🇮🇸 Iceland

Glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal lagoons and the northern lights, on an island of fewer than 400,000 people.

ℹ️ Example update: aurora season

Posted 2026-10-17

This is a sample update to show how advisories appear. Northern lights are typically visible from September to April on clear, dark nights. Admins can post, edit and expire updates like this from the admin page.

Continent: Europe
Capital: Reykjavik
Best time to go: June to August for midnight sun, September to March for aurora
Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK)
Languages: Icelandic

Quick guide: Iceland essentials

🛂 Visa & entry

Part of the Schengen Area. Many passport holders (including Canada, the US, the UK and Australia) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. The EU Entry/Exit System (biometric registration at the border) is rolling out, and the ETIAS online travel authorisation is due to become mandatory; check whether it applies before you book.

💉 Vaccines & health risks

Routine vaccines only.

🚗 Driving

Drive on the right. Licences in the Latin alphabet with a photo are accepted; otherwise bring an International Driving Permit. Off-road driving is illegal with heavy fines. Highland F-roads need a 4x4 and are only open in summer. Check road.is and safetravel.is before every drive in winter.

🏥 Healthcare & emergencies

High quality. EEA visitors can use their EHIC; everyone else needs travel insurance. Emergencies: 112.

⚖️ Drug laws

All recreational drugs, including cannabis, are illegal; possession of small amounts usually means a fine.

🎉 Nightlife & party scene

Reykjavík's bars along Laugavegur stay busy until about 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Alcohol is expensive; take-away alcohol is sold in Vínbúðin state stores, so use happy hours. Drinking age 20.

Last reviewed 2026-10-17. Entry, health and legal rules change and can depend on your passport; always confirm with official sources before you travel.

City guides

Reykjavík

A small, colourful capital that's the launchpad for the Golden Circle and South Coast.

See ideas →

Akureyri

The capital of the north, gateway to whale watching, Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss.