Most travelers to the island are those who travel to Iceland from the US. In fact, they top the charts with a staggering 700 000 visitors each year! And there are many times throughout the year that there are actually more American tourists on the island than Icelandic locals!
There are a variety of reasons why Iceland is such a popular destination amongst those coming from the US. In this article, we’ll be diving into the reasons why traveling from the US to Iceland might be the best holiday idea you’ve ever had. What you can expect from the entire process. Guidelines, transport, and much more below.
Why are There so Many Traveling to Iceland From the US?
There are many reasons why travel to Iceland from the US is so popular. These include:
A Volcano and a PR Campaign
When one takes a look at the statistics, it’s apparent that those traveling from the US to Iceland dramatically increased from 2010. This sudden increase was due to the Eyjafjallajökull eruption and the subsequent social media tourist campaign.
It seems like red hot volcanoes, glaciers, fjords and hot springs draw the attention of Americans.
A Budget Airline
In the past, a ticket to Iceland could leave you $1500+ out of pocket, but then Wow, a budget airline, came onto the scene. Today, flying to Iceland from the US is at least 26% cheaper than flying to other major tourist destinations. Flights via Wow can be booked for as little as $380!
Iceland is the Safest Country in the World
We’re not just saying that. In 2022, the Global Peace Index once again listed Iceland as the safest country on earth. It is now the 14th year in a row that the island has won this prestigious title. In a world that’s increasingly plagued with growing chaos (terrorist attacks, war, etc.), this promise of safety is a major incentive. #simplyamazing
The world, especially the US, is becoming more and more social media-centered. With vloggers, Instagram models, and TikTok influencers, the value of “the perfect shot” has skyrocketed. So much that there are some willing to fake it! (these Photoshop frauds are quickly called out, though - #photoshopfail).
But Iceland is a different ballgame. The incredibly contrasting landscapes in the Land of Fire and Ice with its numerous natural wonders are the perfect photographic destination for both amateur influencers and actual professional photographers.
A Strong Exchange Rate
Even though the Dollar has taken a few hammerings in the past couple of years, the Dollar is still pretty strong. $1 will get you at least more than kr100. So except for flying to Iceland from the US being fairly cheap, the exchange rate makes a holiday on the island even more affordable.
Things to know about traveling to Iceland from the U.S.
There are a few frequently asked questions when it comes to travel to Iceland from the US. We try to answer some of the most important ones below:
Does Iceland Have Any Travel Restrictions When Coming From the US?
In terms of Covid restrictions, Iceland made a very controversial decision to keep the island open for the majority of the pandemic. This was due to the economy being so reliant on tourism.
There were a few restrictions for both locals and travelers. Testing was put in place to ensure the safety of passengers and visitors, but since February 2022, all restrictions have been lifted.
Can US Citizens Enter Iceland Without a Visa?
Yes and no. Since Iceland is part of the Schengen Agreement, entering Iceland from the US can be done without a visa, but staying is another matter. This arrangement allows US visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days. So if you are planning a longer excursion to the island, you’ll need the relevant visa.
Also keep in mind that you will always need a return flight booked and your passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months after your return date.
Which Airline Should I Use?
Well, that depends on your preference, your budget, and where you’re flying from. When coming to the island, you’ll probably be landing at Keflavik Airport (the big international airport in Iceland).
But please note that many refer to it as Reykjavík or Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport, creating confusion. This airport is roughly a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík. The actual Reykjavík airport mostly caters to domestic flights.
The US airlines flying to Keflavik are Icelandair, Fly Play, Air Canada, Lufthansa, JetBlue, airBaltic, SWISS, Delta, and Brussels Airlines. Most of these offer direct flights from places such as New York, Seattle, Washington D.C., Orlando, Denver, Minneapolis, and Boston.
Helpful Travel Tips When Traveling From the US to Iceland
If you intend to visit the island in summer, you need to book everything from accommodation to transport and activities ahead of time. The summer months are the busiest time of the year in Iceland and if you don’t plan and book in advance you’ll be left thoroughly disappointed.
If you’re planning on coming to the island to experience a Midnight Sun, we recommend that you bring a sleep mask. xperiencing 24 hours of daylight is something you’ll never forget. Yet, it does tend to cause havoc on some individuals’ sleeping patterns if not managed properly.
Unless you’re planning on staying in Reykjavík or just flying from city to city and booking tours upon tours, you will need to rent your own transport. Although Iceland has public transport, it is somewhat scarce.
The island is so vast and there are so many remote regions that it will be impossible for you to do certain activities without your own transport.. Besides, we strongly believe that a road trip is the best way to explore the island anyway.
Budget wisely. An Iceland trip is not a cheap trip, but you can get more bang for your buck with some proper planning and a few cost-effective decisions.
For example, you can rent a campervan and sleep over at campsites rather than hotels or Airbnbs. Or you can give the Blue Lagoon a skip and go soak in one of the free hot springs such as Landmannalaugar.
Pack clothes so you can dress layered. The local saying says that “you can experience all four seasons in one day in Iceland”. So, between the unpredictable weather and the temperature difference between the indoors and outdoors, you’ll be putting clothes on and taking clothes off all throughout the day.
There is no need to exchange a lot of money and just end up feeling pressured to spend it all. As long as you have a credit card with a pin, you’ll be all set for payments on the island.
You Too Can Travel to Iceland From the US
Are you itching for some adventure? Has the travel bug bitten and this article just made you realize how easy and affordable it is to visit the island? Then what are you waiting for? Your favorite Iceland memory and Instagrammable moment is just a flight away!
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