Iceland is a popular travel destination thanks to its unique natural landscapes, hot springs and the opportunity to witness the elusive Northern Lights. It’s typically regarded as a super safe place for travellers and expats – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t susceptible to natural disasters.
A volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula has erupted for the sixth time since December, with a new fissure opening at 9.29pm local time on August 22 after a series of earthquakes and days of pressure build-up.
Understandably, those with trips booked to Iceland might wonder whether visiting the country is safe. This is everything we know about travelling to Iceland right now.
Is it safe to travel to Iceland?
Despite Thursday’s eruption, neither the UK Foreign Office nor the US Department of State are recommending against travel – though the former has warned against travelling near the affected region.
Given the eruptions have been going on for months now, scientists say the geological system could be active for decades, maybe even centuries. However, it’s being constantly monitored, and in response to the eruptions local authorities have constructed barriers to redirect lava flows away from essential infrastructure, such as the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon, according to the Guardian.
Where was the volcanic eruption in Iceland?
Since December 2023, a long-dormant volcano just north of Grindavík, a town in the Reykjanes Peninsula, has been erupting. This is the sixth instance.
Grindavík is in southwest Iceland, around 42km away from the Icelandic capital Reykjavik. Its 4,000 residents were evacuated during previous events, but this eruption instead saw a new fissure open near Sundhnúkur crater row east of Sýlingarfell mountain, and this time lava is not flowing near the town.
Is the Blue Lagoon open?
The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions, has been closed and evacuated a couple of times due to previous eruptions.
Though the affected area is further north than previously, a notice on the destination’s website announced it would close on August 22 until at least August 23, when the situation would be reassessed.
Have flights been cancelled?
Thankfully, the department for civil protection and emergency management has said that the effects of this latest eruption are localised, and Isavia, Iceland’s national airport and air navigation service provide, said flights are all operating normally.
Your best bet if you have a flight booked to or out of Iceland is to keep an eye on your airline’s website for updates on whether your journey will be affected. Multiple airlines have said they’ll contact passengers if and when the situation changes, but right now disruption doesn’t look likely.
What is the UK Foreign Office saying?
Despite the eruption, the UK Foreign Office has not advised against tourists visiting Iceland, but they have updated their ‘Safety and Security’ advice.
It reads: ‘These [recent eruptions] have affected the town of Grindavik and the area to the north of it. Icelandic authorities advise that you stay away from this area. All roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed.
It is likely there will be further eruptions in this location. Monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities’ advice on travel to the area. Keflavik International Airport and the road to it is unaffected and operating normally. The capital city, Reykjavik, and the rest of Iceland is not impacted by the eruptions.’
It also advises keeping up with the Icelandic Met Office, Safe Travel Iceland and Almannavarnadeild Facebook page.
What are your rights if you’ve booked a trip to Iceland?
As the UK Foreign Office has not advised against travel, it’s likely your trip will go ahead as normal. Unless the advice changes, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to cancel your trip without a penalty. Contact your travel provider directly for all the up-to-date info about your trip.
When was the last eruption in Iceland?
The last volcanic eruption in Iceland was on May 29, 2024, following four other eruptions in January, February, March and December. Before that, other than some volcanic activity in 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula was dormant for 800 years.
In 2010, an ash cloud from the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption was responsible for the biggest halt to European air traffic since World War Two.
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