Iceland Tourist Information

With a population of just 325,000, Iceland is one of the most unique nations in the world, providing a diversity of attractions for the traveler. The geological wonders of this island nation are never ending, while the capital city, Reykjavik, is known for its carefree and intellectual nature as well as its first class infrastructure and tourism facilities.

Passports & Visas for Iceland

Passports are required to enter and leave Iceland. Visas are not required for US citizens for visits of less than 90 days. For longer visits, contact the nearest Icelandic embassy.

Obtaining a US passport
The US Government Website is where to start.

Visa information

Embassy of Iceland
House of Sweden, 2900 K Street N.W. #509
Washington DC 20007-1704
Tel.: +1 (202) 265 6653
Fax: +1 (202) 265 6656

American Offices
Provides consular assistance to U.S. citizens
U.S. Embassy Reykjavik
Laufásvegur 21
101 Reykjavik
Tel:  +354-562-9100
Fax:  +354-562-9110

Iceland Embassies around the World

General Information

Culture and History
Iceland was founded in 874 AD by the Norse explorer, Ingolfur Arnarson. His settlement grew and prospered for some time under the self-rule of the early inhabitants.  In 1000, the community adopted Christianity and soon after came under the administration of the Danish Kings who ruled this little, North Atlantic island until after WW I.

During the Middle Ages, Iceland was repeatedly ravaged by famine, plague, volcanic eruptions and pirates. The population was virtually decimated several times, but managed to hang on each time and return from the brink to carry on. Mass migrations to the US and Canada further reduced the population in the 18th and 19th centuries.

After years of Danish rule, Iceland developed its own independent movement and became a sovereign nation in 1918. In the years that followed, Iceland experienced an economic and cultural boom as musicians, artists and thinkers gathered here and exported their ideas and works abroad. The isolation of the country kept the Old Norse tongue and many of the customs associated with it, alive even after the dialect disappeared in Norway and Denmark. Iceland is now one of the most liberal, open and developed nations in Europe and, up until the recent international economic crises, was also one of the richest.

Currency and Money in Iceland
Iceland uses the Icelandic Kronur.

Driving in Iceland
The major cities and towns of the country are located on a ring road that circles the island while the center of the island is composed of lava fields, sand and rock and largley uninhabited.

Roads in Iceland are in generally good shape in the populated areas, considering the extreme weather they endure, but there are some precautions to take. Many roads are very narrow and lack a shoulder or guardrail. Bridges are often one-lane, requiring drivers to be aware of oncoming traffic.

Roads through the interior are unpaved and dangerous — if you are driving through this area, inform others of your travel plans and be careful. Iceland has strict laws governing drinking and driving, driving without headlights and driving without a seat belt — consult the US Dept. of State information page for Iceland for more details. You should also look at Iceland’s Road Administraiton website. Americans can drive in Iceland with their US driver’s license if they stay for less than 90 days.

Read some more tips about renting a car in Iceland here.

Electricity in Iceland
220V/50Hz (European Plug), two-pin plugs are standard, which means you will need an adapter if you use American appliances.

Emergency Numbers in Iceland
Iceland uses the EU number 112 for all emergencies.

Etiquette in Iceland
Icelander’s have a reputation for being gruff and direct, but this is all rumor and/or show. They are considered by most tourists/travelers to be very friendly and hospitable and are, in fact, a very open society concerning most things that might be considered “taboo” in the US. Iceland is a very liberal society that values the environment, abhors oppression and loves to talk about the weather.

Public Hours in Iceland
Public offices are open from 9 am to 5 pm (8 am to 4 pm during the summer months) on weekdays. Shops are generally open from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays. Several supermarkets and  malls have extended open hours and are also open on weekends. All pubic offices and most shops are closed on Saturday and Sunday

Safety
The crime rate in Iceland is very low. There are standard precautions to take with money and documents, but as long as you are careful you should be fine, The US State Department does advise that downtown Reykjavik can get rowdy in the early morning hours, as revelers and drinkers stream out into the streets.

Time Zone
Iceland Time is in the Western European Time Zone.  Western European Standard Time (WET) is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) i.e. GMT +0. Iceland does not observe Daylight savings time.

Tipping in Iceland 
Tipping is not an indigenous practice in most countries of the world, including Iceland. It is not expected or encouraged, but always welcome.

Weather in Iceland
Wunderground.com is one of the best weather forecast resources around for Europe and Iceland.

Lodging

The Iceland Tourist Board offers an introduction to the lodgings available and some information regarding booking. You can take a look at our guide on where to stay in Reykjavik and for the rest of Iceland, here is a great guide on where to stay in Iceland.

Getting Around

Air
There are daily and weekly direct flights to Iceland’s International Airport at Keflavik from New York, Boston, Washington DC and also San Francisco. Icelandair handles most flights from the US and offers great deals throughout the year as well as a stopover — 3 to 4 days — if you are flying to Continental Europe.

Boats and Ferries
There are ferries to Iceland from the UK and Denmark that take you on a route through the Faroe Islands. The ferry is operated by the Smyril Line where you can get information concerning rates, schedule and booking.

Health

Personal Medications
No permit is required to carry medication in your luggage. However, you should pack your medication in its original containers and/or have your doctor’s prescription with you. Customs officials will have to be satisfied that you are not importing more than would be necessary for your personal use, taking into account the drug type and length of stay (for no more than three months).

The US State Department’s statement on Iceland’s Medical services is as follows: “Medical care in Iceland is excellent.  To obtain emergency medical assistance anywhere in the country, dial 112.  To obtain non-emergency medical assistance in the Reykjavik metropolitan area, dial 544-4114 during business hours.  Outside of normal business hours, dial 1770.  The nurse who answers will offer advice on how to handle the problem, suggest that the patient come to an after-hours clinic, or send a physician to make a house call.  For information on after-hours dental care, call 575-0505.”

Main Sights in Iceland

Iceland’s main sights are directly connected to its unique geography — the country straddles a volcanic region that is constantly reforming itself and the landscape around it, creating geysers, hot springs, lava flows, glaciers and extremely rugged formations that are excellent for hiking, camping, photography or just plain gawking.

Some of the more famous and most spectacular sights include:

Geysir and Gullfoss, the two big geysers in town and the one for which all other geysers are named.

Landmannalaugar, one of the many parts of Iceland where the earth’s forces are laid bare for anyone to see. Come here for hot springs, lava beds and volcanic hills.

Reykjavik, a cosmopolitan capital with a whimsical, energetic air that is both liberating and grounding. It is known for its dynamic economy, great nightlife, and well educated, good-looking people.

The Blue Lagoon and South Coast, just a short drive from Reykjavik, features a shocking surprise to the traveler who has been immersed in city-life. Massive volcanic pillars, chalky cliffs and water to match the bright, blue sky will take your breath away.

Public Holidays

Iceland keeps the traditional religious holidays as well as a couple other interesting holidays. Below is a list of national holidays. Be sure to visit the Iceland tourism site for a list of feasts and special days for 2010.

1 January, New Year’s Day
Maundy Thursday (Thursday before Easter Sunday)
Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)
Easter Monday (Monday following Easter Sunday)
First Day of Summer (a Thursday during the period 19 to 25 April)
1 May, Labor Day
Ascension Day (Holy Thursday, six weeks after Maundy Thursday)
Whit Monday (Monday following Whit Sunday, seven weeks after Easter)
17 June, National Day (proclamation of the Republic in 1944, birthday of Jon Sigurdsson, 1811-1879)
Trademen’s Day (first Monday in August)
24 December, Christmas Eve (afternoon only)
25 December, Christmas Day
26 December, Boxing Day (second day of Christmas)
31 December, New Year’s Eve (afternoon only)

Telephones in Iceland

Dialing Procedures
Iceland does not have city codes; the country code for international dialing is +354. Most people have mobile phones and Iceland has good roaming coverage for most major European providers. You can also buy GSM cards at any gas station in the country to plug into your phone. For more info, here is the Iceland Telecommunications site.
Useful Country Codes:
USA and Canada 1
UK 44

Returning to the US

Iceland recently levied the highest VAT in Europe, 25% on certain goods, to help stimulate an economy shattered by the banking crisis that started in the US. As a tourist, you are able to reclaim this VAT via services such as Randburg, or through customs agents at the airport. To claim your VAT refund, you need to get an Iceland Refund Cheque from customs, or from the store where you purchased your goods.

For duties, please visit  Island Custom.com for a complete list of goods exempt and non-exempt from duties.