What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Iceland, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 11 August 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: Updated information on European Entry-Exit System (EES) (‘Entry requirements’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 1 of 4
Updated 5 May 2026
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Exercise normal security precautions
Level 1 of 4
Updated 24 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
From the section “Emergency services in Iceland” of the UK government's travel advice for Iceland, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Iceland, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Iceland, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Iceland, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common in Iceland given the country’s geography. 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.
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. These eruptions have affected the town of Grindavik and the surrounding area. The capital city, Reykjavik, Keflavik International Airport and the rest of Iceland have not been affected by this series of eruptions.
It is likely that there will be further eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula. 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. Gas pollution levels can quickly exceed dangerous levels in the immediate vicinity of an eruption site. Depending on weather conditions, while an eruption is ongoing gas pollution and volcanic haze may also spread beyond the immediate area so pay particular attention to local alerts and advice. Never attempt to walk on newly solidified lava as the surface crust can break without warning.
Regularly check for alerts and advice from:
The Government of Iceland monitors all seismic and volcanic activity closely and infrastructure is robustly designed, but not all events can be anticipated and can pose risks to your travel plans. This could include travel delays and cancellations due to rock falls and landslides, sudden flooding, or poisonous volcanic gases near eruption sites.
Further information on volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in Iceland can be found from the following organisations:
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Rainfall Average temperature
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs. For seasonal hazards such as storms, floods or extreme heat, read the official section Extreme weather and natural disasters.
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Iceland.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.