Iceland Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Iceland
General travel safety in Iceland on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Iceland
Updates
Updated: 21 Mar 2024 • Still current at: 25 Mar 2024
Status
LEVEL 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions, safety and security concerns. Laws and social customs could differ significantly. You could face terrorist attacks, civil unrest, violent crime, or unique health threats - but overall, the risks are not great.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
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. Driving can be hazardous, particularly in winter.
Identification
You may be required to present identification at any time. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of its loss or seizure.
Taxis
Taxis are available in major cities and populated areas throughout the country.
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.
Women's safety
Iceland is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise increased caution throughout your travel.
Crime
Pickpocketing occurs. Be vigilant and pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Never leave personal belongings unattended or valuables in a car.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police112
- Fire112
- Ambulance112
Embassy of us
American Embassy in Reykjavik
AddressLaufásvegur 21
Local Law and Culture
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.
Illegal or restricted activities
Possession of even small quantities or soft drugs can lead to heavy fines and/or imprisonment. Smoking in restaurants, bars, public transport and public buildings is prohibited. Using or importing khat/qat is prohibited in Iceland.
Driving
You should carry an International Driving Permit. 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. It is strictly forbidden to drive off track in the highlands.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Iceland.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.
The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
