| Risk | What to do |
|---|---|
| Waves at Reynisfjara | Stay away from the water, never turn your back to the sea |
| Weather and wind | Check vedur.is |
| Roads | Check road.is; see car rental |
| Geothermal areas | Stay on paths, the water is scalding |
| Glaciers and caves | Only with a guide: see glacier hikes |
| Crime | Low; petty theft and antisocial behaviour can occur around bars in downtown Reykjavik |
What the governments say
- United States: Level 1 on 6 November 2026 (read on travel.state.gov).
- United Kingdom: the FCDO advice was still current on 6 November 2026, last updated 11 August 2026. It says crime levels are low, that terrorism cannot be ruled out although there is no recent history, and that going too close to the ocean, cliff edges and hot springs are common causes of accidents.
- Eruptions: a series of eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula began in December 2023, the latest on 16 July 2025, affecting Grindavík; Reykjavik and Keflavík airport were not affected (gov.uk).
Tips
- Emergency: dial 112. The UK government also recommends leaving your plans on the site Safe Travel Iceland (safetravel.is), which posts alerts.
- Guided outings: at dangerous sites a guide reduces the risk. See South Coast.
- Off-road: driving off road is banned.
- Drugs: even small amounts, cannabis included, bring severe penalties, including in transit (gov.uk).
- Money: see Iceland currency and payments.
FAQ
Is Iceland safe for tourists?
Yes for everyday life: crime is low. The dangers come mostly from nature and roads.
What is the emergency number?
112.
What is the main danger?
Weather and winter roads, and the waves at Reynisfjara.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 6 November 2026.
