Plan
your trip to Iceland with key travel details, visa info, safety tips,
and essential advice. Discover the best time to visit, how to get
around, and what to expect in this breathtaking land of fire, ice,
and endless adventure.
Country: Iceland
Continent / Region: Europe / Northern Europe / Arctic
Capital City: Reykjavík
Government Type: Parliamentary Republic
Population: Approx. 390,000
Official Language(s): Icelandic
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~98%
Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT (no daylight savings)
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type C/F – 230V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 2.5–3 hours (direct)
Best Time/Months to Travel: June–August (summer) and February–March (Northern Lights)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Part of the Schengen Area
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required for short stays
- Visa Duration / Cost: Up to 90 days in a 180-day period
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines; no additional requirements
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Iceland):
Average Daily Costs: £90 / £180 / £300+
Tipping Culture: Not customary; service usually included
Public Transport Options: Buses, tour coaches, domestic flights; no rail network
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: ISK 490–550 (Reykjavík bus)
Internet / SIM Availability: Excellent 4G/5G; Síminn, Vodafone, Nova
Main Climate Type: Subarctic / Oceanic
Average Temperature: Winter −5°C to 5°C; Summer 10–15°C
Major Cities: Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Akureyri
Natural Attractions: Volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, waterfalls, black sand beaches
Popular Destinations: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, Reykjavík, Jökulsárlón, Vík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Main Religions: Lutheran Christianity
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Lamb, seafood, skyr, rye bread, hot dogs, Arctic char
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Kirkjufell
Overall Safety Rating: Extremely safe
Common Scams: Very rare; occasional overpriced tours
Health Risks: Strong winds, icy roads, geothermal burns (off-path areas)
Recommended Clinics: Reykjavík health centres; major hospitals available
Insurance Recommendation: Strongly recommended due to remote areas and weather risks
Internet Speed: Excellent 4G/5G nationwide
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, Skógafoss, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Reynisfjara Beach, Þingvellir National Park
Unique Experiences: Glacier hiking, ice cave tours, whale watching, geothermal bathing, Northern Lights trips
Hidden Gems: Westfjords, Landmannalaugar, Hveravellir, Þórsmörk, Diamond Beach at sunrise
Popular Areas to Stay: Reykjavík City Centre, Golden Circle area, Vík, Akureyri, Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Average Hotel Prices: £90 / £150 / £250+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Reykjavík Laugavegur, downtown bars, Harpa cultural events
Local Drinks: Icelandic craft beer, Brennivín, geothermal-brewed beers
Entertainment: Live music, hot spring baths, cultural centres, midnight sun nightlife in summer
Car Rental: Highly recommended for exploring
Domestic Flights: Available to regional towns
Trains: No rail network
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Taxis expensive; apps like Hreyfill used
Best Markets: Kolaportið Market, Reykjavík Christmas markets
Popular Souvenirs: Wool sweaters (lopapeysa), lava jewellery, sea salt, skincare, artisan crafts
Local SIM Card Providers: Síminn, Vodafone, Nova
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Extremely safe; some of the purest in the world
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
Iceland runs almost entirely on renewable energy — geothermal and hydroelectric power.