Before you go
Passport: A valid passport is necessary for visitors to Iceland, except for citizens of the Nordic countries; Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Attention: Citizens of the following countries may enter Iceland as tourists (max. 3 months) using, instead of passports, identity cards issued by the competent authorities in the countries of origin: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Iceland Passport & Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required if holding a British passport endorsed British Citizen, British National Overseas or British Dependent Territories Citizen. In all other cases, a visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport and a visa is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors to Iceland require a passport valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay. Return or onward tickets, all documents for the next destination and sufficient funds are necessary for entry to the country. Iceland is party to the Schengen Agreement together with Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Germany. The agreement allows for travel between these countries on a uniform visa.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
Currency Regulations
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency in letters of credit, traveller's cheques or banknotes which can be brought into Iceland
Shopping in Iceland
The shops in Iceland are of international standard, and carry a wide variety of merchandise. Local specialities are woollen knitwear, for example sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens; hand-made ceramics, glassware and silver jewellery. Also available is a great variety of high-quality seafood.
The Time in Iceland
Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year, and does not go on daylight saving time. When it is noon in Reykjavik during the summer, the time it 08:00 in New York City, 13:00 in London, 14:00 in Paris, 14:00 in Oslo, 14:00 in Luxembourg, 14:00 in Rome and 21:00 in Tokyo.
Post Offices
There are post offices located in all major communities in Iceland. General hours are: Monday - Friday 08:30-16:30.
General Information:
Vaccinations
For visitors arriving in Iceland, no vaccinations are required
Tipping
Service and VAT (Value Added Tax) are invariably included in prices in Iceland. But if you feel the service you got is worth tipping, tip.
Electric Current
The electric current in Iceland is 220 volts, 50Hz AC. Please note that the prongs for electrical equipment you bring with you may differ from Icelandic standards. It is advisable to check before using such equipment. I will post a photo of the Icelandic prongs for your convenience later - Editor
The weather in Iceland
A saying I once heard goes something like this: "If you don't like the weather in Iceland, wait 15 minutes" :) There is a LOT of truth in that one. Some say that Iceland can only be compared to the Antartica as far as rapid weather changes go.
Midnight Sun
During summer the nights are bright in all of Iceland. In the month of June the sun never fully sets in the north. There are even special excursions to the island of Grimsey on the Arctic Circle where you can experience the midnight sun, that is to say if it is not cloudy! Keep in mind, however, that the sun at midnight is not as warm as at midday, so bring along a sweater.
Weather / Clothing
For weather information in English dial 902-0600, extension 44. When travelling in Iceland you should bring along lightweight woolens, a sweater or cardigan, a rainproof (weather-proof) coat and sturdy walking shoes. Also bring your swimming suit. Travellers who are camping or heading into the interior will need warm underwear and socks, rubber boots and a warm sleeping bag.
Weather statistics
Highest temp recorded: 30,5 C
87 F June 22, 1939 at Teigarhorn
Lowest temp recorded: -37,9 C
-36.4 F Jan 22, 1918 at Grimsstadir
Greatest rain in 24hrs: 243 millimetres Oct. 1, 1979 at Kvisker
Greatest gust of wind: 222 km/hour
130 knots Jan 9, 1980 at Heimaey
Average yearly temp is +4 C (39 F)
Average temp in Reykjavik: -2 C to +2 C in Jan and 9 C to 14 C in July.
Iceland is believed to be 20 million years old, created by massive volcanos. At the time of settlement in the year 874 about 65% of the country was vegetated, now only 25% of the land remain so.
Highest Mountain: Hvannadalshnjúkur (at the huge Vatnajökull glacier), 2.119 meters.
Longest river: Þjórsá, 230 km
Largest glacier: Vatnajökull, 8.456 km2 (8% of Iceland's land mass)
Largest Island: Heimaey, 13.4 km2