Iceland Beach Holidays

You can stay in Iceland for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for tourism, visiting, or short-term studies.

Your passport must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before you arrive and an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area.

At border control, you may need to show a return or onward ticket and prove you have enough money for your stay.

On your first visit, you may need to register biometric details like fingerprints and a photo at a special booth before immigration, which can take extra time.

When returning to the UK, you must carry a valid British passport, and your digital biometric record for the Schengen area is valid for 3 years.

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into Iceland, and you must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into Iceland, with some exceptions like powdered baby milk or special foods required for medical reasons.

Carry some form of ID, such as a photocard driving licence or a copy of your passport, but keep your original passport somewhere safe.

Petty theft and antisocial behaviour can occur, particularly around bars in downtown Reykjavík, so take sensible precautions and keep your belongings safe.

Using illegal drugs, even small amounts, carries severe penalties including long jail sentences and heavy fines.

When hiking, choose a trail suited for your level, keep a safe distance from the ocean, cliff edges and hot springs, and take adequate supplies.

Driving conditions can be challenging, speed limits are lower than in the UK, and damage to rental cars from strong winds, sand or ash is often not covered by insurance.

It is illegal to smoke or use e-cigarettes in restaurants, bars, public transport and public buildings, and you could get a fine.

If hiking, leave your travel plans and contact details with your hotel and take a phone with you.