# Practical things to keep in mind

- URL: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/practical-information1/
- Published: 2021-08-19
- Last updated: 2026-08-19

> Get all the practical information about Iceland you will need for your visit. Everything you need to know about visa and passport regulations, public transportation, medical care and a lot of fun and practical facts.

Practical things to keep in mind when visiting Iceland and general facts about the population.

### **Arrival in Iceland**

Bus services are operated between Reykjavík and [Keflavik International Airport](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/arrival-in-iceland) in connection with all arriving and departing flights, and seats are guaranteed. Buses depart to and from Keflavík every 45-60 minutes. The drive between the airport and Reykjavík takes about 45 minutes. For departing flights, it is recommended that you take a bus leaving at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure. It is possible to arrange hotel pickup. Taxi services are available to and from the airport. The [car-ferry MS Norröna](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/ferry-to-iceland) sails weekly between Denmark, and Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland giving visitors the option of bringing their own vehicle.

*Image: Husavik town in North Iceland*

### Language

Icelandic is the national language. English is spoken widely and Danish is the third language taught in schools in Iceland.

### Medical Attention

Pharmacies are called “Apótek” and are open during normal business hours. Only a few are open at night. Medical Care can be obtained by visiting a Health Care Centre, called “Heilsugæslustöð” in Icelandic, during opening hours.

For information, call +354-585-1300 or visit the website about [Health Care](https://island.is/en/o/iceland-health).  

**Medical help**: There is a medical centre or hospital in all major cities and towns in Iceland. The emergency phone number (24 hours) in Iceland is 112.  
Health insurance: 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. Special vaccinations are not required to enter Iceland.

[Also view patients without Icelandic health insurance](https://visiticeland.cdn.prismic.io/visiticeland/aLBVlGGNHVfTOZ1J_patients_without_icelandic_health_insurance-osjukratryggdir.pdf) (pdf) 

For further information, contact the Icelandic Health Insurance: Tel.: +354-515-0100. Office hours: 10:00–15:00.

[The Icelandic Health Insurance website](https://island.is/en/o/iceland-health)

### Flag

Blue with a red cross outlined in white. The colours are symbolic for Iceland: Red represents the volcanic fires, white recalls the snow and glaciers, and blue is for the skies above, the sea and the mountains. SIZE 103,000 km2  (40,000 sq. miles). 

### Population

389,444 (Jan. 2025). Mean age: 38.5 years. 

### Capital City

Reykjavík. The largest municipalities are Reykjavík* (138,772), Kópavogur* (40,040), Hafnarfjörður* (31,525), Akureyri (20,050) and Reykjanesbær (22,499). *Cities in the capital region. 

### Government

Parliamentary constitutional republic. 

### Currency

The Icelandic króna (plural krónur) –ISK.

### Time

Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year round. 

### Highest point

Hvannadalshnjúkur peak at 2,110 m. 

### Natural resources

Fish, hydropower, geothermal energy. 

### Useful websites

- [Safetravel](https://safetravel.is)
- [Icelandic Met Office](https://en.vedur.is/)
- [Road Conditions and weather](https://www.road.is)
- [Post Office](https://postur.is/en)

### Emergency phone numbers

- Emergency number: 112
- Police: 444 1000
- Medical assistance: 1770