Travel

#travel to iceland #

Iceland - Exercise normal security precautions

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Iceland. Exercise normal security precautions.

Security

Security

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

The crime rate is low, but pickpocketing does occur. Be vigilant and pay attention to your surroundings at all times.

Road travel

Most roads in urban centres and national road no. 1 ("the ring road") are paved. Many inland roads are unpaved, narrow and lack shoulders. Roads in the highlands are only open during summer months. It is strictly forbidden to drive off tracks in the highlands.

For up-to-date information on road and weather conditions, dial (+354) 522-1000 to reach the Icelandic Road Administration.

Public transportation

Rail service is not available in Iceland. Municipal bus services are generally not available outside Reykjavik and the surrounding towns. Ferries and long-distance buses operate throughout the country. Taxis are available in major cities and populated areas throughout the country.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Natural attractions

Exercise caution when visiting volcanic craters, glaciers, hot springs and other natural attractions, since there are few warning signs or barriers.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur occasionally and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

Trekking

Trekkers and backpackers should not travel alone or venture off marked trails. If you intend to trek:

a) never trek alone;

b) always hire an experienced guide and ensure that the trekking company is reputable;

c) buy travel health insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation;

d) ensure that you are in top physical condition;

e) advise a family member or friend of your itinerary;

f) know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal;

g) register with the Embassy, Consulate of Canada in Iceland; and

h) obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out.

Consult the website Safetravel.is (opens in new window) for advice from Icelandic search and rescue teams and to register your itinerary.

General safety information

Exercise normal safety precautions. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Never leave personal belonging unattended and never leave valuables in a car.

Emergency services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Entry/exit requirements

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Icelandic authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of Iceland or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of their expected departure from the Schengen area. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Customs officials will ask you to show them a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*

Business visa: Not required (consultants may stay in Iceland for four weeks without a business visa; employment authorization must be approved before arrival)

Student visa: Required

Work visa: Required

* The 90 days begin upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area.

Schengen area

The following 26 countries comprise the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The Schengen area has common rules regarding visas and controls at external borders.

You do not need visas for short-term visits of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Your stays are cumulative, and include visits to any country within the Schengen area. Some countries require that you register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival.

It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities throughout the Schengen area.

After 90 days of stay in the Schengen area, you must leave for another 90 days before you can re-enter.

If you overstay the permitted 90 days in the Schengen area, you may be fined or deported. To visit for longer than 90 days, you must obtain a long-stay national visa.

The Schengen Borders Code allows member states to temporarily reintroduce internal border controls in the event that a serious threat to public policy or internal security has been established. Canadians wishing to enter a Schengen area member state that has reintroduced internal border controls could be required to present a passport, valid for at least three months from the time of expected departure from that country.

For additional information, visit the European Commission s Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control .

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country s vaccination requirements.