Fire and rescue services
Call 112.
Medical emergencies
Call 112 or go to a hospital.
Police
Call 112 or go to the local police station.
We advise:
Exercise normal safety precautions in Iceland.
Call 112.
Call 112 or go to a hospital.
Call 112 or go to the local police station.
We advise:
Exercise normal safety precautions in Iceland.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Iceland.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Iceland.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Iceland has a low crime rate. However, you could face petty theft. This often occurs around bars late at night in downtown Reykjavik.
There have been rare instances of gang-related violent crime.
To protect yourself from crime:
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Peaceful demonstrations sometimes occur.
More information:
While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Iceland, they can still happen.
There's an ongoing threat of terrorism in Europe.
Terrorists have attacked several European cities. Targets have included:
To reduce your risk of terrorism:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
There are many adventure activities in Iceland, including mountaineering, trekking, skiing and glacier climbing.
Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards.
If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:
If you want to do an adventure activity or go trekking:
Iceland experiences natural disasters and severe weather.
If there's a natural disaster:
Iceland can experience severe weather. The climate can be unpredictable, with:
The Icelandic Meteorological Office gives weather reports.
For recorded weather information in English 24/7, call (+354) 522 6000 or (+354) 902 0600.
For reports on road closures and other disruptions, visit:
Civil Protection in Iceland advises on what to do in emergencies.
Iceland has active volcanoes. Monitor the local media for reports on volcanic activity.
If you're in Iceland:
Volcanic eruptions have disrupted flights. Check with your airline for any flight changes due to ash releases.
Iceland is in an active earthquake zone.
Tsunamis are a threat in coastal areas.
If you're near the coast, move to high ground straight away if advised, or if you:
Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.
More information:
Some places in the Arctic are a long way from help, including:
Search and rescue teams in the region are highly skilled. However, help depends on the weather and sea conditions in an emergency. If you need help, you may have to wait a long time.
Before booking travel in the region, check your travel company's:
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy must cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Iceland. Check if any rules or restrictions apply. Depending on your medication, you may need to apply for a permit to bring it into Iceland. Always bring a copy of your prescription and transport your medication in its original container. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Ask an embassy or consulate of Iceland about any restrictions on amounts that may apply.
Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.
The standard of health facilities and care is high. Many people speak English. However, services can be limited in areas with fewer people.
Australia doesn't have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Iceland.
Healthcare costs are the same as, or more expensive than, private treatment in Australia.
Emergency hospital treatment is usually free. However, you'll have to cover any follow-up costs.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
If you break the law in Iceland, you may be banned from the Schengen area for a limited time (up to 10 years) or permanently.
More information:
Penalties for drug offences, even for possession of small amounts of recreational drugs or some prescription medications, include:
If you intend to take medication, confirm it's legal in your destination. Check if any rules or restrictions apply. Depending on your medication, you may need to apply for a permit to bring it to your destination. Always carry a copy of your prescription and transport your medication in its original container.
More information:
Always carry an ID, such as your driver's licence or a copy of your passport.
Penalties for drink driving and speeding are severe and include the following:
Even minor offences can attract fines and jail sentences.
If you're found guilty of an offence:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Iceland is part of the Schengen area. You may be able to enter Iceland without a visa in some cases.
Get an entry stamp in your passport from border control when you first enter the Schengen area.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Iceland for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Passports of non-EEA nationals, including Australians, must have been issued in the last ten years and be valid for at least 3 months from the date of departure from Iceland.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Always carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
Iceland's currency is the Icelandic Kroner (ISK).
Declare cash of over 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Iceland and any non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
You'll have to pay a fine on entry or exit if you:
You can use major credit cards in most places.
Hazards at natural attractions rarely have warning signs or safety barriers. Stay on marked paths and use common sense.
If you visit geysers, take care. The hot steam and water may cause injuries. Take extra care on windy days.
Driving conditions can be hazardous. Check guidance from the Icelandic Transport Authority before driving.
Roads are narrow and can be impassable in winter when there's less daylight. Speed limits are low.
The weather and river levels can change quickly. Plan ahead.
The northern lights can distract drivers, making them lose control or stop without warning, creating a hazard for other road users.
If you want to drive, be aware that authorities:
Always keep your headlights on (low beam during the day).
You need winter tyres from around November to April. The dates may vary each year.
Australian driving licences are valid in Iceland if you have had your licence for a minimum of one year. However, some car rental companies require customers to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) if holding a licence issued outside Europe or North America.
If you need an IDP, get this before you leave Australia. An IDP does not replace the requirement for a regular driver's license.
If your driving licence is not written in Latin letters or doesn't include your licence number, a photograph or an issuing date, you'll also need an IDP to drive in Iceland.
Many highland tracks are only open for a short part of the summer.
If you plan to drive to the highland or other remote regions, check with the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.
Call (+354) 522 1100 for updates on:
When driving through remote regions, take special care:
More information:
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike or quad bike.
Always wear a helmet.
A range of authorised taxi and limousine services are available. You can book these through your hotel.
Public transport options are limited outside Reykjavik.
Straeto publishes bus timetables.
More information:
Several international cruise lines stopover in Iceland.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Iceland's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 112.
Call 112 or go to a hospital.
Call 112 or go to the local police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
The 112 Iceland app from the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) helps in an emergency.
To call for help, press the red 'Emergency' button. This will send your location by text message to the 112 response centre. The green 'Check In' button tells ICE-SAR your location.
For non-emergency medical help in the Reykjavik metropolitan area, call:
Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Iceland.
You can seek consular help from the Canadian Embassy in Reykjavik.
Túngata 14
101 Reykjavik, Iceland
Phone: (+354) 575 6500
Email: rkjvk@international.gc.ca
You can also seek consular help from the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark:
Dampfaergevej 26
2nd floor
2100 Copenhagen Ø Denmark
Phone: +45 7026 3676
Email: copenhagen.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Denmark, Norway and Iceland
Twitter: @AusAmbDK
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.