.S. embassy and consulates

OpenStreetMap

Police

  • Lögreglan á höfuðborgarsvæðinu · 1.3 km
    113 Hverfisgata Reykjavík
    +354 444 1000
  • Lögreglustöð Dalvegi · 3.5 km
  • lögreglan · 6.1 km
    2-4 Vínlandsleið Reykjavík

Town hall

  • Ráðhús Kópavogs · 2.8 km
  • Ráðhús Garðabæjar · 5.4 km
  • Ráðhús Hafnarfjarðar · 7.9 km

OpenStreetMap

Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026

Getting help — Foreign Office

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Iceland

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Safe Travel Iceland

If you’re travelling around Iceland, leave details of your travel plans with Safe Travel Iceland in case you need help from the Icelandic emergency services.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Ten phrases in Icelandic

For emergencies. If pronunciation fails, show the screen — or the printed page.

Help!Hjálp!
Call an ambulance!Hringdu á sjúkrabíl!
I need a doctor.Ég þarf lækni.
Where is the nearest hospital?Hvar er næsta sjúkrahús?
Call the police!Hringdu á lögregluna!
I am allergic to penicillin.Ég er með ofnæmi fyrir pensilíni.
I have international medical insurance.Ég er með alþjóðlega sjúkratryggingu.
I want to contact my embassy.Ég vil hafa samband við sendiráð lands míns.
Please take me to this address.Vinsamlegast farðu með mig á þetta heimilisfang.
Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?

Translations by Maximum Insurance, original script and transliteration.

  • Keep the entry stamp, hospital invoices and the medical report. Without them a claim cannot be rebuilt.
  • File it from the claim form, once back, with those papers.

Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.

1Once — the framework
2For each departure
3During the mission, and after

What is happening in Iceland right now

Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.

What governments have just written

UpdateGlobal Affairs Canada

Health – editorial change

September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026

No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.

⚡ The world feed — every country →

Frequently asked questions — travel insurance Iceland

24/7 support number — +41 22 ••• •• ••An adviser goes through each question with you until you have an actionable answer: cover, hospital, entry rules, claims. Full number in your client area. You can also ask Maximum directly, just below these questions.
What is the official risk level in Iceland today?

Level 1/4 — Exercise Normal Precautions, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 16 October 2026.

  • Is the whole country advised against? United States: no · France: no · United Kingdom: no · Switzerland: no (reading of 27 September 2026).
  • Contractually, only an FDFA, FOPH or WHO advisory against the trip opens Module A (art. 18.1) — that is not the case today.
  • Travel with international medical cover and the 24/7 number (+41 22 ••• •• ••) saved: here the risk is not the advisory, it is the hospital bill.
  • We check these sources every morning and e-mail you the day one changes (Alerts button).

Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 04.05 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 14.10 · read 16.10DFAE · updated 10.07 · read 16.10207-country comparison

Is the whole of Iceland advised against, or only some areas?

An area advised against does not rule out the country.

  • Official answers: United States: no · France: no · United Kingdom: no · Switzerland: no.
  • Keep your country of residence's advisory on booking day and on departure day: that is what your policy's clauses cite.

SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 14.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 16.10State Department · updated 04.05 · read 16.10

What are the entry requirements for Iceland with my passport?

The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.

  • French passport (France Diplomatie): French nationals may travel freely to Iceland for stays under three months with a valid national identity card or passport covering the entire stay. French identity cards issued between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013 remain valid for five years beyond their expiry date, but a valid passport is recommended to avoid travel complications. Stays exceeding three months require registration with Iceland's National Registry Office.
  • British passport (Foreign Office): British passport holders must ensure their passport was issued less than ten years before arrival and expires at least three months after departure from the Schengen area. British citizens may stay in Iceland visa-free for up to ninety days within any one hundred eighty-day period for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, or short-term studies. Overstaying the ninety-day visa-free limit in Schengen countries may result in a ban from entering Schengen countries for up to three years.
  • American passport: the requirements are on the State Department country page (travel.state.gov).
  • Swiss passport: the FDFA refers you to the destination's embassy in Switzerland.
  • Pick your passport at the top of Before you go › Entry: the official text that concerns you comes first, with its “In brief” summary.

SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 14.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 16.10State Department · updated 04.05 · read 16.10

Do I need an insurance certificate for a Iceland visa?

For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).

  • Many other countries ask for it on entry or for a visa, case by case: check Before you go › Entry, with your passport.
  • Subscribe: the named certificate arrives by e-mail on payment, with your name, dates and limits (EUR 1.5M medical expenses, unlimited evacuation and repatriation) — the ones consulates check.
  • Attach it to the visa file; if in doubt about the format, write to us.

SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479

What does Maximum Insurance do in Iceland, concretely?

VIP Pack — €990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.

  • EUR 1.5M emergency medical expenses, unlimited medical evacuation and repatriation, search and rescue EUR 50,000, cancellation or change EUR 5,000.
  • One 24/7 number, +41 22 ••• •• ••: Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).
  • Network of 45,000 providers (art. 6.9); evacuation is decided, organised and paid by Maximum's medical team if the local facility is not enough (art. 6.2.2).
  • Named certificate by e-mail on payment, no medical questionnaire.

SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 14.10

What should I do if hospitalised in Iceland?

Six steps, in this order.

  • 1. Call +41 22 ••• •• •• before paying anything, or have the front desk call: it is the condition for full cover (otherwise: reduced or refused benefits).
  • 2. Ask for a hospital in the Maximum network (art. 6.9).
  • 3. See a doctor the same day and leave with the certificate: without an on-the-spot finding, nothing is covered (art. 33).
  • 4. Admitted for more than 24 h? The front desk calls Maximum: direct payment guarantee, no deposit (art. 2.12).
  • 5. Book no ambulance or flight yourself (art. 6.2.2).
  • 6. Once home, file within 30 days (art. 35.7).
  • Local emergency services: single number 112.

SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479

Which emergency numbers in Iceland?

Local emergency services: single number 112

  • Maximum, 24/7, before any payment: +41 22 ••• •• ••.
  • France — Ambassade de France (2.9 km) · +354 575 9600
  • Switzerland — Ambassade de Suisse (2.1 km)
  • United Kingdom — Ambassade de Grande-Bretagne (2.2 km)
  • United States — Ambassade des États-Unis (0.7 km) · +354 595 2200
  • Save these numbers before leaving; in immediate danger, call local emergency services first, then Maximum.

SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 14.10

Is an Amex, Visa or Mastercard enough in Iceland?

At today's level 1/4, card by card:

  • Amex Platinum — No area exclusion at this level — but three written limits: deductible and prior approval, 90-day cap, advance under conditions.
  • Visa — No express area exclusion — but a €156,000 cap, 90 days, and the war/instability exclusion in the background.
  • Mastercard — No exclusion in play at this level — but a €155,000 cap and 90 covered days.
  • Three lines to read in your notice: the duration (often 90 days per trip), the settlement (reimbursement afterwards or direct payment of the hospital) and the area exclusion at level 4/4.

SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '

Are a health plan or a travel policy enough in Iceland?

A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.

  • Health plan — A health plan treats you at home. Here the hospital asks for a guarantee before admission — not a later reimbursement.
  • Travel policy — No area exclusion at this level — compare cap, deductible and covered duration.
  • A travel policy often has a territorial clause at level 4/4 and a 90-day limit per trip.
  • Have your IPID number or the PDF of the terms and ask an expert to call you back: the answer is in the document, not in the brochure.

SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479

How do I use the medical network on this page?

The page reads hospitals, pharmacies and doctors from OpenStreetMap, around the point you choose.

  • Type your city, hotel or beach: the map re-centres, 24/7 emergency rooms come first.
  • Each row gives the phone when the source publishes it, the nearest street, directions and the Google Maps listing.
  • The PDF briefing repeats the same places, numbered on a printable map.
  • No customer reviews: OpenStreetMap has none, and we invent none.

SourcesOpenStreetMap (ODbL) · read 14.10

Which vaccines and health precautions for Iceland?

The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.

  • CDC (Travelers' Health), depending on the trip: Routine vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Monkeypox, Rabies.
  • See a doctor or a travel clinic 8 weeks before departure (Foreign Office).
  • Carry your medicines in their packaging, with a prescription using international non-proprietary names (France Diplomatie).

SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 14.10 · read 16.10OMS · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 16.10

Can I be treated in Iceland, or will I be evacuated?

4.4 physicians per 1,000 people (2023) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.

  • 2.8 hospital beds per 1,000 people versus 4.4 in Switzerland (World Bank).
  • Medical density comparable to Switzerland: the local network handles most cases; repatriation remains a question of convalescence and cost. Health spending of 7,642 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784): expensive care, settled directly by the insurer with the payment guarantee.
  • When the local facility is not enough, Maximum's medical team decides the evacuation to a suitable centre, and pays for it (art. 6.2.2).

SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479

Iceland: safety, in figures?

1.3 homicides per 100,000 people (2023) versus 0.6 in Switzerland and 1.3 in France.

  • 2.0 road deaths per 100,000 people versus 2.2 in Switzerland (World Bank, WHO).
  • The homicide rate is above Switzerland's, without being out of range. On the road, a level close to Switzerland's; road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.

SourcesWorld Bank (UNODC, WHO) · read 10.10UCDP

Where is my embassy in Iceland, and why register?

The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):

  • France — Ambassade de France (2.9 km) · +354 575 9600
  • Switzerland — Ambassade de Suisse (2.1 km)
  • United Kingdom — Ambassade de Grande-Bretagne (2.2 km)
  • United States — Ambassade des États-Unis (0.7 km) · +354 595 2200
  • Register before leaving: France: Ariane · Switzerland: Travel Admin · United Kingdom: Foreign Office alerts · United States: STEP.
  • Two minutes, and in a crisis your country's authorities can reach you and count you in an evacuation.
  • Pick your passport at the top of Contacts: your embassy comes first.

SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 14.10DFAE · updated 10.07 · read 16.10

Which regions of Iceland should I avoid, precisely?

No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.

  • Your point (Reykjavík): country-wide vigilance.
  • Maximum does not exclude these areas: the VIP Pack covers care and repatriation there (sanctions, embargoes and a country already at war at departure remain enforceable).

SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 14.10 · read 16.10

Which laws and customs should I know in Iceland?

Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.

  • Canadian drivers may use their Canadian licence for six months, but should carry an international driving permit and keep headlights on at all times.
  • It is illegal to camp outside organized sites or urban areas without landowner permission, and all human waste must be stored and disposed of at designated locations.
  • Travellers must not remove natural artefacts like fossils or certain rocks without a permit from the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.
  • Carrying €10,000 or more in cash or bearer negotiable instruments requires a declaration to customs upon entry or exit.
  • Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs, even small amounts, carries severe penalties including long jail sentences and heavy fines.

SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 16.10

Who can I call at any hour from Iceland?

Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.

  • France — Crisis and Support Centre — French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs: +33 1 53 59 11 00. 24/7 emergency line, standard rate. First contact abroad: the French embassy or consulate.
  • Switzerland — FDFA Helpline: +41 58 465 33 33 · +41 800 24 7 365. 24/7, 365 days a year — helpline@eda.admin.ch. Beware of scam calls spoofing these numbers.
  • United Kingdom — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: +44 20 7008 5000. 24 hours, for British nationals.
  • United States — Overseas Citizens Services — U.S. Department of State: +1 202 501 4444 · +1 888 407 4747. From abroad; the second number from the U.S. and Canada.
  • On site, Ambassade de France: +354 575 9600.

Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 14.10 · read 16.10eda.admin.ch · updated 10.07 · read 16.10

A few useful phrases in Icelandic for Iceland?

Emergency phrases, to show if pronunciation fails:

  • Help! → Hjálp!
  • Call an ambulance! → Hringdu á sjúkrabíl!
  • I need a doctor. → Ég þarf lækni.
  • Where is the nearest hospital? → Hvar er næsta sjúkrahús?
  • Call the police! → Hringdu á lögregluna!

SourcesMaximum Insurance

What should I keep after leaving Iceland, and how do I file a claim?

Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.

  • File within 30 days (art. 35.7) from your client area, with the documents; the official forms are pre-filled.
  • Costs advanced on site are reimbursed against receipts.
  • Fever, persistent diarrhoea or a rash in the following weeks? See a doctor and say where you have been.

SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479

What does the Pack VIP Extreme add?

Cancellation or change up to EUR 20,000, special risk EUR 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.

  • Special risk (Module A): political event, attack, epidemic, natural disaster — opens when the FDFA, the FOPH or WHO advise against the trip (art. 18.1).
  • Epidemic: assistance must be requested within 7 days of the WHO or FDFA qualification (art. 36.2).
  • Crisis management and security: trip registration, monitoring, extraction, evacuation in case of riot, war, terrorism or disaster; Kidnap & Ransom subject to eligibility (art. 18.4).
  • €2,290 a year, unlimited trips.

SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479

A question not answered here? Ask Maximum below, or call the support number: every question gets a clear, actionable answer.

A question? Maximum answers.Answers built from the Iceland file and your policy.

In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.

What Maximum knows

The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.

Same advisory level: Slovakia · Slovenia · Switzerland · Suriname · Senegal · Taiwan

Cross-check with official sources
U.S. State Department → UK FCDO → France Diplomatie → DFAE (Suisse) →

The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.

The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.

Travel covered to Iceland
Get the Pack VIP — €990/yr Cover a team
Check my current cover in Iceland

The destination is already Reykjavik. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.

Go further
Insured in an advised-against country →What a repatriation really costs →Who pays the hospital abroad →Where the United States, France and the United Kingdom disagree →What is duty of care? →An employee is hospitalised abroad: the sequence, seen from the company →

All 13 files, together → · All 207 countries →