Iceland Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Iceland. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Iceland. If you decide to travel to Iceland:  Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.  Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  X/Twitter . Review the  Country Security Report  for Icelan...

🚨 Emergency Numbers

ℹ️ 112 handles all emergencies. ICE-SAR (Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue): 112. Register your travel plans on safetravel.is before venturing into the highlands or remote areas.

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Landspítali University Hospital in Reykjavik is the country's main hospital and provides excellent care. Outside Reykjavik, medical facilities are limited. Helicopter air transport is available for emergencies.

Insurance: Travel insurance with search and rescue coverage is strongly recommended. ICE-SAR rescue operations are provided free of charge but evacuation costs can be significant. Winter driving requires confidence in 4WD vehicles.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Iceland follows European conventions on controlled substances. Carry prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's note. Even small amounts of illegal drugs including cannabis carry severe penalties — long jail sentences and heavy fines. Airport security uses advanced detection technology on all baggage including transit passengers.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Prescription required; can import up to 100 days' supply with prescription. Must declare at customs if asked
• Adderall / amphetamines — RESTRICTED: Amphetamines are controlled (Schedule II equivalent); import requires medical certificate and Icelandic Medicines Agency approval for >7 days' supply
• Cannabis / CBD — BANNED: Cannabis is illegal; CBD products with any THC are banned. Pure CBD in cosmetics may be tolerated but not guaranteed
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Controlled stimulant; travelers may bring personal supply (up to 30 days) with prescription and doctor's letter in English
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Codeine requires prescription; stronger opioids need Icelandic Medicines Agency notification. Carry documentation

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: Not expected or customary. Service charges are included in prices. Leaving a tip is appreciated but never expected. Icelanders do not tip.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Disturbing the natural environment — leave no trace strictly
• Driving off designated roads and tracks (illegal and damages fragile terrain)
• Entering geothermal areas not designated for visitors
• Approaching nesting birds (especially Arctic terns — they will attack)
• Picking flowers, removing rocks, or taking souvenirs from nature

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in Iceland: