Before you go · Reykjavík
Reykjavík essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 28 October 2026. Entry rules change: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated October 2026
Entry to Iceland
Iceland is part of the Schengen area. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), fully operational at the external Schengen borders since 10 April 2026, registers travellers from outside the area electronically at the border.
ETIAS, the travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, is not yet in operation: the EU will announce the start date on its official site, travel-europe.europa.eu, in advance. Never pay a third-party site.
From Keflavík
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is run by Isavia. The Flybus, Iceland’s official airport transfer since 1979, runs to the BSÍ terminal in Reykjavík in about 45 minutes, with departures matched to arrivals and hotel drop-offs; Strætó also runs regional buses from the airport. The Icelandic airline PLAY no longer flies: Icelandair is the home carrier.
Weather, roads and safety
The weather in Iceland changes fast. Before any trip out of town, check umferdin.is (the Icelandic Road Administration) for roads, vedur.is (the Icelandic Met Office) for the forecast, the aurora and volcanic activity, and safetravel.is (ICE-SAR) for alerts. On the black-sand beaches of the south coast, keep well back from the waves.
Pools and lagoons
The city’s geothermal pools are open all year. Shower without a swimsuit before you swim: it is the rule in every Icelandic pool. Book the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon ahead.
The Reykjavík City Card
The Reykjavík City Card covers 17 museums, 8 geothermal pools, the city buses and the Viðey ferry: ISK 6,100 for 24 hours, ISK 8,500 for 48 hours and ISK 10,500 for 72 hours, counted from first use (visitreykjavik.is).
Buying wine and spirits
Wine, spirits and strong beer to take away are sold only in the state-run Vínbúðin shops; restaurants and bars serve them as usual.
Emergencies
Call 112 for ambulance, police, fire and rescue; Neyðarlínan also runs a web chat and the 112 Iceland app. See our health page for Landspítali and the pharmacies. Carry your EHIC or GHIC, or travel insurance that covers medical costs.
Questions and answers
Do I need ETIAS to visit Iceland?
Not yet: ETIAS is not in operation. The EU will announce the start date in advance on its official site.
How do I get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík?
By the Flybus, in about 45 minutes, or by taxi.
What is the emergency number in Iceland?
112.
Entry rules, weather and transport change, sometimes at short notice. Check travel-europe.europa.eu, kefairport.is, flybus.is, safetravel.is, vedur.is, umferdin.is and your government’s advice before you travel.