Europe
Iceland
Volcanoes, waterfalls and glaciers within a day's drive of Reykjavík. Very safe and English-speaking, but very expensive, and weather and roads demand respect. Most solo travelers rent a car or join tours.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyISKUS$1 ≈ kr121.78Details
- Price level118%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhereDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableCold tap water is excellent.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityAmong the world's most accepting countries; Reykjavík Pride in August draws a big share of the population.Details
- Internet283 MbpsMedian fixed broadbandDetails
- DrivingOn the rightLicences in Latin script are accepted for visits; otherwise carry an IDP. F-roads need a 4x4.
Where to go in Iceland
3 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Iceland
June–August for the highlands, hiking and midnight sun; September–March for northern lights. Winter storms and road closures limit travel outside Reykjavík.
Good to know
Entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a face photo to the Entry/Exit System (EES) on first entry.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation isn't required yet and has no confirmed start date; check the EU site before you fly.
- The remote-work long-term visa was repealed in May 2026; there is currently no visa route for digital nomads.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Off-road driving is illegal, with heavy fines.
- Campervans and tents must stay overnight at campsites, not by the roadside or in car parks.
- Supermarkets sell only light beer; buy wine and spirits at Vínbúðin stores, which keep short hours.
Etiquette
- Shower naked before entering pools; staff enforce it.
- Stay on marked paths; moss takes decades to recover.
- Never stop on the road for photos; use pull-outs.
- Book popular restaurants and tours ahead in summer.
Tipping
Not expected; service is included in prices.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Directorate of Immigration: visa services moved, long-term visa repealed (May 2026)
- Ísland.is: short-term residence permit
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Speedtest Global Index, Aug 2026
- Hopp Taxi
- Safetravel
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.