HELP CENTRE: Iceland Full Circle Uncovered

This section has been carefully compiled to help you prepare for your tour in the best possible way, to answer any questions you have, and to minimise any inconveniences you may experience on tour.

Booking Confirmation

Once you have booked your tour, you will be issued a confirmation invoice from Expat Explore or your travel consultant. Please ensure that all of the services (including any extra accommodation or transfers) for which you have paid are shown and that all names have been spelt correctly.

Make sure you have read the "Tour Start & End Points" - this will give you information about where and when to meet your tour on the departure day.

Travel Insurance

When you sign up for an Expat Explore tour, you are required to secure adequate travel insurance cover for the duration of your trip. If you cannot provide the Expat Explore team with proof of adequate travel insurance prior to the start of your tour, you will not be permitted to embark on day one. 

Budgeting

Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK or kr). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including contactless and phone payments at restaurants, cafés and public toilets.

As a guide, allow around 2,500–4,000 ISK for lunch and 4,000–7,000 ISK for a restaurant dinner.
Iceland has a no-tipping culture, so service is normally included. This does not apply to the tour leader and driver, who may be tipped at your discretion.

Packing

Iceland's weather can change quickly. Check the forecast before you leave and pack waterproof outerwear and layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures.

We recommend sturdy, water-resistant shoes suitable for gravel, uneven paths and steps. 

Health

Pharmacies are available in Reykjavík, Akureyri and other larger towns, but can be harder to find in smaller communities. Bring any regular medication with you.

Iceland is generally a very safe destination. In an emergency, call 112.

Tour Accommodation

Hotels in the countryside are often small, comfortable and simple, with many being family-run. The on-tour hotels are not subject to a specific star rating, but all on-tour accommodation is pre-vetted and is neat and comfortable. 
Some don't have lifts – this is common in rural Iceland and part of the character of staying in smaller communities.

Itinerary Changes

Iceland's weather and road conditions can change quickly. Occasionally, this means stops may be reordered or substituted during your tour. No animal sightings, snow, or other natural phenomena can be guaranteed.

Travelling Responsibly

Iceland's landscapes are beautiful but fragile. Stay on marked paths, never walk on or pull at moss, and don't stack stones or build cairns. Moss can take decades to recover from damage.
Drone use is restricted at many natural attractions, so always check local rules before flying one. You can also learn more through the Icelandic Pledge.

Electricity

Iceland uses 230V electricity and European Type C/F plugs, the same as mainland Europe. Travellers from the UK, North America and Australia will need a plug adapter. If you're travelling from North America, check that your devices support dual voltage.

Visa-Exempt Travellers

Citizens of countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and UAE can generally visit Iceland visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

You should have:

• A passport valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Iceland
• Proof of onward or return travel
• Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds

ETIAS: Visa-exempt travellers can visit the official ETIAS website to check if they require a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in order to visit Iceland on their chosen departure date.

Travellers Who Need a Visa

Citizens of countries such as India, China, South Africa, the Philippines, Nigeria and Turkey generally need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before travelling to Iceland.
Apply through the Icelandic embassy or official visa application centre in your country of legal residence.

EU / EEA / EFTA Citizens

Citizens of the EU, EEA and EFTA can enter and stay in Iceland for short visits using a valid national ID card or passport.

Entry Documents

If you're visiting from outside the EEA, you may need:

• A valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months after departure
• Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 in emergency medical care across the Schengen Area
• Proof of sufficient funds
• A return or onward travel ticket
• Always check the latest entry requirements for your nationality before travelling.

 

Most stops on this tour are at natural sites, so expect gravel and rocky paths, uneven terrain, steps and some uphill or downhill walking. Some paths can be icy. There isn't always step-free access. Most stops involve around 15-20 minutes of walking. 

You should be comfortable walking unaided on uneven surfaces. Most stops have a closer viewpoint if you'd prefer to walk less. This tour is suitable for travellers who are reasonably fit and mobile.