Emergency Help Abroad – Iceland

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Iceland — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to arrest, fines and imprisonment.

• Police conduct random drug checks, especially in nightlife areas.

• Carrying weapons, including knives or sprays, is illegal without valid justification.

• Alcohol cannot be purchased in supermarkets — only in licensed Vínbúðin stores.

• Drink-driving laws are extremely strict, with one of the lowest legal limits in Europe.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Icelanders value their natural environment — damaging geothermal sites or protected landscapes is illegal.

• Respect for local traditions and folklore is expected, especially in smaller towns.

• Public indecency or inappropriate behaviour in hot springs or pools may lead to fines.

• Visitors must shower naked before entering public pools — refusal may result in denial of entry.

• Littering in national parks or on rural land carries penalties.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification; travellers should carry their passport or a copy.

• Disorderly or aggressive behaviour in nightlife districts can lead to arrest.

• Scams are rare, but travellers should still be cautious at ATMs or busy tourist zones.

• Offering bribes to officials or police is illegal.

• Filming or obstructing police operations can escalate situations quickly.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Speed limits, seatbelt use and mobile-phone laws are strictly enforced.

• Driving off-road (away from marked roads) is illegal and heavily fined.

• Winter driving conditions can be dangerous — ignoring weather warnings is an offence.

• Parking illegally in Reykjavik or popular tourist sites can result in fines.

• Overstaying your permitted entry or visa may lead to deportation.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is restricted in national parks and protected nature areas.

• Flying drones near airports, wildlife or crowds is prohibited.

• Some geothermal areas ban photography for safety reasons — follow signage.

• Photographing sensitive infrastructure (power plants, airports) is restricted.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Walking on fragile moss fields or geothermal crusts can damage the environment and lead to penalties.

• Entering closed-off volcanic zones or hazardous areas is illegal.

• Disturbing wildlife, especially seabirds or seals, is prohibited.

• Swimming in unsafe waters, including glacial lagoons, is banned for safety reasons.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Removing stones, moss or natural materials from protected areas is illegal.

• Climbing on fragile cliffs, fumaroles or rock formations can lead to fines.

• Entering restricted cultural or archaeological zones without permission is prohibited.

• Buying items made from protected species may be illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels easy-going or informal in the UK may be understood quite differently in Iceland.

• Don’t walk off marked paths near cliffs, geothermal areas or glaciers, as ground can be unstable and hazards hidden.

• Don’t ignore warning signs at waterfalls and riverbanks, and avoid climbing barriers or rocks for photos.

• Don’t attempt to drive in severe weather without experience, especially in winter when roads can close quickly due to snow and wind.

• Don’t stop suddenly in the middle of roads for photos, particularly on the Ring Road, where traffic still moves at speed.

• Don’t underestimate how quickly weather can change, and avoid hiking without proper gear, layers and a clear plan.

• Don’t bathe in hot springs or pools that are not clearly designated safe, as some geothermal waters are far too hot or chemically unsafe.

• Don’t ignore river crossings on hikes, where water depth and flow can change rapidly with rain or meltwater.

• Don’t park illegally or on fragile ground, especially in natural areas where soil and moss are easily damaged.

• Don’t walk on glaciers without a qualified guide, as crevasses and hidden ice caves are extremely dangerous without equipment and expertise.

• Don’t drink heavily before using hot tubs or hot springs, as hot water and alcohol increase the risk of fainting or accidents.

• Don’t rely solely on mobile maps and signal, particularly in remote regions where coverage is limited.

• Don’t underestimate distances between towns and fuel stations, and always keep your tank topped up on longer drives.

• Don’t camp outside designated campsites where wild camping is restricted, especially near farms, private land or protected areas.

• Don’t pick or damage delicate moss and vegetation, as it takes years to recover from trampling.

• Don’t drive off-road, as this is illegal and heavily fined due to the damage it causes to Iceland’s fragile landscape.

• Don’t underestimate the strength of the sun on clear days, especially when reflected off snow and ice.

• Don’t disturb wildlife, including nesting birds and marine life, and keep a respectful distance at all times.

• Don’t enter restricted areas near volcanoes or lava fields, unless permitted and guided; fumes and unstable ground can be deadly.

• Don’t assume supermarkets or petrol stations stay open late everywhere, and plan food and fuel stops carefully in rural areas.

• Don’t drive too fast for conditions, even if the speed limit is higher, as ice, gravel and sudden wind gusts make roads demanding.