Practical things to keep in mind
Practical things to keep in mind when visiting Iceland and general facts about the population.
Passport and visa regulations
Iceland is an associate member of the Schengen Agreement, which exempts travellers from personal border controls between 26 EU countries. Residents of a Schengen country travelling to Iceland can stay in the country for 90 days without a visa. For residents outside the Schengen area, a valid passport is required for at least three months beyond the date of entry. For information on passport and visa requirements as well as the Schengen area regulations, visit the website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.
If you are interested in working or studying in Iceland these websites will help you out:
Arrival in Iceland
Bus services are operated between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport 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 sails weekly between Denmark, and Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland giving visitors the option of bringing their own vehicle.
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.
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.
For further information, contact the Icelandic Health Insurance: Tel.: +354-515-0100. Office hours: 10:00–15:00.
