The most common Iceland trip sees the city in Reykjavík, then walks the World Heritage landscape of Þingvellir National Park.
The emergency number is 112; when roaming, call +354 5702 112.
Keflavík Airport is about 50 km from Reykjavík.
Don't try to see both in one day; give each its own days. Fares and entry information can change; information on this page was checked on 23 October 2026, so reread it before you go.
Visa and entry requirements for Iceland
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
This country is in the Schengen Area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) registers non-EU travelers at the external border, and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is scheduled to apply to visa-exempt travelers; check the official EU site for who needs it, the start date and the fee. The Icelandic government says non-EEA travelers' passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date and have been issued within the last ten years, and that you must be able to explain the purpose of your visit and show funds for your stay. Visa-exempt stays are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
- Entry requirements to Iceland (Government of Iceland (Ísland.is))
- Do you need a visa? (Government of Iceland (Ísland.is))
- Visa to Iceland (Government of Iceland)
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) (European Union)
- EES (Entry/Exit System) (European Union)
- Passport (non-EEA): Valid 3+ months beyond departure; issued within 10 years
- Emergency: 112; roaming +354 5702 112
- UNESCO: Þingvellir, 2004
How is Iceland divided?
Reykjavík is Iceland's capital, and the Hallgrímskirkja tower offers its signature view over the center. Þingvellir is a national park, a half-day trip by rental car or on a tour. Don't do both in one day; plan each separately.
UNESCO inscribed Þingvellir National Park as a cultural landscape in July 2004. It was Iceland's first World Heritage site, recognized for the Althing assembly site and its surrounding landscape. Linking the two works well with three to four nights.
| Area | What to do | Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík | City walks, Hallgrímskirkja tower | Keflavík (KEF) |
| Þingvellir | National park walks, World Heritage site | Onward from Keflavík (KEF) |
Based on official information and UNESCO.
What do I need to enter?
For visa-exempt travelers, Schengen stays are limited to 90 days within the previous 180 days. If you travel between Iceland, Denmark and Norway, your days in all Schengen countries are added together.
The government says passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure and issued within the last ten years, and that you must be able to explain the purpose of your visit and your funds for the stay.
Who do I contact in an emergency?
Iceland's emergency number is 112, or +354 5702 112 when roaming. Many countries cover Iceland from an embassy in another Nordic capital, so check where yours is and save its number.
Heavy snow in winter leads to people getting stranded and to slipping accidents. Check road information from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration before you drive, and check your rental car's insurance terms, snow tyres and spare tyre. Some mountain areas have dangerous sections without safety facilities, so it is best not to go there.
How do I get from the airport into town?
Keflavík Airport is about 50 km from Reykjavík. Flybus links the airport with the BSÍ bus terminal, timed to arriving flights; the ride takes about 45 minutes.
Check fares in our Reykjavík article. Þingvellir is reached by rental car or tour; read about parking fees in our Þingvellir article.
What should I check before I go?
First check that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure and was issued within the last ten years. For a winter visit, check road conditions and the weather before setting out. Save local emergency numbers and your embassy's number in a note you can read offline.
Pre-departure checklist
- Check your passport's validity and issue date
- Check the status of EES and ETIAS
- Check road information and the weather
- Check rental car insurance and tyres
- Save the emergency number 112 and your embassy's number
Which area suits my trip?
- For city walks: combine the tower and the center in Reykjavík.
- For World Heritage landscapes: give Þingvellir National Park a half day.
- For both: three to four nights; decide on transport first.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Iceland?
It depends on your nationality. Non-EEA passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure and issued within the last ten years.
Who do I call in an emergency?
Call the local emergency number 112, or +354 5702 112 when roaming.
What should I check for winter driving?
Road information and the weather, snow tyres, a spare tyre and your insurance terms.
How do I count my remaining days across several Schengen countries?
If you spend 8 days in Iceland and 12 in Norway, you have used 20 days and have 70 left in the same 180-day window. The window moves with your last departure date.
What does the Icelandic government ask you to explain on entry?
The purpose of your visit and that you have funds for your stay and your return.
What should I watch out for in the mountains?
Some sections are dangerous and have no safety facilities, and in winter hypothermia and falls are possible. Bring warm gear and come down before sunset.
Sources
- Entry requirements to Iceland · Government of Iceland (Ísland.is) · accessed 2026-10-30
- Do you need a visa? · Government of Iceland (Ísland.is) · accessed 2026-10-30
- Visa to Iceland · Government of Iceland · accessed 2026-10-30
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) · European Union · accessed 2026-10-30
- EES (Entry/Exit System) · European Union · accessed 2026-10-30
- Flybus prices · Flybus · accessed 2026-10-23
- Þingvellir National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre · accessed 2026-10-23
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.
