Travel Vaccines and Advice for Iceland
A popular destination, Iceland is known for its natural, rugged beauty.
Iceland is the ideal place for hiking, horseback riding and dozens of other activities. With attractions like volcanic waterfalls and the Aurora Borealis, Iceland is a great destination.
Do I Need Vaccines for Iceland?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Iceland. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Iceland: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Iceland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Iceland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Iceland
“Excellent reception,quick service, friendly and knowledgeable staff.”
“I found the meeting very informative and the nurse was professional and knowledgeable. I would return to the clinic before every trip to be safe. I can leave for Iceland with a clear head.”
Do I Need a Visa for Iceland?
A passport which is valid for at least 3 months from the expected date of departure is required to enter the country. A tourist visa is not required for up to 90 days, a business visa is not required either. Travellers may stay in Iceland for 4 weeks without a visa but employment authorization prior to arrival.
Iceland Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Iceland? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Iceland and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Iceland?
Despite Iceland’s name and northern location, it has a fairly mild climate. The Gulf Stream current brings warmer waters and higher temperatures. This keeps the weather fairly mild.
Iceland’s average temperatures in January, the coldest month, is around 0 degrees. July temperatures are around 10 degrees. Because of the Gulf Stream, Iceland often experiences abrupt and frequent weather shifts.
Iceland’s different coasts experience a slight variety in weather. The northern and eastern coasts, are generally colder in the winter but warmer in the summer. They also experience less snow and rain. Iceland is known for its strong winds.
How Safe is Iceland?
Iceland is a safe country for travellers. It has a very low crime rate, with only rare incidents of violent crime. The most common crime is theft or pickpocketing. Be aware of your possessions at all times. Don’t leave your belongings unattended in public places.
Warming Up in the Blue Lagoon
One of the most iconic and popular tourist destinations in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. This is a warm mineral-rich geothermal pool that many people claim can help heal. The lagoon is actually a man-made phenomenon. But, it uses natural heat from volcanic vents to heat the water. While most of the water is warm, there is a special section that is an even higher temperature for those who want some extra heat.
The lagoon is run by a nearby hotel and spa. You can choose to buy an entrance ticket with basic entry to the lagoon. Or, you can spring for a few other experiences with extra spa bonuses, like mud masks and other spa pampering.
The Blue Lagoon can be reached by car from Reykjavik, the capital city, as well as from the airport. Public vans are available, or you can rent a car or arrange your own private transportation. You can also choose to stay at the hotel on the Blue Lagoon to cut travel time.
What Should I Pack for Iceland?
To enjoy your stay in Iceland to the fullest, be sure to bring along a few essentials:
- Jacket – Even if you’re travelling to Iceland at the height of summer, it can get cold. Bring a jacket that is warm, and preferably windproof and waterproof. You’ll likely want other warm layers as well.
- Sleeping Mask – This item is not so necessary in the winter, but in the summer, the sun doesn’t set fully. A sleeping mask is essential for a good night’s rest.
- Swimsuit – Based on its climate, Iceland doesn’t seem like the right place to go for a dip. But, it’s famous for its hot springs and geothermal pools.
- Sunscreen – Since the sun stays up so long, it’s important to ensure you have the right protection from the sun.
Canadian Embassy in Iceland
Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is where the Canadian Embassy can be found.
Embassy of Canada to Iceland
14 Tungata, 101
Reykjavik, Iceland
Phone: (+354) 575-6500
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Iceland?
Do I Need a Visa for Iceland?
What is the Climate Like in Iceland?
How Safe is Iceland?
Warming Up in the Blue Lagoon
What Should I Pack for Iceland?
Canadian Embassy in Iceland
