23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 112.
Call 112 or go to a hospital.
Call 112 or go to the local police station.
Do not travel to Iceland.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
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.
To protect yourself against theft, look after your belongings.
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:
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 gives advice about what to do in emergencies.
Iceland has active volcanoes. Monitor the local media for reports on volcanic activity.
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, in an emergency, help depends on the weather and sea conditions. 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. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to 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 1000s 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. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
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. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Ask an embassy or consulate of Iceland about any restrictions on amounts that may apply.
COVID-19
COVID-19 remains a risk in Iceland. The Icelandic Directorate of Health (Landlæknir) website has a dedicated English language page providing updates and guidance. There is also a coronavirus hotline on +354 544-4113 if you believe you have been infected. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Centralised information can also be found on: https://www.covid.is/english
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Other 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 mutual 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.
Penalties for drug offences, even for small amounts of drugs, are severe. They include heavy fines, jail and deportation.
More information:
Always carry ID, such as your passport or driver's licence.
Penalties for drink driving and speeding are severe and include:
Even minor offences can attract fines and jail sentences.
If you're found guilty of an offence, you could also face:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Iceland is part of the Schengen area. This means you can 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.
Always carry a valid passport even if you're travelling from another Schengen country.
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.
Global travel continues to be impacted by COVID-19 and remains unpredictable. Your plans may be disrupted at short notice. Be aware of the risks of travelling at this time and make informed decisions by regularly checking the advice of local authorities.
Entry to Iceland
Iceland's borders are open to travellers from the UK, EU/EEA and Schengen states, as well as certain approved countries, including Australia. The list of approved countries can be found here. However, you can't leave Australia unless you seek an exemption from Home Affairs.
All travellers to Iceland must either quarantine for 14 days upon arrival or have two COVID-19 tests, separated by five days’ quarantine until the results of the second test are known. You'll have to pay for these tests. Children born in 2005 or later are exempt from both testing and quarantine, as are persons who have been certified by the Icelandic health authorities (i.e. either by returning a negative test result, or test results that confirm they have recovered from COVID-19). Transit passengers who do not leave the terminal facilities are also exempt.
If you have a valid certificate from an approved country stating you've have previously had COVID-19, you may be exempt from Iceland's testing and quarantine requirements. If your certificate is deemed invalid at the border then you must choose between 14 days’ quarantine, or two COVID-19 tests, separated by five days’ quarantine until the results of the second test are known.
All travellers to Iceland must complete a registration form before arrival which will list their contact information, address(es) during their stay in Iceland and a declaration of health. When completing the registration form, you'll have the option of paying for your COVID-19 test in advance.
If you choose to do the test before coming to Iceland, you'll be charged ISK 9,000 for a single test. Otherwise, you'll be charged ISK 11,000 per test if paying on arrival in Iceland. Visitors to Iceland will not be charged more than ISK 22,000 per person in a 30-day period.
While Keflavik Airport is operational, expect travel disruptions. Check with your travel provider or tour company to check how your travel is affected. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Staying in Iceland
Ensure you follow the advice of local authorities while you are in Iceland and take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19.
Large gatherings are banned in Iceland and you are required to wear a mask in situations where social distancing is not possible, such as on flights and public transport. See here for more information on COVID-19 measures in Iceland.
If staying in Iceland:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
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:
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.
You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Iceland. Get this before you leave Australia. An IDP does not replace the requirement for a regular driver's license. You must carry a valid Australian driver's license with your IDP at all times when driving in Iceland.
Roads are narrow and winding. Speed limits are low.
Driving conditions can be hazardous. Roads can be impassable in winter when there's less daylight.
The weather and river levels can change quickly. Plan ahead.
The northern lights can distract drivers, making them lose control or stop without warning. This can create a hazard for other road users.
If you want to drive, be aware that authorities:
Always keep your headlights on low beam.
You need winter tyres from around 1 November to 14 April. The dates may vary each year. Check with the Icelandic Transport Authority for more information.
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 1000 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 stop over 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:
544 4114 during business hours
544 1770 outside of business hours
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist products or services.
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 get consular help from the Canadian Embassy in Reykjavik.
Canadian Embassy
Túngata 14
101 Reykjavik, Iceland
Phone: (+354) 575 6500
Email: rkjvk@international.gc.ca
You can also get consular help from the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark:
Dampfaergevej 26,
2nd floor,
2100 Copenhagen Ø Denmark
Phone: +45 7026 3676
Fax: +45 7026 3686
Email: genenq.cpgn@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.