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 seventh time since December, with a new fissure (which is about 3 km long) opening at 11.14pm local time on Wednesday November 20. 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 Wednesday’s eruption, neither the UK Foreign Office nor the US Department of State are recommending against travel – though the advice to avoid the affected area which was announced after the August eruption remains in place.
The latest eruption poses no threat to air travel, according to the Independent, however warnings from the Civil Protection Authority have been issued due to the gas being emitted into the peninsula near Grindavík.
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 November eruption is the seventh instance.
Grindavík is in southwest Iceland, around 42km away from the Icelandic capital Reykjavik. Its 4,000 residents were evacuated during previous events, and though the August eruption instead saw a new fissure open near Sundhnúkur crater row east of Sýlingarfell mountain, this time 50 homes in Grindavík were evacuated.
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. A notice on the destination’s website announced it would close on November 20 until at least November 21, when the situation would be reassessed.
Have flights been cancelled?
Thankfully, the latest eruption hasn’t posed any threats to air travel, and Keflavik Airport is 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, and 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 August 22, 2024, following previous ones 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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