What can be brought into Iceland?
If you're not carrying spirits or beer, you can bring in 2.5 liters (2.5 qt.) of wine. There are no limits on foreign currency. You may bring up to 3kg of food into Iceland, but no raw eggs, raw meat, or milk.
Prohibited articles
Meat and meat products have to be fully cooked in order to be allowed into the country. Uncooked milk and uncooked eggs. Various weapons, e.g. daggers with blades exceeding 12 cm, switchblade knives and flick stilettos, knuckles and various truncheons, crossbows and handcuffs.
Remember that you are only allowed to take dry food through security – absolutely no liquids unless under 100ml and in a sealed plastic bag. To help, here are 15 suggestions of food to pack for Iceland that you should be able to get through security without any issues.
Customs limits you to 1 liter of wine or 6 liters of beer, plus 1 liter of spirits. If you're not carrying spirits or beer, then you can bring in 2.5 liters (5.3 pints) of wine.
You can take packaged snacks and dried food to Iceland, but you're not allowed to export any meat, fish, dairy or fruit and vegetables.
Yes, you can wear jeans in Iceland. The summer and shoulder seasons are especially good times to travel in your most comfortable pair. If you plan to go on an adventurous excursion, we recommend wearing the appropriate, activewear clothing.
Each individual container* may only hold 3 ounces (100 ml) of liquid and the combined volume of the liquids cannot exceed 1 quart (1 liter). All of the liquid containers must fit easily into a clear and resealable plastic bag.
You may have even experienced businesses that only accept card payments if you spend a certain amount of money. However, this isn't the case in Iceland. The quick answer to 'do I need cash in Iceland' is a resounding 'no. ' You'll be fine using your credit card or debit card while you travel throughout the country.
Please note that in restaurants in Iceland you do not pay for fresh water, unless you order bottled water. Bread is also provided free of charge.
Food in solid form (such as leg of lamb, fish and smoked pork) is permitted in carry-on luggage. If you are carrying a significant volume of food, it would be easiest to take some of the food out of the bag before the bag goes through the x-ray machine.
What medicines can I take to Iceland?
Medicine. Iceland allows travelers to bring personal prescription medicines (up to a 100 day supply) without a customs declaration. A formal doctor's note may be requested by Icelandic customs officials.
There is no federal limit on the amount of alcohol a traveler may import into the United States for personal use, however, large quantities might raise the suspicion that the importation is for commercial purposes, and an U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer could require that you comply with the ...

Checked Bags: Yes
Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags.
Iceland can be very humid in the summer so a travel towel is a useful addition to your packing list, especially if you're visiting the pools. They're easy to pack away and store and are great if you're camping or backpacking.
We recommend you allow at least 30 minutes to get through the duty-free area and customs at Keflavík Airport. If your flight is scheduled to arrive at 07:45, please select 08:15 or later as transfer time.
We recommend bringing a rucksack or small backpack for your daily essentials (e.g. camera, wallet, medications, extra clothing layers, bottle of water, etc.) since you may not have easy access to your suitcase during the day as you travel between accommodations.
A note on Icelandic fashion
They tend to dress smartly as people do in any cosmopolitan city, though with a stylish Nordic twist. If you aim to blend in, do as the locals do and swap your brightly coloured weather-proof jacket and hiking boots for a nice pair of jeans, a smart jacket and sneakers or other city shoes.
Leggings are ideal for Iceland, being both easy to layer and good for moving around in when you're doing some of the adventure activities. And unlike jeans, they dry easily.
A nice shirt and jeans for example with dark or brown shoes will work perfectly as well. But since it can get chilly during the winter time, I would recommend bringing a warm jacket, coat or blazer to keep you warm while you hop between different bars and nightclubs. Shark tasting & Icelandic Beer.
Water bottle
Before the tourism industry boomed, locals would never buy bottled water, “because clean water is free in Iceland and can be found in lakes, waterfalls, and rivers”. When traveling in Iceland, bring a bottle and fill it up from taps and, clean rivers and waterfalls.
Can I take a water bottle full of ice on a plane?
Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening.
Icelandair carry-on size is small and strict.
1 USD = 140.05 ISK May 20, 2023 05:01 UTC
The currency converter below is easy to use and the currency rates are updated frequently.
Money. Currency: The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK). Many places (restaurants, bars, tourist attractions) will take US dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish currencies. Payment: Icelanders usually pay for everything by credit or debit card.
Credit and debit cards are very common forms of payment for people who travel to Iceland. In fact, locals rarely use cash since most merchants accept credit and debit cards even for small purchases. Travellers cheques, though less common, are also accepted at banks and major hotels or tourist centres.
Public toilets
You have to buy something or pay to use the bathroom. So, in a nutshell, you have to pay to use public toilets in Iceland. Some places are not mandatory to pay, and these places are rest stops along the road. You will find public toilets also near supermarkets, swimming pools, and malls.
Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Iceland, but it is always appreciated. The standard rate of tax on Icelandic products is 24%, with some products and services, including books, food and accommodation, taxed at a reduced rate of 11%.
They also sell grab-and-go meals that are bordering on healthy and resemble actual food (who'd have thought?). And, most importantly, they have hot coffee with free refills for all of those Iceland travelers on a tight budget!
Pack your own food to bring.
For instance, Iceland does not allow any meat to come in, dry or otherwise. So, no beef jerky/meat sticks – something we usually travel with. We always bring things like trail mix, dried fruit, coffee, tea, crackers, dry pasta, granola/protein bars and chocolate.
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Liquids - 100ml rule
- Transparent and resealable.
- No larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in)
- Able to close properly with all the items inside.
What liquids can you put in hold luggage?
containers must hold no more than 100ml. containers should be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures around 20cm by 20cm. contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed.
Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full name, health care provider's name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage. Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines.
Painkillers are only sold in pharmacies. This is due to Icelandic law, which classifies painkillers as medicine, which only pharmacies are allowed to sell.
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
- Aerosols (in most cases) ...
- Any device containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries. ...
- Bug spray. ...
- Christmas crackers. ...
- Compressed gases. ...
- Corrosive or oxidizing chemicals. ...
- Cremated remains. ...
- Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons.
Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
You may only carry small amounts of liquids, gels, creams and pastes. These must be in containers of 100ml or less and should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) which will be screened separately at security.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.
Tips for Traveling With a Water Bottle
Empty your water bottle before going through security. You can fill it up after you're through the checkpoint. If your water bottle is full, place it in your checked luggage or empty it before going through security.
Do you have to shower before swimming in Iceland?
Showering naked is mandatory for all swimmers before entering the water. This is done purely for hygiene reasons and is what keeps geothermal water, which has no chlorine, clean and free from harmful bacteria.
When visiting communal showering areas Iceland requires you to bathe yourself properly and without your bathing suit before entering such pools or lagoons. This will mean nudity is not something to be ashamed of but expected. Water, hot and cold, is sacred to Icelanders. It's one of the greatest natural resources.
The general motto is that you should leave only footprints, and take only photos and memories when travelling anywhere. This is standard travel etiquette in Iceland. When travelling in Iceland it's important that you pay attention to signage at all times.
When departing Iceland, it's important to note that there are two separate lines you need to wait in. One is for initial security (which takes about 30-45 minutes) and after you get through, you need to walk through the airport a bit more before getting on line for border control.
The US government has identified Iceland's main international airport as one of several candidate airports to bring in US customs and passport controls.
Check-in time: We recommend that passengers check in at least 2.5 hours before their scheduled departure time. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure. Self-service check-in kiosks: These are located at the departure hall at Keflavik Airport.
Yes, you can wear jeans in Iceland. The summer and shoulder seasons are especially good times to travel in your most comfortable pair. If you plan to go on an adventurous excursion, we recommend wearing the appropriate, activewear clothing.
- Fleece jacket.
- Wool sweater.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Rain paints.
- Windproof gloves and hat.
- Swimsuit.
- Scarves.
- Thermal Base Layers.
We recommend choosing a jacket for Iceland in a bright and fun color such as red, orange, or yellow so you stand out against the Icelandic countryside when taking photos! These jackets are perfect when figuring out what to wear in Iceland in summer.
Travel. All infection prevention rules for COVID-19 have been lifted at the Icelandic border, regardless of tourists' vaccination status. However, it varies what rules apply at the borders of other countries.
Can you bring CBD into Iceland?
Yes, an individual can import CBD for his/her personal use through mail or in his/her luggage if the CBD is manufactured as a medicinal product. The import needs to be according to regulation No. 212/1998 on importation by individuals of medicinal products for personal use.
- Fleece jacket/lightweight wool sweater.
- Rainproof/windproof jacket.
- Rain pants.
- Sturdy walking shoes with a good tread/grip.
- Gloves.
- Scarves.
- Hat (toque/beanie)
- Swimsuit.
On September 1, 2019, a ban went into effect prohibiting retailers from providing free shopping bags, no matter what material the bag is made from. Iceland's parliament has also approved a ban on the sale of all disposable plastic shopping bags effective January 2021.
Do I need to wear a face mask in Iceland? Wearing face masks is recommended indoors and for transportation.
We estimate that 87% of people in Iceland have been infected at least once as of December 12 (Figure 6.1). Effective R, computed using cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, is greater than 1 in 39 countries and 44 subnational locations.
What is this? An average trip to Iceland cost for travellers that want to vacation in Iceland is approximately $90-290 USD per person per day. This means that the cost of 7 days in Iceland is around $630 to $2030 USD excluding airfare.
When it comes to traveling with CBD oils or CBD gummies, the TSA does allow both in checked bags and carry-ons, as long as the CBD is hemp-derived and contains less than 0.3% THC, as is true of all our products.
According to TSA, you can bring solid food items (but not liquids or gels) on board in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage. So, better to leave your weed beverages at home and pack your edibles in something unnoticeable (and odor-proof), and you may easily clear the security check.
The quick answer is no (1). According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), taking cannabis products on an airplane is illegal. The TSA states that marijuana and cannabis-infused products remain illegal under federal law.
Leggings are ideal for Iceland, being both easy to layer and good for moving around in when you're doing some of the adventure activities. And unlike jeans, they dry easily.
Do you need a towel for Iceland?
You might not think of bringing your own towel on a trip to Iceland, but trust me – you will want it! You will have to pay to rent a towel at any geothermal pool or springs in Iceland unless you bring your own towel. And you won't want to bring one from your hotel or rental home and risk losing or damaging it.
You can have one of these bags per person. All of the items within these bags must be in 3.4-ounce containers or less. You'll also have to remove this clear plastic bag from your carry-on luggage and place it in a separate bin to be screened.