Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Iceland. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[354] 595-22-00; US Embassy in Reykjavik, Laufásvegur 21, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland; ReykjavikConsular@state.gov; https://is.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
354
Local Emergency Phone
112
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp, cool summers
Currency (Code)
Icelandic kronur (ISK)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German
Major Religions
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland (official) 62.3%, Roman Catholic 4%, Reykjavik Free Church 2.7%, Hafnarfjordur Free Church 2%, pagan worship 1.4%, Icelandic Ethical Humanist 1.1%
Time Difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Blue Lagoon in Grindavík; Geysers in Strokkur; Thingvellir National Park; Reykjavik; whale watching from Reykjavik; Gullfoss Waterfall; Northern Lights; Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve; Maelifell Volcano; Myrdalsjökull Glacier
Major Sports
Handball, soccer, track and field, golf, basketball, tennis
Cultural Practices
Self-sufficiency, the work ethic, and independence are strongly valued here, and the brusque manners of Icelanders hide a friendly, helpful nature reflected in a dedication to the immediate community.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not expected at hotels and restaurants since most bills include a service charge for gratuities. Round up taxi fares.
Souvenirs
Hand-knit wool items including blankets, sweaters, hats, coats, and mittens; pottery, local spirits, Viking themed items and dolls in traditional costumes; carved fish skin, lava rock, and driftwood items; felt stuffed animal toys
Traditional Cuisine
Lamb; Hákarl — cured (fermented) shark meat
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, September 06, 2023
