Arriving in Iceland: Customs Regulations and Rules (2024)

FAQs

What do you have to declare at Iceland customs? ›

Iceland allows travelers to bring as much currency as they would like, but they must declare if they are carrying more than 10,000 euros, or the equivalent to that amount in another currency, in cash, travelers' checks, or another form.

A traveller arriving in Iceland from abroad shall voluntarily declare to a customs officer and produce to him all goods in his possession which he cannot import duty free or are subject to import restrictions or import prohibitions.

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.

PCR tests. If you are going to travel abroad and need a negative PCR test, you must schedule a test with enough notice in order to get the certificate in time for the trip. Within the Greater Reykjavík Area: You register and pay electronically, and the certificates are sent electronically by e-mail.

The following items may not be imported: toxic and hazardous substances; narcotics; chewing tobacco and finely powdered snuff; uncooked meat products; certain foodstuffs (meat products may be imported if they have been boiled or canned); weapons; and knives with blades exceeding 12 cm.

In essence, you have to declare any items you purchased and/or are carrying with you upon your return to the United States that you did not have when you left. This may include gifts you bought for others or received while abroad, souvenirs, or even found items.

Most countries require travellers to complete a customs declaration form when bringing notified goods (alcoholic drinks, tobacco products, animals, fresh food, plant material, seeds, soils, meats, and animal products) across international borders.

The general rule is that import charges are to be paid when importing goods to the country in accordance with the customs tariff that has legal validity in Iceland. Included in the import charges are duties, excise duties and value added tax as well as various other charges that may be added when a good is imported.

Complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B

All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products. Here are your options: Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise.

Can you wear jeans in Iceland? ›

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.

If you are carrying cash of more than € 10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, travellers´ cheques or bearer negotiable instruments, when departing or arriving in Iceland, you are obliged to declare it to the customs in Iceland at the point of departure or arrival.

Turnaround time is longer, generally within a couple of days, but results can be within 24 hours. These tests are only offered by the national healthcare system in Iceland. Make sure the country you are travelling to accepts COVID-19 Rapid Antigen tests.

Symptom testing is always free of charge, for tourists as well. You can check your test status here. In Iceland, the healthcare centres use PCR and rapid antigen tests to detect COVID-19.

COVID-19 Travel Information – Iceland

Effective February 25, 2022, all regulations pertaining to public restrictions and border restrictions, as well as the quarantine requirement for those infected by COVID-19, are removed.

The best boots for Iceland are waterproof with a cleated, grippy sole to stop you slipping on snow or ice. Snow boots would be a good option too and have the added advantage to keeping you lower legs warm. Trainers are a no no. The best shoes to wear in Iceland during summer are a good pair of hiking boots.

We recommend you allow at least 30 minutes to get through the duty-free area and customs at Keflavík Airport.

If your goods are within your customs allowance then you go through the nothing to declare channel.

Nothing to Declare UK (known as Customs UK for Series 1) was a British reality TV series shown from 2008 onwards. It is filmed at Gatwick and Bristol airports, and occasionally shows the work of customs and immigration officials at the Port of Dover, alongside at the airports for the other parts of the time.

Does customs go through your luggage? ›

When you board your flight, you'll go through a typical security process: checking your luggage and declaring there's nothing hazardous in it, scanning carry-on bags and so on. Beyond the usual questions about hazardous items in luggage, you won't need to declare anything else you're leaving the country with.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you need only answer questions establishing your identity and citizenship, although refusing to answer routine questions about the nature and purpose of your travel could result in delay and/or further inspection.

Officials at customs and immigration are checking travelers for things like whether they have the right documents to be in the country, whether they're legally allowed to be there, and whether they're bringing anything illegal with them.

Formal Entries: If your goods are valued at more than $2500, or for commercial textile shipments (clothes/materials) regardless of value, you will be required to file a formal entry, which can require extensive paperwork and the filing of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection bond.

Moving to Iceland as a United States citizen is possible. However, what the country allows is pretty restrictive. If you plan on staying for more than three months, you will need to contact the Directorate of Immigration to apply for a residence permit, and acceptance depends on your reason for staying.

Examples of restricted items include firearms, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products, animal by products, and some animals.

Does customs check every package? The short answer is yes. Customs checks all inbound international packages and mail. During this process, a customs officer in the country you're shipping to will review the package to make sure it meets the country's laws, regulations and policies.

When you fill out the customs form, keep it simple and include the item's value (contents: clothing, books, souvenirs, poster, value $100). For alcohol, perfume containing alcohol, and tobacco valued at more than $5, you will pay a duty.

What is the 3-1-1 rule? ›

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

Tip #2: Reduce waste and save some money by bringing a reusable water bottle. So you can't bring H₂0 or any other liquids more than 3.4 oz. (well there are some exceptions) through security, but you CAN bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up on your way to boarding your flight after screening.

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. I chose to bring three different types: thermal, fleece-lined and normal cotton ones.

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.

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.

Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Iceland, but it is always appreciated.

From roadside restaurants to gas stations and souvenir shops, the majority of the country utilizes cash currency in Iceland. That being said, we still recommend bringing a debit card when traveling in Iceland just in case you do need to take out some Icelandic money!

In Iceland, credit cards are accepted as a universal means of payment and are actually the preferred method. Icelanders use them anywhere and everywhere, and so should you.

All tests are booked online here. Simply select Covid-19 Coronavirus Test / Fit to Fly. Then choose the type of test which you require and it will show you all the clinic locations and times you can book. PCR tests cost from £49 and lateral flow tests from £24.

How many hours before travel Do I need a PCR test? ›

This service is suitable if you need to travel within 24-72 hours of the test. Search the country entry requirement page for more information.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

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.

PCR COVID-19 testing is on Álfabakki 14a, 2nd floor, 109 Reykjavík.

Do I need to wear a face mask in Iceland? Wearing face masks is recommended indoors and for transportation.

This makes COVID-19 the number nine cause of death in Iceland this week (Table 1). Estimated total daily deaths due to COVID-19 in the past week were 1.0 times larger than the reported number of deaths. The daily rate of reported deaths due to COVID-19 is greater than 4 per million in one country (Figure 4.1).

While travel insurance is not required to enter Iceland, it is highly recommended. Because your trip to Iceland is something you've been planning and looking forward to, it's smart to purchase a travel insurance policy in case of unexpected—and expensive—situations.

Merchandise is declared to CBP. If you do not declare something that should have been declared, you risk forfeiting the item. If in doubt, declare it.

You must declare all items you purchased and are carrying with you upon return to the United States, including gifts for other people as well as items you bought for yourself. This includes duty-free items purchased in foreign countries, as well as any merchandise you intend to sell or use in your business.

Do you have to declare personal items at customs? ›

Visitor's Gift Exemptions. Travelers should declare all items being brought from abroad that will remain in the United States. This includes gifts and duty-free purchases. Goods purchased in a duty-free shop are not automatically free of duty upon your return to the United States.

If you're an American citizen, you can refuse to unlock your devices for CBP agents and still enter the country. (This may not be clear from the information sheet agents are supposed to give you during the search, which says the process is “mandatory.”) If you decline to cooperate, CBP can hold onto your device.

As you'll be carrying every piece of baggage that you're traveling with right there, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol will essentially do an audit of what you say you're bringing into the country. CBP Agents are primarily looking for anything taxable, illicit, illegal, prohibited or suspicious.

Be specific and answer promptly to clear customs quickly. If you're chosen for a search, customs agents will search your bags by hand or X-ray and ask you more questions about your trip. Of course, it's always smart to be polite and cooperative.

Up to $1,600 in goods will be duty-free under your personal exemption if the merchandise is from an IP. Up to $800 in goods will be duty-free if it is from a CBI or Andean country. Any additional amount, up to $1,000, in goods will be dutiable at a flat rate (3%).

You may clear your package yourself by visiting Canada Customs at your location. You will need to present Government-issued Photo ID and Cargo Control Document issued by DHL Express Canada.

Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

Prohibited in Checked and Cabin baggage:

Corrosives such as acids, alkalis, mercury and wet cell batteries and apparatus containing mercury. Explosives, munitions, fireworks and flares, ammunition including blank cartridges, handguns, fire works, pistol caps.

At the United States border, US immigration officers alone decide whether to allow or deny entry to travelers. Sometimes denial is clear-cut, such as a prior criminal conviction or the submission of incorrect documents. Very often, however, no specific reasons are given and denied US travelers just have to guess.