Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts where fire meets ice, featuring active volcanoes, massive glaciers, geothermal hot springs, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. This Nordic island nation offers breathtaking natural wonders from thundering waterfalls to black sand beaches, making it one of the world's most unique travel destinations.
Iceland is consistently ranked one of the safest countries in the world – it has been the Global Peace Index's most peaceful nation almost every year since 2008. Petty crime is extremely rare, violent crime is almost non-existent, and the police are friendly and unarmed. The primary safety concerns in Iceland are environmental: harsh weather, dangerous terrain, powerful waves, and Iceland's volcanic and geothermal landscape pose genuine risks to unprepared visitors.
Current safety advisory
Low
Iceland is at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) per US State Department. The main risks are nature-related, not crime. Register itineraries at safetravel.is and download the 112 Iceland emergency app before any outdoor activity.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions
Iceland is one of the world's safest destinations. Exercise normal safety awareness.
Nature Safety Advisory
Register all hiking and driving itineraries at safetravel.is. Download 112 Iceland app. Check road.is daily. Never approach black sand beach waves.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Register your itinerary at safetravel.is
Check weather and road conditions daily
Never hike on glaciers without proper equipment and guides
Respect barriers at geothermal areas and waterfalls
Download the 112 Iceland app for emergency GPS location sharing
Never go off-trail on glaciers or approach ice caves without a certified guide – crevasses and collapses occur without warning
Iceland's Emergency Number is 112 – download the free 112 Iceland app which shares your GPS location instantly with rescuers
Register your trip itinerary free at safetravel.is before heading into remote areas or the highlands
Be aware of tourist-targeted card skimming at ATMs; use bank ATMs inside branches rather than standalone machines
Weather can change from sunshine to blizzard within minutes – always carry extra layers, waterproof jacket, and snacks even for short hikes
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
ATM Skimming
Card skimming devices have been reported on standalone ATMs in tourist areas. Compromised machines copy card details and PIN numbers.
How to avoid: Use ATMs inside bank branches (Arion Bank, Landsbankinn) rather than standalone machines in tourist areas. Cover the PIN pad when entering your number.
Overpriced Excursion Touts
Some unofficial tour operators at Reykjavik's BSÍ bus terminal sell overpriced excursions without the standard safety equipment or guides of licensed operators.
How to avoid: Book tours through established operators like Reykjavik Excursions, Arctic Adventures, or Guide to Iceland. Verify operator has Icelandic tourism licence.
Petrol Confusion at Self-Service Stations
Iceland's self-service petrol stations require a credit card with PIN. Some visitors are confused by the system and accidentally buy more fuel than intended.
How to avoid: Ensure your card has a PIN activated before travelling. Visa and Mastercard work; AmEx is unreliable. Pre-pay option at staffed stations.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No required vaccinations for Iceland. Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, flu) recommended. No malaria or tropical diseases. No specific health risks from travel to Iceland.
- Water
- Tap water in Iceland is among the cleanest and purest in the world, coming directly from glacial springs. Always safe to drink anywhere in Iceland. Never buy bottled water – it's completely unnecessary.
- Food
- Food safety standards are very high. The main health concerns are windburn, sunburn (summer UV is stronger than expected), and hypothermia risk if inadequately dressed for the weather.
- Facilities
- Landspítali National University Hospital in Reykjavik provides full emergency services. All major towns have health centres. EU citizens should bring EHIC card for free treatment. Travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover is strongly recommended for outdoor activities.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Iceland is one of the world's best destinations for solo travel. Violent crime is extremely rare, hitchhiking is relatively safe and practiced by locals, hostels have excellent social atmospheres, and English is universally spoken. The main solo travel safety consideration is outdoor activities – never hike alone in remote areas, always register your itinerary at safetravel.is, and carry the 112 Iceland emergency app.
Female travellers
Iceland is the world's top-ranked country for gender equality (World Economic Forum) and is exceptionally safe for solo female travellers. Sexual harassment is rare and taken very seriously by Icelandic society. Bars and clubs in Reykjavik are safe and friendly. The same outdoor precautions apply to all travellers regardless of gender.
Families
Iceland is extremely family-friendly with very low crime, clean environment, and excellent infrastructure. Children are welcomed everywhere. The primary family safety considerations are in nature – supervise children closely at waterfalls, geothermal areas, and black sand beaches where waves can be unpredictable. Car seats are mandatory and available from all rental companies.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Iceland is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010. Reykjavik Pride (August) is one of Europe's most celebrated Pride events with over 100,000 attendees. Public displays of affection are completely accepted. No safety concerns specific to LGBTQ+ travellers.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112
- Medical
- 112 (emergency) or 1770 (non-emergency medical helpline)
- Embassy
- US Embassy: +354 595 2200 | UK Embassy: +354 550 5100 | Contact your country's embassy in Oslo or Copenhagen if no embassy in Reykjavik.
- Tourist Police
- Reykjavik Metropolitan Police: +354 444 1000. Tourist assistance available in summer at Reykjavik police station, Hverfisgata 113.