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WHAT IS THE LEGAL MINIMUM DRIVING AGE IN ICELAND?
For natural lovers and road trip enthusiasts, you’ll want to know the legal driving age in Iceland so that you can come enjoy the wide open roads of the most beautiful place in the world. There may not be another country in the world which is more suited and better built for driving than Iceland. Many travelers to Iceland rent cars and motorhomes so that they can see the incredible natural landscapes that have made Iceland one of the top destinations in the world for outdoor adventure and sightseeing. Renting a car or a motorhome allows visitors to see all of the awe-inspiring sights at their own pace and in the comfort of their own vehicle. So, are you old enough to legally drive in Iceland? Find out here.
What is the legal driving age in Iceland?
The legal minimum driving age in Iceland is 17 years. This applies to citizens, local residents and visitors as well. However, as a visitor, there are a few more things to take into consideration before coming to Iceland and trying to rent a car. Please be sure to read all of the following pieces of information so that you know upon arrival that you can rent a car or motorhome and safely (and legally) drive around Iceland.
Some things to keep in mind when determining whether or not you can legally drive in Iceland due to your age and several other factors.
As a foreigner, you must have a valid license from your home country or country of residence. However, not every country’s license is accepted in Iceland. We will explain in detail a bit further down.
The legal minimum driving age in Iceland is 17 years as mentioned earlier, but this only pertains to drivers who are driving their own cars, not rental vehicles. All Icelandic rental companies mandate that all car rentals are driven by drivers who are at least 20 years old and have held a driving licence for at least 12 months.
The legal minimum driving age for other vehicles is a bit higher. For many vehicles which have 4x4 such as SUVs, the legal driving age for rentals increases to 23 years. There are many roads in Iceland which require a vehicle with 4x4 drive, so be sure to check if you should be renting an SUV or motorhome with 4x4.
Also please note that if you are under 25 years of age and you will be the driver, you will need to pay an additional fee. This applies to the rental of any type of vehicle in Iceland: cars, SUVs, motorhomes and campervans.
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- What is the minimum legal age for driving in Iceland?
- For locals, the minimum age is 17, or for those driving their own cars. If renting a car in Iceland, the minimum age requirement is 20 years of age.
What driver's licenses are accepted in Iceland? - Foreign driving licenses are accepted if they are in English or some other Roman letter, such as Spanish, Italian, Polish.
- What drivings licenses are NOT accepted in Iceland?
- Any driver's license written in a different alphabet, such as Arabic, Japanese or Korean are not accepted.
What does my driving license need to show? - All valid driver's licenses must have a photo of the driver, a driver's license number, an issue date and an expiry date.
- What else is necessary to drive in Iceland?
- When renting a car in Iceland, a valid credit card is necessary.
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurnace is also necessary. This is already included in each car rental in Iceland.
More information about the driving in Iceland: minimum legal age, driving licenses, and insurance:
Can I Drive in Iceland with a UK or US license?
Yes, if you meet the requirements in terms of the legal minimum driving age in Iceland as described above, then a driver’s license from the UK and the US are both welcomed and accepted. This is due to the fact that all licenses which are written using English are accepted by Icelandic rental car companies. As English is the second most common language in Iceland and nearly everyone (rental car companies, police, etc) are able to read and write in English, all driving licences in English are admissible.
Can I Drive in Iceland with a Foreign License?
As mentioned above, all non-Icelandic driver’s licenses that are written in English are accepted when renting a car, motorhome or campervan in Iceland. It is also possible to rent a vehicle in Iceland if your driving licence is written in some form of the Roman alphabet. This is to say that French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, and many more, are acceptable forms of a driver’s license when renting a car in Iceland. Those languages which do not use the Roman script to write in are not permissible. This includes Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Japanese and several other languages. Due to the fact that non-Roman based characters are not familiar to the local authorities or rental agencies, they cannot verify the information nor understand its contents.
What Does My Driver’s Licenses Need?
All driver’s licenses, whether in English, Czech, Portuguese or Polish will need to have a few things listed on the actual driving licence. There must always be a photo of the driver. Also, there must be a driver’s license number which is unique to the individual. There must also be an issue date and an expiry date. And the driver must have had the license for at least one year.
What other things are necessary to rent a car and drive in Iceland?
If you are renting a car in Iceland, then you must also have a valid credit card so that the rental car company can charge any damages done to the car.
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurance is mandatory in Iceland and comes included in every rental. The renter can always opt in for further, more extensive driving insurance. And it should be known that CDW is not fully comprehensive, there are many things not included in CDW, so drivers and renters should be aware of this before signing the contract.
What are some driving laws in Iceland that I should know?
Driving in Iceland is fairly easy as most of the driving will be done on wide open roads, free from traffic and far from civilization. However, there are some rules which may differ slightly from other countries and which should be noted when renting a car in Iceland:
In Iceland, cars are driven on the right side of the road, as is common in most countries, except perhaps the United Kingdom and many former British colonies.
When driving, either day or night, headlights must be on. This is a requirement, so don’t forget to keep them on all the time.
Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited. The legal BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) is 0.02 which is much lower than the US or UK where it is 0.08. This means that if you are driving, it’s best to not drink at all, as the fins are very high and it is not worth ruining your vacation with a huge driving penalty.
However, as you will be staying in small hotels in small towns or in the middle of nowhere during your trip around Iceland, you will not need to drive after dinner as the restaurant and hotel are one in the same.
Another way many visitors receive fines is when they (accidentally or intentionally) try to drive off-road. No where in Iceland is it permissible to drive off-road. This is so that we can protect the incredible nature of Iceland. Again, the fines are quite steep, so avoid driving off-road at all times.
Please see more information regarding driving in Iceland, such as weather related condtions and types of roads on Iceland.
Responsibility: Although Iceland is an ideal destination, we ask that you be a responsible tourist and that you always respect nature and follow the laws of the Icelandic governemnt. Every natural environment is fragile and vulnerable, so it is essential that you treat it with caution and respect. ID 822.
ONE-DAY TRIP TO SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA
Do you want to follow in the footsteps of the world renowed author Jules Verne as he starts his "Journey to the Center of the Earth"? Book this tour and you will be amazed by the Snaefellsnes National Park, a peninsula on Iceland's west coast, tha tis a miniature version of Iceland as it offers all of the natural beauty Iceland posseses in one location, which you can tour in one day. Although its most popular image is the impressive Snafellsjokull glacier, where our incredible adventure begins, the Snaefellsnes peninsula has so much more to offer. During this tour we will visit black sand beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters. Come and marvel at the breathtaking scenery that has captured the imagination of so many people from all over the world. When booking the tour, don't forget to put your pick-up location. For more information on pick-ups in Reykjavík, see here.
RESERVE YOUR SPACE FOR THE ONE DAY TRIP TO SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA BY BOOKING A TICKET HERE:
SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA DAY TRIP ITINERARY
During this tour we will visit black sand beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters. Among the places where we will stop are the Ytri Tunga Beach, where with a little luck you can see seals; the small and welcoming fishing village Arnarstapi, with its incredible cliffs; the former fishing village Hellnar; the beach of Djúpalónssandur; the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain; and, of course, the volcano and the glacier Snafellsjokull, considered by many to be one of the places that give off the most energy from our planet.
Details of the day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Reservations: Book your place in advance to ensure availability on the chosen date.
Duration of the activity: About 12 hours.
Place of excursion: Snaefellsnes Peninsula, west coast of Iceland.
Included in the price: Group bus tour with English speaking guide, local vat.
Scheduled departures: Daily at 8 a.m. from Reykjavík. Reykjavík pick-ups available from your assigned accommodation/tourist stop (30 minutes before the booked departure) or from the bus station BS -O (15 minutes before the booked departure). Choose the corresponding pick-up when confirming the reservation. For more information on pickups, see here.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is known as the "Iceland in miniature", since on this small peninsula you can find all the most characteristic landscapes of the island. On the clearest days, it is possible to see from Reykjavík the most significant point of the peninsula, the volcano of Snaefellsnesjokull, one of the symbols of Iceland that became famous all over the world thanks to the book of Jules Verne, "Journey to the Center of the Earth". Located in the west of Iceland, with the Brei-afj.r.ur Fjord to the north and the Gulf of Faxaflói to the south, it contains one of Iceland's four national parks and is a must for all those traveling to Iceland.
What do I need to bring? No matter at what time of year you decide to travel to Iceland, it is always important to bring a good waterproof jacket, trekking clothes (waterproof trousers like Gore-tex), good trekking shoes, gloves, light hat, sunglasses, sun cream, camera and water bottle.
Important Note: All activities on the glacier are carried out under the responsibility of the customers. Neither the provider nor ISLANDICA s.r.o. are responsible for possible accidents that may be caused by the participants during the activities or by the actions thereof. Persons who participate in these outings agree to these conditions. They may be required to sign an exemption prior to completion, stating that they are aware that all outdoor activity carries an inherent risk. Code: RE17. ID817
1-DAY HIKING TOUR TO LANDMANNALAUGAR
Do you want your experience in Iceland to be complete and unforgettable? By booking the trek to Landmannalaugar you can enter the interior of the island and take an incredible hike through the famous red mountains of Landmannalaugar. These mountains of rhyolite create a fascinating world of extraordinary colors that, together with the hot springs and lava fields so characteristic of Iceland, make this landscape a unique and unrepeatable place.
The one-day hiking tour to Landmannalaugar takes about 12 hours with transfer from Reykjavík (about 4 hours of tour through an extraordinary landscape) and is available between June and September. Book this 1-day hiking tour and you will appreciate why this place is part of one of the most desired hikes in the world.
RESERVE THE ONE-DAY HIKING TOUR TO LANDMANNALAUGAR:
DETAILS OF THE ONE-DAY HIKING TOUR TO LANDMANNALAUGAR
- Difficulty level: Moderate (2 out of 5 ).
Duration of the activity: 12 hours with transfer.
Minimum age: 10 years.
Location of the tour: Landmannalaugar.
Included in the price: 1-day hiking tour with English speaking guide, bath in a natural hot spring.
Departure time: 7:15 from the Reykjavik Tourist Information Centre in Rá-husi (city hall) in Vonarstr.ti, 7:30 from the Reykjavík campsite, opposite Reykjavik City Hostel, 7:45 from Reykjavík at 10-11 Miklabraut South (Shop/Orkan by Kringlan), 8:35 from Selfoss at gas station N1, 9:15 from Hella bus station, 12:00 opposite the main cabin in Landmannagarlau.
Scheduled departures: June-September.
Transfers: If you have not booked pick-up from Reykjavík, wait in front of the main cabin in Landmannalaugar at 12:00.
ITINERARY FOR THE 1-DAY HIKING TOUR TO LANDMANNALAUGAR
Landmannalaugar is located in the interior of Iceland. Its isolation has allowed it to preserve this landscape as one of the last "virgin" areas of Europe, a natural paradise that fortunately has not been altered by the hand of man. Landmannalaugar is geothermically active, a fact to which we owe a unique landscape formed by mountains of vivid colors, steam that rises from the ground and natural springs perfect for bathing. Book this tour and you will have the opportunity to see the place desired by so many adventurers of past times.
The tour is available with or without pick-up from Reykjavík. Please be sure to add the pickup if you do not plan to meet us directly at Landmannalaugar to begin the walk. It will depart from Landmannalaugar's main cabin and last approximately 4 hours to travel around 11-15 km surrounded by magnificent scenery.
The route passes through the Laugahraun lava field through the Vondugil canyon and reaches the Brennisteinsalda mountain, a multicolored peak very characteristic of this area. Then go down the Graenagil gorge, known as the "green ravine" in Icelandic because of the color produced by the rhyolite in this area. If the weather and conditions are good, you will have the option to reach the summit of Blahnukur volcano before diving into the hot pool in Landmannalaugar and enjoy the spectacular surroundings of this phenomenal place.
Important Note: Trekking tours are made under the customer's own responsibility. ISLANDICA s.r.o. is not responsible for possible damage or accidents suffered during the tour (both material and physical). All participants assume responsibility for their own performances during the excursions. Each participant may be required to sign the Disclaimer, where he/she declares that he or she assumes full responsibility and is aware of the possible risks involved in this type of excursion. Code: AA-TR-LHT, ID814
1-Day Hiking Tour to Landmannalaugar
LANDMANNALAUGAR : 3-DAY HIKING
Hiking the colored mountains of Landmannalaugar
Known as the "pearl" of Icelandic nature, the Landmannalaugar Mountains are mountains of riolite that create a fascinating world of extraordinary colors and hot springs where you can bathe in the middle of nature. Hiking through these landscapes is the closest thing to walking "on a painting". Whether you have hiking experience or just want to admire a magical world, the colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar is the perfect destination in Iceland.
Our 3-day hiking tour includes a hike along the incredible Ljótipollur crater, the Brenninteinsalda volcano, the Mountain of Su-uhámur, the 60000-year-old volcano with incredible views, Bláhnúkur; and much more. In addition, you can enjoy a comforting hot springs bath in the middle of nature. All meals included.
RESERVE THE 3-DAY HIKING TRIP TO LANDMANNALAUGAR MOUNTAINS :
DETAILS FOR THE 3-DAY HIKING TRIP TO LANDMANNALAUGAR
- Duration of the activity: 3 days.
Difficulty of the tour: Moderate (2-3 out of 5 possible).
Place of the tour: Landmannalaugar.
Included in the price: English speaking guide, transfers, 3 days hiking trip, accommodation in mountain cabins, meals, local iva.
Departure time: 7:00 hours. Departure from the center of Reyjavík, tourist information centre on A-Alstr-ti 2.
Scheduled departures: Between June and September. Check the booking panel.
Minimum age: 10 years.
Number of participants: 14 people per guide.
What do you need to bring? Waterproof hiking clothes, good waterproof hiking shoes, swimsuit, hat, gloves, backpack of 25-40 liters, slippers for accommodation, sleeping bag, pillow, necessary medicines, towel.
LANDMANNALAUGAR 3-DAY HIKING TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1: FROSTASTAÐAVATN, LJÓTIPOLLUR
Our three-day adventure begins in Reykjavík. Once the presentations have been made at the meeting place - A-alstr-ti Street 2 at 7.00am, in the center of the capital - we will head by regular bus to the interior of Iceland. We will pass through the beautiful valley of the city, in the direction of the Hekla volcano. Through extensive lava fields from previous eruptions, we will approach the stunning mountains of Landmannalaugar. After lunch, it's time to do some hiking. We will start with a 10 kilometer hike that will take us to Lake Ljótipollur, which has nothing ugly despite its unfortunate name "ugly puddle". This lake is considered one of the 42 most beautiful crater lakes in the world. The reddish color of the crater and the bright blue of the water will marvel at us. And if that wasn't enough, you can enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath at sunset. The first day includes lunch and dinner.
DAY 2: BRENNISTEINSALDA, VONDUGIL AND THE RED MOUNTAINS OF SUÐURNÁMUR
For the second day of our 3-day hiking trip we have booked a hike of about 11 kilometers to reach Suðurnámur, a mountain of 200 000 years rich in rhyolite, mineral that gives that color so striking and attractive to our eyes. Along the way, we will enjoy some of the most interesting and colorful places that make up the landscape of the "pearl" of Icelandic nature, Landmannalaugar: Kirkjufelli, the volcano Bláhnúkur or Brennisteinsalda, the most colorful mountain in Iceland. The second day includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 3: BLÁHNÚKUR VOLCANO
After breakfast, we will resume our 3-day hiking trip with a 3.5-hour hike to Bláhnúkur, a 60000-year-old blue volcano. A trail leads to the top of the mountain, from where you can see up to five glaciers, if the weather accompanies and visibility is good. Bláhnukur is undoubtedly one of the best places to photograph Landmannalaugar. Its panoramic view is second to none. After the descent, and after knowing all the geological details that make this landscape a unique place in the world, we will take the bus back to Reykjavik, where we will arrive around 21:00 hours to the meeting and farewell point. Breakfast and lunch are included on the third day.
Important Note: Hiking tours are made under the customer's own responsibility. ISLANDICA s.r.o. is not responsible for possible damage or accidents suffered during the tour (both material and physical). All participants assume responsibility for their own performances during the excursions. Each participant may be required to sign the Disclaimer, where he/she declares that he or she assumes full responsibility and is aware of the possible risks involved in this type of excursion. Code: AR-TR-LPOH, ID813
Hiking the Colored Mountains of Landmannalaugar
VISA FOR ICELAND: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
FOR ICELAND: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you're planning a trip to Iceland soon and want to understand whether you need a visa (or other entry permits), this guide will help. Below you’ll find updated links, contacts, and official requirements as of 2025.
Important reminder: This information is for orientation only. Always verify with official authorities or your local embassy/consulate for the most current rules.
ENTRY & VISA REQUIREMENTS
Schengen Membership & Short-Stay Travel
Iceland is a full member of the Schengen Area, so it follows the common Schengen rules for short stays.
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Travelers with a valid Schengen visa can enter Iceland without needing a separate Icelandic visa.
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If you plan to stay in Iceland (or the Schengen area) for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may or may not need a visa depending on your nationality.
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For nationalities that require a visa, you must apply for a uniform Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate responsible for your area or at the one for your main destination.
Documents & Conditions for Entry
Non-EEA / non-EFTA citizens must meet certain conditions at entry:
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Valid travel document or passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area)
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The travel document should have been issued within the last 10 years
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Proof of purpose of stay (tourism, visiting family, business, etc.)
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Financial means to support yourself during your stay and return travel
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No entry bans or alerts in the Schengen information system
If you intend to stay in Iceland longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit.
VISA APPLICATION PROCESS & WHERE TO APPLY
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You must lodge your Schengen visa application at the embassy or consulate (or application center) responsible for your country or your main destination within Schengen.
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Icelandic embassies directly issue visas in London, New Delhi, Beijing, and Washington, D.C.
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In many other cities, Iceland tasks other Schengen states to handle visa processing on its behalf.
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Be sure to check the website of the specific embassy or consulate (or visa center) you’ll use, because procedures, opening hours, and document checklists may differ.
WORK & RESIDENCE PERMITS (FOR STAYS BEYOND 90 DAYS)
If your plan is to live and work in Iceland, here’s what you need to know:
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For non-EEA / non-EFTA nationals, having a visa for short stay does not entitle you to work. Separate residence and work permits are required.
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The prospective employer usually must submit the application for a work permit.
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The Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) handles residence permit applications, and if conditions are met, forwards the case to the Directorate of Labour for the work permit side.
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Work permits are tied to a specific employer and role; switching jobs or employers usually requires a new permit application.
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Different categories include “expert knowledge,” “shortage of labor,” “athletes,” and service/collaboration contracts.
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Processing times vary; first residence permit approval can take several months.
CONTACTS & RESOURCES
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Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) – handles residence, visas, immigration matters.
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For visa and immigration info, the official government site “Visa to Iceland” is a key resource.
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For embassy locations globally, see Iceland’s “Iceland Abroad / Embassies” section on its official site.
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Always consult the local Icelandic embassy or consulate in your country of residence for the latest requirements.
Important Note: This content is for informational purposes only. While we strive to keep it current, official visa, immigration rules, or processing procedures may change at any time. ICELAND s.r.o. (www.viajesislandia.com) is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or validity of the data provided here. For definitive, up-to-date information, you must consult: The Icelandic Directorate of Immigration or relevant Icelandic authorities ir the Icelandic embassy or consulate in your country ID-808
