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Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Most of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history.
Climate in Iceland
Relatively mild winters and cool summers characterise Iceland’s oceanic climate. The average monthly temperature varies from -3 to +3 °C in January and from +8 to +15°C in July. Storms and rain are frequent.
Time Difference in Iceland
There is no time difference between Iceland and the UK.
Language in Iceland
Icelandic – Official language.
Commonly Used Words in Iceland
Hello = Halló
Goodbye = Bless
Thank you = Takk
Please = vinsamlegast
Yes = ja
No = nei
Which Plug Do I Need in Iceland?
For Iceland there are two associated plug types, C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins, with two earth clips on the side.
What is The Local Currency in Iceland?
Icelandic Krona
£100 in Icelandic Krona is 17358.43 ISK (as of January 2025)
What Credit Cards Can I Use in Iceland?
VISA and MasterCard are the major credit cards in Iceland: both are serviced by all banks in the country.
Tipping in Iceland
Tips are not included in the overall price of our treks and adventure trips, but most trekkers do tip their guides, porters, and cooks on the penultimate or final day of the trip. Tipping is a universal custom in adventure travel, but is not obligatory, so you should never feel forced into it, but it is a tradition on the trail. Tipping policies can be found through the Vamoos app for each individual trip.
Approximate Food & Drink Prices in Iceland (January 2025)
Coke/Pepsi 423.44 ISK
Water 311.45 ISK
Coffee 741.20 ISK
Beer 1,350.00 ISK
Inexpensive Meal 3,000.00 ISK
Passport Validity for Iceland
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
- issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Passport stamping
Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Iceland as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.
You may also need to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- show you have enough money for your stay
Do I Need a Visa for Iceland? (January 2025)
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
COVID-19 Requirements for Iceland? (January 2025)
Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel provider for changes.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to get treatment there.
Read TravelHealthPro’s general COVID-19 advice for travellers.
