Travel Safety in Iceland Amid Volcanic Activity

Flights likely won’t be affected; however, one famous tourist site is temporarily shut.

15 November 2023

Is it still safe to visit Iceland? That’s the question on the minds of many tourists after a section of the island nation was placed under a state of emergency following a spike in seismic activity. The recent uptick in occurrences of small earthquakes began on October 24 and has reached as many as 1,000 quakes in 24 hours – a situation that scientists predict might lead to an imminent volcanic eruption.

From midnight to about noon local time on November 14, more than 700 earthquakes were recorded along the magma corridor, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, most of which were micro-quakes. However, the office is warning that this indicates a “significant likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the coming days” in the Reykjanes Peninsula, a region in Southwestern Iceland about 27 miles from Reykjavik.

Scientists highlight that the area with the highest risk of seeing an eruption is the small fishing village of Grindavík. A nine-mile long magma corridor now stretches from Kálfellsheiði—northeast of the Blue Lagoon—to the sea outside of Grindavík, which displays the “greatest area of magma upwelling.” On November 10, the Icelandic Civil Protection declared a state of emergency in the village and evacuated all of its 3,000 residents. This evacuation order will remain in effect until seismic activity subsides, with Icelandic Police restricting all access to the area.

Although teams from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and scientists from the University of Iceland are actively monitoring the situation, predicting the exact timing of any eruption or where lava could surface remains uncertain.

With that level of uncertainty and with evacuations in place, can travelers still visit Iceland? Here’s the latest on everything visitors should know.

What Areas Should Tourists Avoid?

The first thing to remember is that Iceland is highly prepared to deal with volcanic eruptions, earning its nickname as the “Land of Fire and Ice.” The nation experiences a volcanic event approximately every five years on average, showcasing its resilience in facing natural occurrences.

Travel specialists state that tourists don’t need to avoid Iceland altogether amid the latest volcanic warnings. “The latest seismology reports indicate much lower magma flow than anticipated, implying considerably lowered concern,” says Chris Gordon, founder of Icepedition, which specializes in trips to Iceland and the Arctic. “It’s important to note this same hotspot has erupted three times recently without impacting safety or tourism, in fact becoming a draw rather than a liability.”

Is It Safe to Travel to Other Parts of Iceland?

Yes. Officials confirm that the seismic event is highly localized to Grindavik and surrounding areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula. “Virtually all of Iceland is perfectly safe, except for one tiny fishing village which has very little tourist draw,” Gordon states.

How Will Air Travel Be Affected?

Reykjavik’s Keflavik airport is operating normally; consequently, no flights arriving to or departing from Iceland have been canceled or delayed. All flights are expected to continue regardless of an eruption. “While the possibility of air traffic disturbances cannot be entirely ruled out, scientists consider it an unlikely scenario,” according to available reports.

The size and location of any eruption would determine its impact on flights. Previous eruptions in the Reykjanes Peninsula over the past three years have not hindered the air travel network. Historically, volcanic eruptions disrupted flights only when lava interacted with glaciers, creating ash clouds. This scenario is not expected to occur with the current situation.

Are Local Attractions Shutting Down?

Most attractions are currently operating normally, and tourists should expect to engage in typical activities that Iceland offers during late autumn. Essentially, “people should plan to visit as if nothing happened,” Gordon suggests.

The one exception is the renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, which falls within the high-risk zone and is temporarily closed until November 30. “However, Sky Lagoon is a great alternative, situated about 20 minutes away and much closer to Reykjavik,” Gordon advises.

It’s also worth noting that some roads have sustained damage from the earthquakes, as reported by the Icelandic Road Administration.

What Other Tips and Resources Should Tourists Keep in Mind?

Travelers should stay alert and monitor local news and safety updates. Iceland’s national broadcasting service is a reliable resource for the latest information, along with a dedicated safety website that publishes current safety bulletins.

If an eruption occurs, the US Embassy in Iceland urges travelers to heed recommendations from Icelandic authorities. “Volcanic hazards may include lava, toxic gases, ash, and heavy smoke from fires ignited by lava. Avoid walking on new lava, as it may conceal molten lava just beneath the surface,” emphasizes an official statement. “Commercially available face masks offer no protection against volcanic gases that might accumulate in low-lying areas.”

Travelers can also monitor the latest weather and volcanic updates through the Icelandic Meteorological Office, which provides essential information for safety and preparedness.