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
Maximum Alerts / Iceland
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.
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.
You will be alerted only on the day the official level of this country changes.
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.
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.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Reading hospitals, doctors and pharmacies around this point…
near Hamrahlíð
near Stakkahlíð
near Háaleitisbraut
68 Háaleitisbraut
Mo-Fr 17:00-23:30; Sa,Su 09:00-23:30
3 Efstaleiti Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
18 Skógarhlíð Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
9 Efstaleiti Reykjavík
74 Álfheimar Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
74 Álfheimar Reykjavík
fertility
Mo-Fr 08:00-16:00
near Egilsgata
13 Hallgerðargata Reykjavík
general
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
Réttarholtsvegur
8 Hamraborg Kópavogur
general
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
7 Vesturgata Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
9 Bíldshöfði Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
5 Hagasmári Kópavogur
Mo-We 08:00-17:00; Th-Fr 08:00-16:00
6 Þönglabakki Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
2 Salavegur Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
115 Hraunbær Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
12 Suðurströnd Seltjarnarnes
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
6 Hraunberg Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
7 Garðatorg Garðabær
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
35 Spöngin Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-16:00
14 Urðarhvarf Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 08:00-16:00
near Breiðholtsbraut
8 Urðarhvarf Kópavogur
fertility
2 Sólvangsvegur Hafnarfjörður
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00
near Álftamýri
101 Miklabraut
Mo-Sa 09:00-22:00
5 Lágmúli Reykjavík
Mo-Su 08:00-24:00
near Stigahlíð
Mo-Fr 08:00-20:00; Sa 10:00-18:00; Su 13:00-18:00
8-12 Kringlan Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 10:00-18:30; Sa 11:00-18:00; Su 12:00-17:00
50b Skipholt Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00
68 Háaleitisbraut Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-24:00; Sa-Su 09:00-24:00
Suðurlandsbraut
27B Efstaleiti Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00
Grensásvegur Reykjavík
Borgartún
Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00
74 Álfheimar Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:30-18:00
11B Skeifan Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-16:00
13 Hallgerðargata Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00
near Laugavegur
Mo-Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-16:00
108 Sogavegur Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00
4 Nýbýlavegur Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 10:00-18:30; Sa 11:00-16:00
19 Hafnarstræti Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-16:00
8 Hamraborg Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00
Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-16:00
3 Fiskislóð Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-23:00; Sa-Su 11:00-19:00
1 Fiskislóð Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-22:00; Sa-Su 11:00-19:00
1 Smáratorg Kópavogur
Mo-Su 08:00-24:00
9 Bíldshöfði Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00
1 Hagasmári Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 11:00-19:00; Sa 11:00-18:00; Su 12:00-17:00
near Mjódd
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:30; Sa 12:00-16:00
14 Álfabakki Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa-Su 11:00-16:00
20 Bíldshöfði Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-15:00
4 Hæðasmári Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 10:00-18:00
8 Grjótháls Reykjavík
Mo-Su 09:00-23:00
near Nesvegur
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-15:00
2-6 Lóuhólar Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-14:00
2 Salavegur Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00
4 Suðurfell Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-17:00
115 Hraunbær Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-15:00
21 Langirimi Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00
3 Litlatún Garðabær
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:30; Sa 10:00-16:00
5 Garðatorg Garðabær
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-16:00
39 Spöngin Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:30; Sa 10:00-16:00
8 Urðarhvarf Kópavogur
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00
7 Lágmúli Reykjavík
182 Laugavegur Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00
7 Engjateigur Reykjavík
6 Suðurlandsbraut Reykjavík
Th 10:00-12:00; Fr 14:00-16:00
2 Þórunnartún Reykjavík
Mo,Tu,Th,Fr 09:00-14:00; We 13:00-18:00
1 Bríetartún Reykjavík
Mo,We,Fr 09:00-11:30
29 Hverfisgata Reykjavík
Mo-Th 08:30-16:00; Fr 08:30-15:30
near Hjartatorg - Hljómalindarreitur
17 Fjólugata Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-16:00
near Þingholtstorg
open "By appointment only"
near Hellusund
Mo-Fr 09:00-12:00 open || Mo-Th 08:00-15:30 "phone calls only" || Fr 08:00-13:30
5 Ingólfsstræti Reykjavík
Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00
near Hafnarfjarðarvegur
near Garðatorg
near Strandgata
113 Hverfisgata Reykjavík
24/7
near Dalvegur
2-4 Vínlandsleið Reykjavík
Grensásvegur
near Sundlaugavegur
near Amtmannsstígur
near Leirubakki
Hjallahraun
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
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.
National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.
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
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
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.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Iceland.
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.
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…
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.
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
Low incidence, comparable to Europe.
High coverage.
World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).
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
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
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.
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
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
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.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Iceland , including biting insects and ticks.
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 .
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Iceland where some staff will speak English.
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:
A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Iceland .
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on 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.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
The levels each government publishes, unsummarised: their texts, linked below, prevail.
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.
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).
Updated 04.05.2026
Exercise normal precaution in Iceland .
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.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
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.
French passport — 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
- Présentation de l'Islande
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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 .
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 :
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 .
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 .
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.
De manière générale, il est recommandé de :
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.
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
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)
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
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.
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)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026
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 .
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
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
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 .
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Iceland, attacks cannot be ruled out.
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.
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.
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, 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.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Iceland and same-sex relationships are recognised in law.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .
Hiking, mountaineering and other adventure sports have specific risks.
You should:
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.
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 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
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
Exercise normal precaution in Iceland .
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
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines. Drugs, alcohol and travel
Local authorities may ask for your identification at any time. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of loss or seizure. Keep your original passport in a safe, dry place.
The recreational and commercial flying of drones is strictly regulated. You must have permission from the Environment Agency of Iceland to use a drone in several protected areas. If you don’t comply, you may be fined and have your drone confiscated.
It’s illegal to camp outside organized campsites or urban areas unless the landowner has explicitly granted permission. By law, human waste must be properly disposed of when camping in Iceland. This includes travellers using camper vans or cars to visit remote areas. All human waste must be stored and disposed of at designated sites.
It’s illegal to remove and export fossils and certain types of rocks from their natural setting without a permit issued by the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Iceland. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Iceland, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Icelandic court. If you are in this situation:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
You can drive in Iceland with your Canadian driver’s licence for up to 6 months. After that, you must apply for an Icelandic driver’s licence. You should also carry an international driving permit. It’s strictly forbidden to drive off-road and track in Iceland. You must keep headlights on at all times.
Winter tires are mandatory between November and April. Exact dates are subject to change based on weather conditions. Tires with studs are commonly used in the winter in Iceland. Most car rental services providers outfit their vehicles with studded tires during the winter months.
The currency of Iceland is the Icelandic krona (ISK). If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave Iceland. The sum can be in:
Cash declaration - Iceland Revenue and Customs
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
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.
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, 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.
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
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
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.
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
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
- Présentation de l'Islande
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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 .
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.
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)
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
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 .
Iceland follows Schengen area rules . Your passport must:
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.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement . See Dual citizenship .
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:
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:
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.
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
For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.
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 the texts say · The weather can cause damage to rental cars that is not covered by insurance.
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 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 the texts say · Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.
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)
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
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
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
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 areaThe 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 ↗
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
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.
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
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
phone not published
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
phone not published
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/bri ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
American passport — U.S. embassy and consulates
7 Engjateigur, 105, Reykjavík
+354 595 2200
https://is.usembassy.gov/ ↗updated 04.05.2026 · read 16.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap
Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026
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.
Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
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 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.
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
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
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.
Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
Health – editorial change
September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 1/4 — Exercise Normal Precautions, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 16 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 04.05 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 14.10 · read 16.10DFAE · updated 10.07 · read 16.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 14.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 16.10State Department · updated 04.05 · read 16.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 14.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 16.10State Department · updated 04.05 · read 16.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — €990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 14.10
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: single number 112
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 14.10
At today's level 1/4, card by card:
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 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
The page reads hospitals, pharmacies and doctors from OpenStreetMap, around the point you choose.
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 14.10 · read 16.10OMS · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 16.10
4.4 physicians per 1,000 people (2023) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
1.3 homicides per 100,000 people (2023) versus 0.6 in Switzerland and 1.3 in France.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 14.10DFAE · updated 10.07 · read 16.10
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 14.10 · read 16.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 16.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 14.10 · read 16.10eda.admin.ch · updated 10.07 · read 16.10
Emergency phrases, to show if pronunciation fails:
SourcesMaximum Insurance
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to EUR 20,000, special risk EUR 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
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.
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.
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
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.
The destination is already Reykjavik. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Reykjavik
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