Iceland

Recommended Vaccinations For Iceland

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Although the risk of exposure to hepatitis A is low in Iceland, it is always beneficial to be vaccinated against hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Although the risk of exposure to hepatitis B is low in Iceland, it is always beneficial to have the vaccination against hepatitis B.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccination is recommended for those travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats.

Recommended Medications For Iceland

There are no recommendations for Iceland at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Iceland

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a some risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Iceland.

Hepatitis B

There is some risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Iceland.

For Some Travellers

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Rabies

**Rabies has not been reported in Iceland and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.**

Safety & Security in Iceland

Personal Safety

Iceland ranks as the safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index, a position it has held since 2008. The country has an exceptionally low crime rate at 22.26% in 2023, with traffic offenses being the primary contributor rather than violent crime. Petty theft represents the most common crime you might encounter, with around 3,500 incidents recorded in 2020. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The homicide rate typically sits below one incident per 100,000 people annually, though 2024 saw an unusual increase with six homicide cases recorded by September. Between 1999 and 2019, the murder rate averaged 1.9 per 100,000 people, climbing to 4.6 since 2020. Police in Iceland do not carry firearms and you’ll find no dangerous neighborhoods or crime hotspots in Reykjavik or elsewhere in the country. The terrorism threat level for 2025 sits at level three of five, indicating an increased but still relatively low threat primarily from individuals working alone or in small groups. Organized crime exists with approximately 15 groups operating in Iceland, but these rarely affect tourists. Most violent incidents, when they occur, involve personal disputes rather than random attacks. Downtown Reykjavik can see antisocial behavior around bars in the early morning hours as patrons leave nightclubs, but serious incidents remain uncommon.

Extreme Violence

Iceland experiences very low levels of extreme violence. The country has no recent history of terrorism, though attacks cannot be ruled out entirely. The 2025 terrorism threat assessment indicates the primary risk comes from individuals acting alone or in small groups, often influenced by right-wing extremist movements. No terrorist organizations are known to be active in Iceland. Violent crime remains exceptionally rare with most incidents linked to organized crime disputes rather than random violence. Between 1999 and 2018, 37 murders were committed, with only eight cases involving victims and perpetrators who didn’t know each other. All other cases involved spouses, former spouses, friends, or family members. A brutal organized crime murder in February 2021 shocked the nation, leading to the most extensive police investigation in Iceland’s history with 14 people detained. This incident involved rivalry between criminal groups dealing in drugs and money laundering. Stabbings have increased since 2020, with 23 stabbings reported that year representing a 109% rise from the previous year. One stabbing during Culture Night 2024 resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl. Firearms are strictly regulated but unregistered weapons circulate in criminal circles. Knives traditionally served as the primary weapon in the Icelandic underworld, though criminals have possessed guns in some cases. Police responded to a record number of weapons incidents in the first half of 2022. Random violence targeting tourists is virtually non-existent. The chance of visitors encountering violent crime remains incredibly small.

Political Unrest

Iceland maintains a stable political environment with infrequent demonstrations. The most significant recent protests occurred during the 2008-2009 financial crisis when the Kitchenware Revolution saw up to 10,000 Icelandic citizens protesting government handling of the economic collapse. These protests led to the government’s resignation in January 2009 after police used tear gas for the first time since 1949. In 2016, the Panama Papers revelations sparked protests with crowds estimated between 9,000 and 23,000 people, one of the biggest political demonstrations in Iceland’s history. Prime Minister Sigmundur Davið Gunnlaugsson resigned following these protests. In October 2023, a massive women’s strike for gender equality saw an estimated 100,000 people participate, including Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, to protest the gender pay gap and violence against women. This represented the second full-day women’s strike since 1975. Demonstrations in Iceland typically remain peaceful, though even peaceful gatherings can occasionally turn disruptive. Protests can lead to traffic disruptions and temporary closure of parliamentary sessions. When demonstrations occur, they usually take place at Austurvollur, the square in front of the Althing parliament building in Reykjavik. The current political climate remains stable with public trust in government institutions generally high. Major protests tend to focus on economic issues, government accountability, or gender equality rather than ethnic or religious tensions.

Areas To Avoid

Iceland does not have dangerous neighborhoods or crime hotspots in the traditional sense. Reykjavik ranked 33rd among 453 major cities worldwide for lowest crime rates. Crime decreases dramatically in remote regions like the Highlands and Westfjords simply due to lower population density. Downtown Reykjavik’s nightlife district sees the most activity, particularly around bars in the early morning hours when patrons leave establishments, but serious safety concerns remain minimal. The greatest dangers in Iceland come from natural hazards rather than crime. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach ranks as one of the most dangerous tourist spots due to powerful sneaker waves that can suddenly surge up the beach, pulling people into the sea. Multiple fatalities have occurred here. Waves up to 120 feet high have been reported. Colored zones mark safe viewing areas, but rescue teams cannot assist those swept out to sea. Kirkjufellsfjara and Djupalónssandur beaches present similar wave dangers. Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon requires caution as icebergs can flip over or break apart without warning. Never attempt to climb on them. The volcanic Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland has experienced multiple eruptions since December 2023, affecting the town of Grindavik. Further eruptions are likely. Gas pollution levels can quickly exceed dangerous limits near eruption sites. Never walk on newly solidified lava as surface crusts break without warning. Geothermal areas throughout Iceland contain boiling water and steam that can cause severe burns. Hot springs require respect and you should only visit regulated facilities. Cliff edges present fall risks. Coastal areas beyond beaches also pose hazards from sudden waves.