Iceland
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Iceland’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Severe weather has caused major flight disruptionat Keflavik International airport . Airlines are working to clear the backlog of stranded passengers. Please check with your airline and the Icelandic Road Administration, Icelandic MET office and Safe Travel websites before travel.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. You should take out appropriate travel insurance that includes cover for emergency medical treatment and associated costs.
From 1 January 2021, most people cannot use a UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to get medical treatment in Iceland.
To read more about what your travel insurance should cover, see the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Approximately 261,000 British nationals visited Iceland through Keflavik airport in 2019. Most visits are trouble-free.
If you’re living in or moving to Iceland, read the Living in Iceland guide in addition to this travel advice.
Iceland is volcanically and seismically active. You should monitor the Icelandic Met Office website for the latest updates and follow the advice of the local authorities. In case of an emergency, the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management in Iceland will send out text messages to anyone located in the vicinity. See Natural disasters
Weather conditions can also be severe and change rapidly. In order to receive the latest updates and alerts, you should monitor the Safe Travel website, Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration website and Icelandic Met Office reports.
If you need to contact the emergency services, call 112.
If you’re travelling around Iceland leave your travel plans with Safe Travel in case you need assistance from the Icelandic emergency services. Keep mobile phones switched on and always follow the advice of the local authorities.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Iceland, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.