Iceland allows travelers to bring personal prescription medicines (up to a 100 day supply) without a customs declaration. The intimate x, which seats just 11 diners, joined the Michelin ranks this year too, gaining one star for its multi-course menu, featuring traditional Icelandic ingredients. If youre not familiar with a certain food, you can check a reputable website such as theInternational Fund for Animal Welfareand theIUCN Red List. We urge you to consult these websites before venturing out on your Icelandic holiday! Additionally, the Icelandic meteorological office operates a comprehensive English language website which can provide you with up-to-date weather information for all regions of the country. Wedding gifts are exempt from this price constraint so long as they are considered an appropriate wedding gift. Closed roads are marked Loka orfrt. If you see these signs, or are given any other instructions by the Icelandic authorities, follow them, even if it requires changing your plans. The Department of Tourism at the Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs is responsible for developing and executing an official tourism policy, proposing legislation in the field of tourism and co-ordinating the work of various governmental bodies with regard to tourism issues. During the summertime we have the 24 hour daylight and during the wintertime of course we have more darkness, but then we also have the northern lights, she explains. We actually have an ongoing campaign called the Icelandic Pledge where we are encouraging visitors to travel responsibly around Iceland, explains Dgg Gumundsdttir. The pledge includes a commitment to leaving places as you found them, and to take care when taking selfies. For example, it is illegal to import whale meat to the United States, even though whale meat is sold in Iceland. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. It is little wonder, then, that two restaurants in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik now hold Michelin stars. What to Know About French Customs Regulations, Your Trip to Algodones, Mexico: The Complete Guide, Cheers in Japanese: Drinking Etiquette in Japan, The 9 Best TSA-Approved Containers of 2022, The Complete Guide to Pulau Tioman, Malaysia, A Peek Inside Niihau: Hawaiis Forbidden Island. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Off-road driving is illegal in Iceland. Part of being a responsible tourist is making sure your consumption is sustainable, too. Only bring your pet if you absolutely have to, following the guidelines for bringing dogs and cats to Iceland. Anyone caught smoking will be asked to leave the premises and may be fined. Before you begin your trip, we encourage you to register your travel with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please call +354 595 2200, Outside of Office Hours, contact: +354 595 2248. For more information on Iceland please see our country specific information located on this linkhere. It's better to have been overly cautious than to get selected for a random check and be in violation of customs regulations. With a population of 361,313 as of 2019, according to the World Bank, the nation has seen 5,277 cases of COVID-19 and 26 deaths, the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center reports. Iceland allows travelers to bring as much currency as they would like, but they must declare if they are carrying more than 10,000 euros, or the equivalent to that amount in another currency, in cash, travelers' checks, or another form. Rescue teams in areas outside of Reykjavik have been reporting an increase in the number of winter rescues due to tourists driving cars that are not suited for winter roads. The link to enroll in STEP is. Nicknamed the 'land of fire and ice' due to the contrast . Must I Pay Customs Duty on Alcoholic Beverages From Duty Free Shops? If you do not have anything to declare you can walk through the green customs line, but be aware that you might be selected for a random check. The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) operates an excellent English language website,www.safetravel.is, which includes helpful information on how safely to enjoy Icelands outdoor wonders. Visit Iceland is the official tourism website for Iceland. This represents a 2% increase from 2018, the previous record-breaking year before the global pandemic. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people enjoy progressive rights in Iceland. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries* to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements. You can call this number within Iceland to reach the police and fire departments, as well as rescue forces. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Once youve taken the pledge, theres lots more to learn about travelling sustainably. Travel and pop culture journalist Rachel Chang started her career chasing celebrities as a magazine editor (. Additionally, weapons with blades exceeding 12 centimeters, switchblades, stiletto knives, knuckles, batons, crossbows, and handcuffs will not be permitted. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Even the ring road around Iceland can be closed in winter due to snowy conditions. As of 1 October 2017, it's illegal in Austria to wear in a public place any clothing or object which conceals the face and . We urge you to consult these websites before venturing out on your Icelandic holiday! Dollars (USD). Typical travel items like clothes, cameras, and similar personal goods considered normal for the purpose of your visit can be taken through customs in Iceland duty-free, without having to be declared. So to be on the safe side, don't . You should keep your passport somewhere safe at all times and make sure next of kin details are entered into the back of your passport. Not only will you face heavy fines, but you can cause permanent damage to surprisingly delicate terrain. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. putting $12 million into improving roads and sites for future tourists, the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center reports. The Visit Iceland website also has a carbon calculator so that visitors can calculate the carbon footprint of their trips and then offset it if they choose to. Customs regulations in Iceland are controlled by the Iceland Directorate of Customs. Will your phone work in Iceland? Over one million tourists visit Iceland every year, and that number is growing. Reykjavk is a friendly and very safe capital city, which is why it's heralded as a great destination for families and solo travellers in Iceland. Not only are such activities extremely dangerous, the fees incurred to pay for the damaged rental car can be exorbitant. Pets If you want to bring your pet to Iceland, familiarize yourself with the import requirements imposed by the Icelandic Food & Veterinary Authority. For travellers who want to drive, Icelands ring road is a great way to explore the country as a whole. To answer your questions about where you can and cannot drive, visit the Icelandic Road Administrations excellent website,www.road.is. There is a pet entrance application form you'll need to fill out. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people enjoy progressive rights in Iceland. But there is one major stipulation: "To be granted permission for an extended stay, the person in question must demonstrate an employment relationship with a foreign company (or verify self-employment in the country where they have a permanent residence) and meet the income and health insurance requirements.". A formal doctor's note may be requested by Icelandic customs officials. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010 and same-sex couples have had equal access to adoption and. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. Possession of even small quantities or soft drugs can lead to heavy fines and/or imprisonment. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Reykjavk has a visible gay scene, with at least one gay bar in the downtown area. If you have an emergency and need to contact the U.S. Embassy during normal working hours you may call (+354) 595-2200. You can even leave your travel plan with them before you go out, in case you need assistance, and check-in to report your whereabouts using the112app, downloadable for free to your cell phone. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. guidelines for bringing dogs and cats to Iceland. According to the report, the hope seems to be that long-term tourists can restimulate the economy by booking Airbnbs and spending money at restaurants, as well as take weekend trips around the country during their longer stays, but that if they already have well-paying jobs back home, they won't take away from the Icelandic community. You dont have to carry your passport with you, but it is sensible to keep some form of ID on you. If you bring your pet without permission, it may be denied entry or euthanized. The Icelandic Tourist Board, the Tourist Site Protection Fund . Iceland is a fantastic culinary destination, we have very fresh produce and restaurants all around the country.. In terms of bringing food, note that uncooked milk, eggs, and meat, including dried meat, will be confiscated by customs authorities. While an emphasis on local ingredients is helping to pave the way, like much of the world, Iceland is facing the huge challenge of trying to align its tourism policies with its climate goals. 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But each year, between 600-700 people, most of them tourists, need to be rescued from the Icelandic countryside because they have underestimated Icelands volatile weather and terrain. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. If you plan to rent a car in Iceland, make sure you are clear on where you can and cannot drive the car. If you are planning on traveling extensively outside of Reykjavik, having a working cell phone could make the difference between life and death. In a report by Statistics Iceland, overnight stays in hotel accommodations in Iceland are shown to be 7,144,400 for the year so far. If you are arriving in Iceland with a gift for a resident of the country, you will not have to pay duties on that gift so long as it is worth 13,500 krona or less. Declaration forms are available at the RED customs gate, but they can also be filled out online. Dill, perhaps Icelands best known restaurant, was the first in the country to gain a coveted star, with dishes inspired by the local landscape. In order to do this, the country is focusing on a particular type of tourist, one who is respectful of Icelands wild and untamed environment. This handy tool means you can choose to visit popular destinations - such as the powerful Dettifoss waterfall in Vatnajkull National Park - on quieter days, thus reducing the impact on local ecosystems. Offers may be subject to change without notice. You can stay in a restaurant and the person who is serving you can almost point to the ship and say the fish came from there, says Dgg Gumundsdttir. Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship, Department of State Counselor Derek Chollet visited Reykjavik, October 12-14, 2022, Charg dAffaires Michelle Yerkin Speaks at NATO School 2022, Severe Weather Alert U.S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland(February 6, 2022), Passport Fee to Increase on December 27, 2021, Natural Disaster Alert U.S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland (August 4, 2022), Alert: Volcanic Eruption Underway (August 3, 2022), Worldwide Caution: Al-Qaida Leaders Death, Charge dAffaires Michelle Yerkin Remarks at the Independence Day Celebration, U.S. Embassy Reykjavik Sponsors Art Talk Series, Joint Statement on the Inaugural U.S.-Iceland Economic Dialogue, Two Icelandic Entrepreneurs Selected to Attend 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, The Crisis We Face is Real: Secretary Blinken on why President Biden is convening a Summit for Democracy, Joint Statement on Afghanistan Evacuation Travel Assurances. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. Tobacco products are allowed if you are 18 years or older, but are limited to 200 cigarettes per adult or 250 grams of loose tobacco. For example, an acceptable combination of alcohol would be 1 bottle of vodka and 6 cans of beer or 3 bottles of wine and 6 cans of beer. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Should the trend hold, 2022 could be the busiest year ever in the Icelandic tourism industry. Dont bring illegal drugs and narcotics, prescription medicines not for personal use or in large quantities, weapons and ammunition, telephones (except mobile cell phones), plants, customized radioing and remote control items, fireworks, exotic animals, fishing gear, riding gear (includes clothing and gloves), or snuff tobacco. The emergency number in Iceland is 1-1-2. Terri Mapes specializes in giving first-time Scandinavia visitors practical tips for their travels. Sample combinations are available online. So, Iceland has expanded its long-term visa program beyond the European Schengen area. Every year, between 600 to700 people need to be rescued from the Icelandic countryside because they have underestimated Icelands volatile weather and terrain. With a population of just 360,000 spread across a country more than twice the size of Denmark,Icelands natural wonders are unspoilt. Any importation of whale products to the UK will result in seizure of the goods, possibly a fine of up to 5,000 and/or a custodial sentence. For after hours emergencies, please call (+354) 595 2248. For after hours emergencies, please call (+354) 595 2248. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. A formal doctors note may be requested by Icelandic customs officials. Off-roading in Iceland is strictly . The chilling ban on Basques dates to . Whatever time of year you visit, there are some must-see activities for your itinerary. Check with your cell phone provider before you leave the United States to determine if your plan allows for international phone use. If you want to bring your pet to Iceland, familiarize yourself with the import requirements imposed by the Icelandic Food & Veterinary Authority. That said, some exotic foods marketed to tourists can be rare and endangered species. Alerts and Messages for U.S. visitors to Iceland. Import duties are also waived for gifts intended for multiple (with proof), if it is sent from abroad and there is evidence of a relationship between sender and recipient, or if the recipient can prove that gift if for a special occasion. It hasn't happened in about 400 years, but at one time, a Westfjord Icelander who encountered a Basque person was required to shoot on sight. Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Iceland: Drone operators must register all drones in Iceland. Iceland is a complete destination whether you come in the winter time or in the summertime. Iceland is a beautiful country with breathtaking scenery. We hope you have a safe, responsible, memorable time visiting Iceland and enjoying its wonders and natural beauty! A year ago, tourism revenue accounted for 42% of Iceland's economy, and while the country has been taking advantage of the downtime caused by the coronavirus pandemic by putting $12 million into improving roads and sites for future tourists, it is also anxious to jumpstart its tourism industry again after it has seen a 79% decline. If you have an emergency and need to contact the U.S. Embassy during normal working hours you may call (+354) 595-2200. The Icelandic Road Administration has an English language website designed to assist foreign travelers in Iceland. Unsurprisingly, the country is renowned for its fish cuisine. Crime rates are low and there are no "bad" neighbourhoods in Reykjavk, but petty theft and pickpocketing - though rare - can occur. Following registration, you must adhere to the following rules. Such large numbers of visitors can have a devastating impact on Icelands nature, so while you are enjoying this countrys natural beauty, we urge you to set the standard for safe, responsible tourism. Dont become involved with drugs of any kind. U.S. citizens who have an emergency and need to contact the U.S. Embassy outside of normal working hours should call the after hours Duty Officer at (354) 595 2248. UK Customs Regulations - What Can You Bring Into the UK? Iceland heavily restricts the import of any animals and requires several medical treatments as well as animal quarantine upon arrival. That income threshold is set at one million Icelandic krona monthly, which is equal to about $7,360 monthly or $88,000 annually, Bloomberg reports. If you need emergency assistance, the Icelandic version of 911 is 1-1-2. The British Embassy in Reykjavik deals with a significant - and increasing - number of lost passports by British citizens each year. With a population of just 360,000 spread across a country more than twice the size of Denmark,Iceland's natural wonders are unspoilt. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010 and same-sex couples have had equal access to adoption and IVF treatment since 2006. For items worth more 13,500 krona, duties are only applied to the amount that goes over that limit. You can even leave your travel plan with them before you go out, just in case you need assistance. UK Customs - What Foods Can You Bring Into the UK? What are Qatars entry requirements for fans heading to the World Cup? Gifts can be taken to or from Iceland up to a value of 10,000 Icelandic Krona (ISK), which is equivalent to about $81 U.S. Remember also that not all foods can be brought back to the United States. The cost of living in Iceland was always high, and the country had already started veering toward high-end travelers, like at the Blue Lagoon's Retreat Hotel, where rooms start at about $1,300 a night, and the upcoming Six Senses in the ssur Valley. Why is Iceland the world's most popular filming destination? Safety in Reykjavk. Now, it is also allowing other citizens, including Americans, to stay for up to six months, according to the Work in Iceland program, which acts in coordination with the government. Nature is what were known for, most people see Iceland as a destination for nature but we are also known for more things, explains Sigrur Dgg Gumundsdttir, the Head of Visit Iceland. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Cairngorm funicular: UKs highest railway set to reopen in 2023. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel. You dont want be one of those visitors each year who disregard the advice of the Icelandic authorities, only to call for rescue later. Top Adventure Tours in Iceland 4.5 1,175 reviews Popular tour Best Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull Glacier Starting from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Tour starts Jkulsrln, Iceland Duration 3 hours From 144 USD 4.8 441 reviews Small Group Tour of Snaefellsnes National Park with Transfer from Reykjavik Tour starts Reykjavk Duration 11 hours A UK driving licence isn't recognised as an official form of ID. Additionally, if you are renting a car in winter, you may wish to consider renting a car with studded snow tires if you plan on driving outside of the capital region. California's New Generation of Female Winemakers Is Changing How We Drink. Basque People. We have a map of all of the charging stations around Iceland to help you to prepare and be comfortable in travelling around Iceland in an electric car, and this is a development that is happening really fast, she explains. A year ago, tourism revenue accounted for 42% of Iceland's economy, and while the country has been taking advantage of the downtime caused by the coronavirus pandemic by putting $12 million into . To make sure your arrival to Iceland goes smoothly, here is everything you need to know about the current customs regulations. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. This content is not available in your region. Well send you a link to a feedback form. In order to truly appreciate the splendour of Iceland, Dgg Gumundsdttir wants to encourage visitors to stay for longer, and explore as many of the regions as possible. If you think some of the items you are carrying might need to be declared, err on the safe side and go through the good to declare line. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Iceland has strict drunk driving laws with the alcohol limit reduced from 0.05% to 0.02% in 2018. Iceland allows travelers to bring personal prescription medicines (up to a 100 day supply) without a customs declaration. One appeal of going to Iceland now is definitely its built-in social distancing. However, it is a little complicated in terms of how much alcohol you are allowed to bring in. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. New food experiences are an exciting part of traveling. The minimum age for bringing alcohol into Iceland is 20. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Limits on energy prices: Energy Price Guarantee, View a printable version of the whole guide, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, Visiting the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. Using or importing khat/qat is prohibited in Iceland. "I think the idea is to attract high-earning professionals from Silicon Valley or San Francisco to spend their money here, instead of there," former parliament member Asta Gudrun Helgadottir told the outlet. We are honing in on people who are respectful of nature, who want to travel the whole year round, because seasonality is also a big focus for us, says Dgg Gumundsdttir. To make your drive more sustainable, though, Dgg Gumundsdttir recommends hiring an EV. Here you'll find accommodation, flights and things to do when visiting Iceland, and also information on the country and it's culture - how is the weather, where to spot the Northern lights, how to drive in Iceland, and much more. If you plan on taking advantage of Icelands hiking trails and unparalleled natural beauty, do your homework first! Whale products are available in Iceland but tourists should be aware that its importation into the UK or EU is illegal under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Nicknamed the land of fire and ice due to the contrast between its jagged glaciers and hulking volcanoes, the countrys tourism market has developed rapidly in recent years, with a unique culinary scene emerging from the rough-hewn landscape. A car drives through a snowy landscape in Iceland, Scotland-Europe ferry: Service to restart from next year - but theres a catch, Seychelles: Rising sea levels threaten this idyllic destination. Customs Regulations and Rules for Travelers to Norway. Even experienced outdoorsmen can be shocked at how quickly the weather can change. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. That means even half a pint or a small glass of wine will get you over the limit - so just do not drink and drive. This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Iceland. The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) operates an English language website,http://www.safetravel.is/, which includes helpful information on how to safely enjoy Icelands outdoor wonders. We created eight guidelines that people can read, just to remind them that nature in Iceland is very fragile.. Also bear in mind that even in summer, many roads in Iceland are impassable due to heavy snow. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. If you need emergency assistance, the Icelandic version of 911 is 1-1-2. We have counters of the most visited sites all around Iceland too, so when you visit you can see what days during the week the most visitors are there, says Dgg Gumundsdttir. The fine in Iceland is a minimum of ISK 100,000 and penalties can even include time in prison. The weather in Iceland can change extremely quickly and can cause serious, even life-threatening problems for tourists who have not adequately prepared themselves. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. Drones may fly up to 50 meters (170 feet) above ground or sea level in the Open category and up to 120 meters (400 feet) in the Specific category. Smoking in restaurants, bars, public transport and public buildings is prohibited. Iceland has a very low population density outside of Reykjavik, so if you are traveling and your car breaks down, or you are hiking and become lost, having a working cell phone can allow you to quickly get the help you need. A Country-by-country Guide, Go Off the Beaten Path in Bulgaria and Find Historic Cities, Stunning Landscapes, and a Mix of Cultures, Here's What Travel Will Look Like in 2021, According to Psychics, Germany Has Some of the Most Beautiful Forests in the World How to Plan a Road Trip to Visit Them All, Good News From Around the World to Make You Smile During Quarantine. Each year the search and rescue squads need to extract tourists rental cars from rivers and off-road areas. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Icelands version of 911 is 112. What $20 Can Get You in 17 Destinations Around the U.S. 8 of the Cheapest Countries to Retire Around the World, We Traveled to Bhutan Before Its Reopening Here's What to Know Before You Go, 7 Financial Tips From Digital Nomads Who Travel the World Full-time, I Quit My Full-time Job and Moved to Italy to Work on a Vineyard, Spain May Soon Become the Latest Country to Offer a Digital Nomad Visa, 10 Best Countries for Americans Who Want to Live Abroad, What Astronauts Really Think About Having Tourists in Space, Where Can Americans Travel Right Now? Learn more about quality higher-education opportunities in the U.S. that you will not find anywhere else in the world. U.S. citizens who have an emergency and need to reach the U.S. Embassy during normal working hours, 0800-1700 Monday through Friday excluding US and Icelandic holidays, should call the U.S. Embassy switchboard at (354) 595-2200. You can stay in a restaurant and the person who is serving you can almost point to the ship and say the fish came from there. 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