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TRAVEL REPORT
Iceland

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 4 has been updated (same-sex marriages).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Iceland

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

On April 14, 2010, a volcanic eruption took place beneath the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in Iceland. Since then, the volcanic eruption has stopped. The crater is causing the glacier to melt due to minor volcanic activity. Travellers should follow the advice given on road signs near the area and not enter the danger zone.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

The crime rate is low, however pick-pocketing has increased. Travellers should never leave valuables in their car and passports and money should be kept in a safe place at all times.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur occasionally. However, Canadians are advised to avoid all crowds and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they may occur, as they can turn violent without warning.

General Safety Information

For medical emergencies, dial 112.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entyr and exit requirements has been verified wit the Icelandic authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at nay time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of Iceland and its consulates, for up-to-date information.

A Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Iceland. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds are also required.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays less than 90 days)
Business Visa: Not required (Consultants can stay in Iceland for four weeks without a business visa; employment authorization must be approved before arrival).
Student Visa: Required

For more information, consult the website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.

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Schengen Area

The member states of the European Union (EU) (not including Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the United Kingdom), along with Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland (which are not in the EU), make up the Schengen Area, which has common rules regarding visas and controls at external borders. The following 25 countries comprise the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

In the Schengen Area, Canadian travellers do not need visas for short-term visits (up to 90 days within a six-month period). The 90 days are cumulative and apply to travel within all countries of the Schengen Area. Some countries require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen Area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities throughout the Schengen Area.

If Canadians overstay the permitted 90 days in the Schengen Area, they may be fined or deported. To visit for longer than 90 days, Canadians must obtain a long-stay national visa.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

EU legislation on the amount of cash that can be carried was implemented on June 15, 2007. Canadians crossing one of the external border control points of the EU will have to make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if they have at least 10,000 euros, or the equivalent in other currencies, in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques, or any other convertible assets in their possession. Failure to report such a sum will be considered an offence. This does not apply to Canadians travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. The purpose of this legislation is to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering. For more information on the new EU legislation and links to EU countries' sites, consult http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/customs_controls/cash_controls/index_en.htm.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Icelandic authorities recognize same-sex marriages.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Iceland - REYKJAVIK, Embassy of Canada
Address: 14 Tungata, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1510 , Reykjavik, Iceland, 121
Tel.: (+354) 575-6500
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 800-8462
Fax: (354) 575-6501
E-Mail: rkjvk@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.Iceland.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Reykjavik and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa toll-free at 800-8462.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Iceland has excellent medical facilities.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Iceland are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Iceland to request to be transferred to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Icelandic authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Some substances, legal in other European countries (e.g., khat), are prohibited in Iceland. The possession of even small amounts of drugs can result in heavy fines and/or detention.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Trekkers and backpackers should not travel alone or venture off marked trails. They should leave their itinerary with a third party. Travellers should exercise caution when visiting volcanic craters, glaciers, hot springs, and other natural attractions, since there are few warning signs or barriers.

Rail service is not available in Iceland. Municipal bus services are generally not available outside Reykjavik and the surrounding towns. Ferries and long-distance buses operate throughout the country. Taxis are available in major cities and populated areas throughout the country.

Rental cars are available in major towns and airports. Most roads in urban centres and the national road no. 1 ("the ring road") are paved. Many inland roads are unpaved, narrow and lack shoulders. Roads in the highlands are only open during summer months. It is strictly forbidden to drive off tracks in the highlands. For up-to-date information on road and weather conditions, contact Vegagerdin (Public Roads Administration) by telephone (+354 522-1000).

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe (a fine of C$610  to C$1,400 and licence suspension for two months to one year). If alcohol levels exceed “fine limits”, additional legal expenses are incurred and a longer licence suspension, or a prison sentence, is possible.

A Canadian driver's licence is valid in Iceland for six months. After that it is necessary to apply for an Icelandic driver's licence. Applicants must usually take a driving test but can request an exemption.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Icelandic krona (ISK). American Express cards are not widely accepted in Iceland.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Iceland is located in an active seismic zone, with frequent earthquakes, as well as volcanic eruptions occurring every few years. Authorities monitor the situation very closely and all changes in volcanic activity are reported in the media. More information can be obtained from the Global volcanism Program.

The climate can be unpredictable. Weather reports should be monitored closely. Recorded weather information in English can be obtained from the Icelandic Meteorological office (Vedurstofa Islands) by calling (+354) 522-6000 or the automated voice message at (+354) 902-0600 which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Reykjavik (see above) in the event of an emergency.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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