Iceland
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Latest updates: The Safety and security tab was updated – terrorism.
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Iceland - Exercise normal security precautions
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Iceland. Exercise normal security precautions.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
The crime rate is low, but pickpocketing does occur. Be vigilant and pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
Terrorism
On November 21, 2016, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert for Europe, alerting U.S. citizens to the “heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, particularly during the holiday season” and advising them to “exercise vigilance when attending large holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places of worship, restaurants, hotels, etc.”
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur periodically. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.
Road travel
Most urban roads as well as Iceland’s national Route 1, the “ring road,” are paved. Many inland roads are unpaved, narrow and lack shoulders. Roads in the highlands are only open during summer months. It is strictly forbidden to drive off track in the highlands.
Driving can be hazardous, particularly in winter.
For up-to-date information on road and weather conditions, see the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration or reach them at +354 522 1000.
Rental cars are available in major towns and airports.
Public transportation
Rail service is not available in Iceland. Municipal bus services are generally not available outside Reykjavik and the surrounding towns. Ferries and long-distance buses operate throughout the country. Taxis are available in major cities and populated areas throughout the country.
Air travel
The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.
Natural attractions
There are few warning signs or barriers to advise you: exercise caution when visiting volcanic craters, glaciers, hot springs and other natural attractions. The weather and terrain can be unpredictable and can cause problems for unprepared travellers.
Trekking
If you intend to trek:
- never trek alone or venture off marked trails;
- always hire an experienced guide and ensure that the trekking company is reputable;
- buy travel health insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation;
- ensure that you are in top physical condition;
- advise a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp;
- sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service; and
- obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out.
Consult Safetravel.is for advice from Icelandic search and rescue teams and to register your itinerary.
General safety information
Exercise normal safety precautions. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Never leave personal belongings unattended and never leave valuables in a car.
Carry a working cell phone if you plan on travelling outside large cities. Remote parts of Iceland are sparsely populated and it may be some time before you come across someone.
Icelandic emergency service offers a location-based emergency assistance app called 112 Iceland App, available for various smartphone models. The application is particularly useful when travelling to remote areas. See Safetravel.is for details.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Icelandic authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of Iceland or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.
Customs officials will ask you to show them a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
Passport
Iceland is a Schengen area country. Upon arrival, Canadians are required to present a passport that must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from the Schengen area. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*
Business visa: Not required (consultants may stay in Iceland for four weeks without a business visa, but employment authorization must be approved before arrival)
Student visa: Required
Work visa: Required
* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.
Schengen area
Canadians do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any country within the Schengen area. If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for longer than the 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa prior to travel. For more information, see Schengen area.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Health
Health
- Measles: Global Update - July 28, 2016 00:00 EDT
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
| * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. | |
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Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Western Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Western Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Western Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
Iceland has excellent medical facilities; however, services can be limited outside of urban areas.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.
Canada and Iceland are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Iceland to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Icelandic authorities.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Iceland. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you an Icelandic citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present an Icelandic passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Identification
You may be required to present identification at any time. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of its loss or seizure.
Illegal drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.
Some substances, such as khat, that may be legal in other European countries are prohibited in Iceland.
Driving laws
An International Driving Permit is recommended. A Canadian driver’s licence is valid in Iceland for six months after arrival. After that you must apply for an Icelandic driver’s licence. Applicants must usually take a driving test but can request an exemption.
Penalties for drinking and driving are severe and can include immediate detention. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, confiscation of driver’s licences and possible jail sentences.
Headlights must be kept on at all times.
The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless the devices are fitted with a hands-free device.
Money
The currency of Iceland is the Icelandic krona (ISK).
Visa and Europay cards are widely accepted but American Express cards are not as common.
When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU countries’ sites, visit the European Commission’s website on cash controls.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Iceland is located in an active seismic zone but serious earthquakes are rare.
The climate can be unpredictable regardless of the time of year. For climate information and warnings, visit the Icelandic Meteorological Office website or dial +354 522 6000 or +354 902 0600. Information is available in English, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Monitor weather reports closely.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
Reykjavik - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada in Reykjavik and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.