How to Travel to Iceland from the UK in 2025

Puffins. The Northern Lights. Glaciers and waterfalls.

A trip to Iceland promises beautiful sights, coziness, and incredible food. Whether it's your first time in Iceland, second, or 15th, for that matter, you're in for a treat.

We wanted to share our need-to-know information about traveling to Iceland to help ensure that you have a smooth and easy trip, from start to finish.

With our 14+ years of experience in the travel industry (and significantly more combined), we've put together what travelers from the UK need to know before heading Northwest.

Iceland entry requirements

You don't need us to tell you, but Brexit changed the traveling terrain for millions of people. While it does look different, British citizens can still travel to Iceland without a visa, so long as their stay is less than 90 days.

Passport requirements for traveling to Iceland

In order to go to Iceland, your passport needs to meet the following requirements:

• Be less than 10 years old (before the date you arrive).
• Have an expiry date at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in Iceland.

This is also true should you need to apply for a Schengen visa, which is a great segue.

What you need to know about visas

Iceland is a member of the Schengen area, which means millions of travelers need a visa before entering the zone. British citizens aren't one of them.

What if, however, you're a legal resident of the UK and want to travel to Iceland? Do you need a visa? Maybe.

Whether or not you need a visa depends on your nationality, not your residency. Some countries (like the United Kingdom) have visa waiver agreements with the Schengen area. This means that their citizens can travel to any country in the Schengen area, sans visa, so long as they don't stay more than 90 days, but it's based on citizenship - not residence.

Other countries don't have agreements like this, so their citizens must get a visa, regardless of the length of their stay.

If you're a legal resident in the UK, but are not a citizen, you may need a Schengen visa for your trip to Iceland. This applies to citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, South Africa, China, and several others.

Always check an official visa application center or embassy website to see whether or not you need a visa, as they will have the most accurate and updated information about migration.

If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa/residency depending on your situation (whether you're a British citizen or not. Note: EU/Schengen country citizens are exempt).

Pre-authorization to enter Iceland

Beginning in 2026, British citizens will need to apply for approval ahead of their trip to travel to Iceland.

You may have already heard of it. This pre-travel authorization is called ETIAS, and it will be required for anyone traveling without a Schengen visa (EU/Schengen country citizens are exempt).

This approval is very similar to the UK's ETA and the US's ESTA.

How to get to Iceland

Direct flights and ones with layovers are available to travel to Iceland from the UK.

If you're flying from larger cities like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, you can expect to find a 2 and a half to 3-hour direct flight.

Some ferries travel to Iceland too, which can be fun, but they aren't available directly from the UK. If you're interested in taking a ferry there, you'll likely need to head to Denmark first.

Ferries travel weekly, making a pit stop in the Faroe Islands. The entire journey takes a few days (one way).

Official advice from the UK Government

The UK has official advice for all British citizens traveling abroad to Iceland. It's important to heed the recommendations and warnings of governing officials before traveling to foreign countries.

Recommendation: Travel insurance for Iceland

The British Government recommends that all travelers take out travel insurance before visiting Iceland. Make sure that your travel insurance covers medical emergencies and is valid in Iceland for the entire duration of your stay.

Insurte offers comprehensive travel insurance for Schengen countries, and you can get it entirely online.

Warning: Get your passport stamped

This advice is concerning the entire Schengen area, not just Iceland.

The official UK government warns all British travelers that they must make sure that their passport is stamped when entering and exiting the Schengen area.

If you're heading to Iceland through another Schengen country, make sure your passport gets stamped wherever it is that you enter.

If you're going directly from the UK to Iceland, make sure your passport is stamped upon arrival in Iceland.

On arrival, border officials can ask to see your return ticket home and proof that you have sufficient funds for your trip.

Recommendation: Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date

This includes MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) and DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio).

A rabies vaccination is recommended for some travelers, like those who may come into close contact with bats (such as spelunkers).

Always refer to the official UK government website for the most recent advice surrounding vaccinations.

Warning: Be aware of these local risks in Iceland

Iceland is home to insects and ticks that can potentially carry viruses such as the West Nile Virus. You should follow best practices to avoid getting insect bites in Iceland.

Iceland isn't a stranger to common viruses like Influenza, including Avian Influenza, with similar seasonality to the UK.

Warning: Foods and drinks you can't bring to Iceland

Dairy products, meat, and eggs are not allowed to be brought into Iceland. (There are some exemptions, such as baby formula.)

Warning: Whale products are banned when returning to the UK

According to the UK government, bringing whale products from Iceland to the United Kingdom is strictly prohibited. Travelers who do this may face severe fines/prison sentences.

Recommendation: Get safety information from Iceland's official site

Safe Travel Iceland is an official website that gives locals and visitors critical information about current safety risks and warnings.

The British government recommends that travelers look to this resource, especially if you're planning on doing outdoor activities like hiking.

Good to know: Driving in Iceland

Iceland recognizes British driver's licenses for up to 30 days. This means that you can drive legally in Iceland for short trips. You may need to update to a photocard license if you don't currently have one. Make sure you follow all of the local driving rules, signs, and laws and understand they may differ from the UK (such as which side of the road you'll be driving on, for one!).

FAQs: Traveling to Iceland from the UK