Iceland Travel Guide

• Iceland is one of Europe’s hidden gems, a unique island full of extreme scenery, from snow-capped mountains to volcanic islands, frosty glaciers to barren highlands, whale-filled wild seas to thundering waterfalls. See the magical Northern Lights and marvel at one of the world’s natural wonders, or go whale watching off Icelandic shores. Bask in thermal pools, enjoy the buzzing nightlife in Reykjavik or get the ideal paid job and earn money in Iceland. Enjoy a warm Icelandic welcome in the land of ice and snow as you discover one of the world’s best-kept travel secrets. 
• Great gap year opportunities for paid work on farms, in tourism or as an Au Pair
• Earn money and get a job set up before you go
• Jaw-dropping scenery makes for a stunning adventure on this fascinating island
• See the unmissable spectacle of the Northern Lights
• Outdoor activities are a must-do – hike a glacier, see snow-capped volcanoes, visit the empty, wild highlands or go birdwatching
• Soak your cares away in an amazing hot thermal pool

Fish and seafood are, not surprisingly, usually on the menu in Iceland, with a delicious range of fresh or cured fish on offer. Lamb is a popular meat, and potatoes or soups are frequently added to a meal. Rye bread is a popular accompaniment. 

If you are feeling adventurous you can try some of Iceland’s most exotic offerings, such as seabird e.g puffin or gull, or the infamous fish dish Hákarl, a putrefied shark meat known for its overpowering taste and smell!  They also eat Whale in Iceland, which may offend our more ethically-minded UK visitors. 

An everyday ingredient is skyr, a soft cheese/yoghurt which Icelanders eat daily with almost anything! 

Iceland's weather is unpredictable and can change from bright sunshine to wet weather within hours. There is high rainfall throughout the year, but from September-May this often turns to snow. 

The south and west are the wettest parts of the country, and in the mountain regions temperatures can plummet quickly.  June-August is the busiest tourist season.  Areas of geothermal activity are higher in temperature and make for an interesting contrast in the climate. 

Visa Assistance

Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.

To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Iceland set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Icelandic Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Iceland follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must: 

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can travel to the Schengen area, which includes Iceland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Iceland are different.

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.  

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

At Icelandic border control, you may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period 

To stay longer, to work or study, or for other reasons, you must meet the Icelandic entry requirements. Check what type of visa or work permit you need with the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.

If you‘re in Iceland with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about entry processes if you live in Iceland.

Vaccine requirements

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Iceland guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Iceland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Whale products

It is illegal to import whale products from Iceland into the UK. You could get a fine of up to £5,000 or a prison sentence.

Taking money into or out of Iceland

You must declare if you’re carrying any currency worth 10,000 euros or more.

Taking food and drink into Iceland    

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into Iceland. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons. 

Iceland is a very friendly, informal, democratic and liberal country. People treat each other with respect, and Icelanders can be private, reserved people so please act with consideration and respect. 

If visiting an Icelandic home, it is customary to remove your shoes. Smoking in public places is banned.  Alcohol is very expensive and drink-driving is strongly clamped down upon. 

Iceland has a very low crime rate and is considered a very safe destination for travellers.  Use caution in busy urban areas and keep an eye out for petty crime. 

The weather can be highly unpredictable and you should wear appropriate clothing in anticipation of cold conditions, especially in winter. Those driving in winter should carry food, water and blankets in their car. Emergency huts are provided in places where travellers risk getting caught in severe weather, and car-hire companies can provide snow tyres or chains in winter.

Exercise caution when hiking due to changing weather conditions, and be aware that the water in hot springs and mud pots can come out of the ground at 100°C. Always get local advice before hiking around live volcanoes. In glacial areas beware of dangerous quicksand at the end of glaciers, and never venture out onto the ice without crampons and ice axes.

Driving on Iceland’s roads can be dangerous, with locals often not heeding speed or safety limits. 

Do not become involved with drugs, as Iceland has strict drug use and possession laws. 

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.