Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2025: ETIAS Authorization
Most visa-exempt travelers to Iceland now need ETIAS authorization (€7) - a straightforward online application that takes about 10 minutes and is valid for three years. Apply at least 72 hours before your trip to avoid delays. This applies to visitors from over 60 countries entering the Schengen Area, including Iceland.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages for stamps. Biometric passports are required for ETIAS eligibility.
Double-check expiration dates well in advance, as some countries require additional validity for re-entry, and Iceland enforces strict border controls at Keflavík International Airport.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU/EEA, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa, thanks to Iceland's Schengen membership.
For longer stays, registration with the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration is required, and work or study permits must be obtained separately.
Visa Applications
For required visas, apply through the Icelandic embassy or VFS Global for a Schengen visa (€80 fee), submitting documents like proof of accommodation, sufficient funds (at least €50/day), and comprehensive travel insurance covering €30,000 in medical expenses.
Processing typically takes 15 days but can extend to 45 days; apply early if traveling during peak summer season to account for high demand.
Border Crossings
Iceland's main entry point is Keflavík Airport, where Schengen border guards conduct thorough checks, including fingerprinting for first-time visitors and ETIAS verification via electronic gates.
Ferry arrivals from Denmark are less common but require similar documentation; always carry proof of onward travel and funds to avoid entry denial.
Travel Insurance
Schengen rules mandate comprehensive insurance covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation up to €30,000; this is strictly checked at borders for non-EU visitors.
Opt for policies that include adventure activities like glacier hiking or snorkeling in Silfra, as Iceland's rugged terrain increases risks—premiums start at €10/day from trusted providers.
Extensions Possible
Short-term stays can be extended for compelling reasons (e.g., medical or weather delays) by applying to the Directorate of Immigration in Reykjavík before your visa expires, with fees around €100.
Supporting documents like flight rebooking proofs are essential, and approvals are not guaranteed due to Iceland's strict immigration policies focused on tourism sustainability.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Iceland uses the Icelandic Króna (ISK). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Reykjavík by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for summer peak when prices surge due to midnight sun demand.
Eat Like a Local
Shop at Bónus supermarkets for affordable groceries under 2,000 ISK/meal, or grab hot dogs from iconic stands for 800 ISK, avoiding touristy restaurants to save up to 60% on food.
Self-catering in your accommodation is key in remote areas, where fresh fish and fermented shark can be budget-friendly at local markets.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for the Reykjavík City Card (5,000 ISK for 24 hours) for unlimited buses and free attractions, or Strætó passes for intercity routes at 3,000 ISK/day.
Hitchhiking or shared shuttles cut costs on the Ring Road, especially in low season when fewer tourists mean easier rides.
Free Attractions
Explore natural wonders like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, black sand beaches at Reynisfjara, and geothermal pools without fees, providing authentic experiences at zero cost.
Many hot springs and hiking trails in national parks like Thingvellir are free, and apps like Vedur.is help plan weather-dependent visits to maximize value.
Card vs Cash
Contactless cards are accepted almost everywhere, even at remote gas stations, but carry 5,000-10,000 ISK cash for rural spots or tips.
Use fee-free ATMs at banks like Landsbankinn for withdrawals, avoiding airport exchanges that charge up to 10% premiums.
Tour Discounts
Leverage the Iceland Travel Pass or Reykjavík Excursions multi-day deals for 20-30% off Blue Lagoon and glacier tours, ideal for bundling activities.
Off-season bookings (October-April) slash prices on popular excursions like northern lights hunts by up to 50%, without sacrificing quality.
Smart Packing for Iceland
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Layer with thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, and waterproof Gore-Tex jackets to combat Iceland's unpredictable winds and sudden weather shifts from sun to storm.
Include quick-dry wool socks and hats for year-round chill, plus swimwear for geothermal pools—modest coverage is appreciated at cultural sites like Reykjavík churches.
Electronics
Pack a universal adapter (Type F, European two-pin with grounding), high-capacity power bank for off-grid hikes, and a rugged smartphone case for volcanic terrain.
Download offline maps via apps like Maps.me, aurora forecast tools, and a translator for Icelandic phrases, as Wi-Fi is spotty outside cities.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a first-aid kit with blister treatments and pain relievers, prescription meds, and high-SPF sunscreen despite cloudy skies.
Include motion sickness remedies for boat tours to puffins, hand sanitizer for public transport, and iodine for water purification in backcountry camping.
Travel Gear
Bring a waterproof daypack for day hikes, reusable water bottle (tap water is pristine), insulated mug for hot chocolate, and a dry bag for wet gear after waterfalls.
Pack passport copies, a money belt for valuables during crowded festivals, and binoculars for birdwatching in the Westman Islands.
Footwear Strategy
Invest in waterproof hiking boots with aggressive treads for lava fields and glacier walks, paired with gaiters to keep snow or mud out during Fimmvörðuháls treks.
Comfortable, insulated sneakers suffice for Reykjavík streets, but always pack extra wool liners—Iceland's terrain demands sturdy, broken-in shoes to prevent injuries.
Personal Care
Opt for travel-sized, biodegradable toiletries to respect eco-sensitive areas, plus moisturizer and lip balm for dry, windy conditions that can chap skin quickly.
Include a compact, windproof umbrella or poncho for rain, and silica gel packs to combat humidity in luggage during long flights to Keflavík.
When to Visit Iceland
Spring (March-May)
Milder weather with temperatures 0-10°C, blooming landscapes, and puffin arrivals make it great for birdwatching and fewer-crowd hikes to waterfalls like Gullfoss.
Roads reopen after winter, ideal for South Coast drives, though lingering snow requires chains—perfect balance of accessibility and solitude before summer rush.
Summer (June-August)
Midnight sun illuminates 24-hour adventures with 10-15°C temps, prime for Ring Road camping, whale watching in Húsavík, and festivals like Reykjavík Arts.
Peak season means higher prices and bookings essential for Blue Lagoon or Highland tours, but endless daylight maximizes exploration of remote fjords.
Autumn (September-November)
Cool 5-10°C weather with fiery foliage and northern lights starting, excellent for aurora hunts and harvest events in the Golden Circle area.
Lower crowds and rates allow for relaxed glacier lagoon kayaking at Jökulsárlón, though early snow can close highland passes—pack for variable conditions.
Winter (December-February)
Budget-friendly with -5 to 5°C temps, magical ice caves in Vatnajökull, and strong aurora displays, plus cozy Reykjavík Christmas markets and hot spring soaks.
Shorter days limit driving, but indoor activities like geothermal spas thrive; studded tires mandatory for safe black ice navigation on rural roads.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK). Exchange rates fluctuate; cards widely accepted but carry cash for rural areas or small vendors.
- Language: Icelandic is official, but English is fluently spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and Reykjavík.
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0 (UTC+1 in summer with daylight saving)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type F plugs (European two-pin with side grounding)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance; 1700 for non-emergency medical advice
- Tipping: Not customary as service is included; rounding up for exceptional service is appreciated but optional
- Water: Tap water is exceptionally pure and safe to drink everywhere, even from streams in many areas
- Pharmacies: Apótek stores are available in cities; look for the green cross and carry prescriptions for remote travel