Iceland is a Nordic island nation identified for its dramatic, scenic surroundings and prime positioning for experiencing the Northern Lights. Guests flock to the gorgeous nation due to its pure beauties, together with waterfalls, glaciers, sizzling springs, black sand seashores, mountainscapes, fjords, lava fields, and volcanos.
Although it’s typically thought of secure, vacationers ought to contemplate the dangers of experiencing pure disasters or petty crime.
Official Journey Advisories
As of this reporting, the USA State Division final up to date its journey advisory for Iceland in August 2024. The division presently classifies Iceland as a “Stage 1” zone, which means vacationers ought to “train regular precautions” when visiting the island.
The World Well being Group and the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention don’t presently have journey notices for Iceland. Nonetheless, the CDC recommends that vacationers keep up to date on routine vaccinations earlier than their journey. Different vaccines to contemplate are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, and rabies. Vacationers must also keep away from unclean water (together with floodwater), rodent bites, and shut contact with sick people.
In Grindavik, a city on the southern Reykjanes Peninsula, volcanic exercise on April 1, 2025, resulted in evacuations. Certainly one of Iceland’s hottest points of interest, the Blue Lagoon, needed to shut as a result of eruption. Keflavik Worldwide Airport has remained open, and there was no directive to cancel journey plans to Iceland as a result of latest volcanic exercise. In a press launch, the Authorities of Iceland stated, “The eruption’s affect are extremely localized and pose no risk to individuals. Nonetheless, the world stays closed to guests for security.”
On April 3, Secure Journey, an Icelandic security useful resource, famous that the world close to the Sundhnjúkar fissure – together with roads to Grindavik – is closed. Nonetheless, the supply reported that the Blue Lagoon has reopened and is accessible through Highway 427.
Is Iceland Secure For Vacationers And Solo Vacationers?
Sure, Iceland is mostly a secure vacation spot for vacationers and solo vacationers. Crime just isn’t a serious situation, and vacationers can discover freely and safely in the event that they implement customary journey security measures. Nonetheless, guests to the island ought to know that Iceland experiences numerous pure disasters, together with volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, intense storms, floods, landslides, and avalanches. To be ready if and when these pure disasters happen, vacationers ought to have a sport plan and know the sources they’ll use.
Crime – The State Division notes Iceland has a “low crime charge with uncommon cases of violent crime.”
Transportation – Vacationers will seemingly be secure utilizing public transportation in Iceland. Many select to lease a automobile, as Icelanders drive on the best facet of the highway like Individuals. Drivers can use security sources, together with Secure Journey and Umferdin, for updates on highway circumstances. Vacationers ought to familiarize themselves with Icelandic highway guidelines, their routes, and one of the best strategies for navigating rural areas earlier than getting behind the wheel.
Financial institution Security Info – Take customary security measures concerning your banking data. Conceal your PIN when typing it, and don’t give anybody your private particulars or account data.
Well being – Per the State Division, vacationers can entry Iceland’s “high-quality” medical care system. Nonetheless, non-residents of the Nordic nation will likely be accountable for their very own medical payments, which can must be paid earlier than leaving a medical facility. Furthermore, vacationers ought to know that medical providers could also be restricted in rural areas.
Earlier than touring to Iceland together with your treatment, make certain it’s authorized there. Additionally, it’s suggested to have the beneficial vaccinations and purchase journey medical health insurance (or worldwide medical health insurance protection) forward of your travels.
Widespread Scams To Be Conscious Of And How To Keep Secure In Iceland
Vacationers ought to train warning and customary sense in Iceland. There aren’t many widespread scams, however be cautious of vacationer traps and petty theft. All the time preserve your valuables (together with your passport) in a secure and safe location. The State Division notes that guests ought to “bear in mind” that downtown Reykjavík could also be disorderly as individuals go away bars and nightclubs within the early morning hours. U.S. vacationers are all the time inspired to register for the Sensible Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) earlier than jet-setting overseas.
The place To Keep In Iceland
Most vacationers go to or not less than move by Reykjavík, the nation’s capital. Different cities you might contemplate embody Akureyri (for the artwork scene and native botanical backyard), Vík (for the landscapes), and Húsavík (for whale watching). Among the greatest locations to remain in Reykjavík embody Airbnb gems, Kex Hostel, Resort Reykjavík Saga, Eyja Guldsmeden Resort, and Exeter Resort.
Finest Time To Go to Iceland
The greatest time to go to Iceland actually will depend on what you wish to do. June by August is peak season, good for delicate climate, seeing the midnight solar, mountaineering, and wildlife excursions. Nonetheless, if you wish to see the Northern Lights, late September by March is beneficial.
Folks Additionally Ask
Is Iceland secure for American vacationers?
Regardless of the pure disasters that may happen, Iceland is secure for all vacationers, together with Individuals. Simply stay conscious and up to date through the nation’s journey and security sources.
What are the dangers in Iceland?
Usually talking, there are dangers of pure catastrophe incidence(s) and attainable petty crime.
Do they converse English in Iceland?
The official language is Icelandic, however English is often spoken.
Are Icelanders “pleasant”?
Many contemplate Icelanders “pleasant” and sort, although seemingly extra reserved than the everyday American customary.
Ought to You Nonetheless Journey To Iceland?
Touring to Iceland is secure, however vacationers ought to know that they’ll be subjected to native legal guidelines and punishments.
If you’re doing out of doors actions, submitting your plans to Secure Journey will assist emergency sources get to you must you want help. Different sources that vacationers ought to heed embody Go to Iceland, the Icelandic Met Workplace, and the Division of Civil Safety and Emergency Administration. All the time word and cling to a web site’s warning signage (like indicators about slippery rocks, sturdy undercurrents, and so forth.). Go to Iceland recommends packing layers whatever the season.
Remember to be vaccinated and have journey medical health insurance earlier than your journey.