Useful information
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Useful information
A few helpful pointers
Passport and Visa regulations
Iceland is an associate member of the Schengen Agreement, a partnership between 29 states aimed at ensuring the free movement of people across national borders.
A uniform visa is issued by all Schengen states and is valid for travel throughout the region. If you have already received a Schengen visa, you do not need to apply for a separate visa to travel to Iceland.
For residents outside the Schengen area, a valid passport is required for at least three months beyond date of entry. For information on passport and visa requirements as well as the Schengen area regulations, visit the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.
Healthcare
Medical care can be obtained by visiting a Health care centre. Citizens of EEA countries must bring their EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card), otherwise they will be charged in full.
Non-EEA citizens are not covered by the EEA regulations and will be charged in full, we recommend you purchase travel and health insurance before your visit. No vaccination certificates are required.
Emergency number: 112
Icelandic water and swimming pools
Iceland’s drinking water is ranked top 10 cleanest water in the world, the water is naturally free of elements such as chlorine, calcium, and nitrate.
Iceland is privileged with many natural resources and geothermal water is one of them, filling our natural hot springs, nature pools, swimming pools and baths all around the country.
Climate
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool, temperate maritime climate, cool in summer and fairly mild in winter.
However, the weather is very changeable, and visitors should be prepared for the unexpected. View more at the Icelandic Met Office at en.vedur.is.
You can get sun, rain, heavy wind, calm wind and even sleet all on the same day all year round.
Money
The Icelandic monetary unit is króna (ISK).
Credit cards from major card companies like VISA, Mastercard, and American Express are generally always accepted in Iceland.
However, it’s important to remember that acceptance may vary depending on the individual business, so checking in advance is a good idea.
Most if not all shops in Iceland accept card payments so you do not need to withdraw Icelandic cash from an ATM. (ATM = Hraðbanki)
NOTE FOR VISITORS FROM USA
Iceland uses cards with the chip-and-PIN system, which requires a 4-digit PIN for purchases.
If you have a traditional “swipe and sign” card, you may wish to inquire about getting a chip-card from your bank or a major credit card issuer before travelling.
Electricity
Iceland uses Northern European electrical standards (50 Hz/220 volts) so converters may be required for small electrical appliances brought from home.
Iceland uses the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs.