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      10. Jul 2026Ministry of Justice, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Prime Ministers Office, Public Safety and Security

      Volcanic activity in Reykjanes

      Volcanic activity in Reykjanes Ministry of Justice Ministry for Foreign Affairs Prime Ministers Office Updated 30 July 2025 An eruption began on the Reykjanes Peninsula shortly before 4 AM on July 16th, in the Sundhnúkur fissure just north of Grindavík. The lava flow is ongoing but has decreased significantly since the eruption began, with activity remaining in one crater. Air traffic to and from Iceland is unaffected, and Iceland remains open and safe for tourists

      01. Jul 2026Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Public Safety and Security, European Affairs, Security and Defense, Foreign Affairs, Ukraine

      Iceland takes over the Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States

      Iceland has today taken over from Poland the Presidency of Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) from Poland.

      01. Jul 2026Reports, Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, Security and Defense, Public Safety and Security, Other, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

      Priorities of the Icelandic Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) 2026 - 2027

      Iceland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) from Poland today, 1 July 2026, at a time of profound geopolitical challenges in the Baltic Sea Region.

      01. Jul 2026Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Public Safety and Security, European Affairs, Security and Defense, Foreign Affairs, Ukraine

      Iceland takes over the Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States

      Iceland has today taken over from Poland the Presidency of Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) from Poland.

      28. May 2026Reports, Public Safety and Security, Foreign Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

      Consular Services Policy 2026 - 2030

      The Consular Services Policy 2026 - 2030 is now accessible in English. The Icelandic report was published in December 2025.

      20. May 2026Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Public Safety and Security

      AML - CFT policies

      AML - CFT policies Ministry of Justice Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs The Governments policy on AML, CFT and CPF was published in July 2019. The policy states clear determination to on-going combat of money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing. The policy seeks to promote further cooperation of competent authorities and ensure that all necessary measures are available

      14. Apr 2026Foreign Affairs, Public Safety and Security, Security and Defense, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Reports

      Defence and Security Policy

      Translated version of the Parliamentary Resolution on a Defence and Security Policy approved by the Althing on 3 February 2026

      14. Apr 2026Foreign Affairs, Public Safety and Security, Security and Defense, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Reports

      Defence and Security Policy

      Translated version of the Parliamentary Resolution on a Defence and Security Policy approved by the Althing on 3 February 2026

      10. Mar 2026Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Justice, Public Safety and Security

      Public safety and security

      Public safety and security Ministry of Infrastructure Ministry of Justice Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate The government's security policy is implemented through the Civil Protection and Security Council. The principal objectives of security policy are to ensure the safety, environment and property of the general public and to co-ordinate preventive actions and response to catastrophes of any sort. Security is a basic concern of society, which the state and other public bodies seek to ensure, including the safety of individuals and social groups, protection of human rights, identities, values and core institutions, such as important social infrastructure

      26. Feb 2026Prime Ministers Office, Public Safety and Security

      National security

      National security Prime Ministers Office The National Security Council operates under Act No. 98/2016, on the National Security Council, adopted by the Icelandic parliament Althingi on 1 September 2016. The main role of the National Security Council is to ensure that the implementation of Iceland’s National Security Policy accords with Parliamentary Resolution No

      18. Feb 2026Reports, Ministry of Justice, Public Safety and Security, Law and Order

      Safer Iceland - Policy and Actions against Organised Crime

      18 February 2026 / Ministry of Justice Safer Iceland - Policy and Actions against Organised Crime Policy and action against organised crime. This policy discusses the priorities and actions the government considers necessary to combat organised crime in Iceland. The policy is intended to set out a clear vision for the future and ensure that the authorities have the tools necessary to combat organised crime

      16. Feb 2026Public Safety and Security

      Prevention of brush fires

      Júlíus Sigurjónsson Prevention of brush fires Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate Brush fires can spread rapidly, for instance, in dry conditions and strong winds and in many cases can result in extensive damage. Lighting fires outdoors is prohibited where they could cause a public hazard or damage to the environment, vegetation, fauna or structures. Care must be exercised with all equipment which could cause fires outdoors, such as barbecues, lights, outdoor fireplaces, candles and heaters, and all travellers must use extreme care in handling fire

      19. Jan 2026Public Safety and Security

      Meteorology and natural hazards

      Meteorology and natural hazards Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate Iceland is an unusally dynamic country in terms of weather and tectonic forces. This means that Icelanders have to be prepared for a multitude of natural hazards: Storms, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and avalanches. The monitoring of such hazards and an effective system of public warning and response is seen as essential for public safety and welfare

      07. Nov 2025Reports, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Public Safety and Security, Foreign Affairs

      Report of parliamentary consultative panel

      Iceland’s defence and security policy shall be based on the National Security Policy, which aims to ensure the independence, sovereignty, democratic governance, and territorial integrity of Iceland, the safety of its citizens, the defence of the country, and the protection of the governmental system and critical national infrastructure.

      07. Nov 2025Reports, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Public Safety and Security, Foreign Affairs

      Report of parliamentary consultative panel

      Iceland’s defence and security policy shall be based on the National Security Policy, which aims to ensure the independence, sovereignty, democratic governance, and territorial integrity of Iceland, the safety of its citizens, the defence of the country, and the protection of the governmental system and critical national infrastructure.

      10. Jul 2023Prime Ministers Office, Public Safety and Security, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

      Icelandic Government advice following a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula

      Today, at 16:40 GMT, a volcanic eruption started when lava began flowing from a ground fissure measuring about one kilometer long, between Litli-Hrútur peak and Mt. Keilir on the Reykjanes peninsula. The site of the eruption is close to where similar eruptions have occurred twice in the past two years.

      31. Aug 2022Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education, Public Safety and Security, Transport and Telecommunications, Information Technology, Ministry of Culture٫ Innovation and Higher Education

      Iceland‘s National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2037 released in English

      The Icelandic National Cybersecurity Strategy for the years 2022-2037 has been released in English on the Government’s website. The strategy includes the Government’s vision and objectives for the state of cybersecurity in Iceland, along with indicators and emphases related to achieving the defined objectives.

      31. Aug 2022Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education, Public Safety and Security, Transport and Telecommunications, Information Technology, Ministry of Culture٫ Innovation and Higher Education

      Iceland‘s National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2037 released in English

      The Icelandic National Cybersecurity Strategy for the years 2022-2037 has been released in English on the Government’s website. The strategy includes the Government’s vision and objectives for the state of cybersecurity in Iceland, along with indicators and emphases related to achieving the defined objectives.

      03. Aug 2022Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Public Safety and Security, Prime Ministers Office

      A small volcanic eruption in southwest Iceland

      At 13:18 GMT today lava began flowing from a ground fissure around Fagradalsfjall near the town of Grindavík on the Reykjanes peninsula. The eruption follows intense seismic activity over the past few days.

      04. Jun 2021Foreign Affairs, Foreign Nationals, Life and Health, Public Safety and Security, Covid-19, Tourism, Ministry of Health, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

      Interoperable European COVID-19 vaccination certificate for travellers

      A trial project is being undertaken for the reception of a European digital COVID-19 certificate at the borders of Iceland for those arriving to the country.

      02. Apr 2021Ministry of Health, Life and Health, Public Safety and Security, Tourism, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

      FAQ regarding amended rules at the borders on testing and quarantine

      As of April 1, 2021 new regulations no. 355/2021 are in effect about quarantine and isolation and testing at the Icelandic border due to COVID-19. With regards to inquiries made about quarantine houses and other novelties related to this regulatory change, Icelandic authorities have compiled the main questions and answers to them:

      20. Mar 2021Prime Ministers Office, Public Safety and Security, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

      A small volcanic eruption has started in Iceland

      At approximately 20.45 last night lava began flowing from a rupture in the ground around Fagradalsfjall near the fishing town of Grindavík on the Reykjanes peninsula. The eruption is considered to be small and due to its location, there is no threat to any populated areas or critical infrastructure. A few roads in the vicinity of the eruption have been closed and people are advised to stay away from valleys and other places near the fissure where toxic gases can accumulate.

      04. Mar 2021Public Safety and Security, Prime Ministers Office, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

      Possible volcanic activity in southwest Iceland

      Following a series of earthquakes, a volcanic tremor pulse was detected south of Mt Keilir, in the Reykjanes Peninsula, yesterday afternoon. The area is in southwest Iceland, about 20km (12.5 miles) from Keflavik International Airport and about 15km (less than 10 miles) from the Reykjavík metropolitan area. Such a tremor pulse is a strong indicator of intrusive magma movements that could lead to an imminent volcanic eruption. However, no eruption has been confirmed, but the area is being monitored closely.

      15. Jan 2021Ministry of Health, Prime Ministers Office, Foreign Affairs, Life and Health, Public Safety and Security, Transport and Telecommunications, Covid-19, Tourism, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

      Covid-19 screening mandatory for arriving passengers until spring

      As of today, all passengers must undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Iceland, followed by a 5–6-day quarantine and a second screening at the end of quarantine period. This procedure will remain in place until 1 May, when cautious steps will be taken to ease restrictions, based on the epidemiological situation at passenger's point of departure. This was decided at today's cabinet meeting.

      15. Jan 2021Ministry of Health, Prime Ministers Office, Foreign Affairs, Life and Health, Public Safety and Security, Transport and Telecommunications, Covid-19, Tourism, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

      Covid-19 screening mandatory for arriving passengers until spring

      As of today, all passengers must undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Iceland, followed by a 5–6-day quarantine and a second screening at the end of quarantine period. This procedure will remain in place until 1 May, when cautious steps will be taken to ease restrictions, based on the epidemiological situation at passenger's point of departure. This was decided at today's cabinet meeting.

      14. Aug 2020Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Infrastructure, Prime Ministers Office, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Public Safety and Security, Covid-19, Life and Health

      Double border screening for all arriving passengers

      The Government of Iceland has decided to impose more comprehensive border-screening measures as of 19 August. All arriving passengers must choose between a 14-day quarantine and a double testing procedure along with a quarantine for 5-6 days.

      12. Aug 2020Life and Health, Public Safety and Security, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

      Modified rules on restrictions on public gatherings take effect on 14 August

      Rules on social distancing will be eased for colleges, universities, and sports, according to a new announcement issued by Svandís Svavarsdóttir, Minister of Health. Otherwise, the general rule of the two-meter social distancing between individuals still applies. In circumstances where the two-meter distance cannot be maintained and on public transport journeys lasting more than 30 minutes, face masks should be worn.

      06. Jul 2020Reports, Foreign Affairs, Public Safety and Security, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

      Nordic Foreign Ministers receive report on Nordic cooperation on foreign and security policy

      On 30 October 2019, the foreign ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden decided to task Mr. Björn Bjarnason of Iceland to prepare an independent report with non-binding proposals on how to further develop Nordic cooperation on foreign and security policy.

      25. Mar 2020Life and Health, Public Safety and Security, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Justice, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

      Strict measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 in Iceland

      Icelandic authorities are taking strict measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 disease in the country.

      09. Mar 2020Public Safety and Security, Life and Health, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

      Response to COVID-19 in Iceland

      Icelandic authorities have taken preventive steps to contain the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus in the country. As Iceland has few entry points and the lowest population density in Europe, the country has been able to move swiftly to identify, communicate with and, where necessary, quarantine Icelandic residents who have been travelling from high risk areas and those who have been in contact with individuals diagnosed with the virus.

      09. Mar 2020Public Safety and Security, Life and Health, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

      Response to COVID-19 in Iceland

      Icelandic authorities have taken preventive steps to contain the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus in the country. As Iceland has few entry points and the lowest population density in Europe, the country has been able to move swiftly to identify, communicate with and, where necessary, quarantine Icelandic residents who have been travelling from high risk areas and those who have been in contact with individuals diagnosed with the virus.

      12. Jan 2018Legislation, Ministry of Justice, Law and Order, Public Safety and Security, Regulations, Acts of Parliament

      Regulation on management of personal information by the police, No. 322 9 April 2001 with amendment no. 926/2004

      12 January 2018 / Ministry of Justice Regulation on management of personal information by the police, No. 322 9 April 2001 with amendment no. 926/2004 In case of any discrepancies between the original text in Icelandic and the translation, only the original text as published in the Official Gazette of Iceland (Stjórnartíðindi) is authentic

      12. Jan 2018Legislation, Ministry of Justice, Law and Order, Public Safety and Security, Acts of Parliament

      Police Act, No. 90/1996

      12 January 2018 / Ministry of Justice Police Act, No. 90/1996 In case of any discrepancies between the original text in Icelandic and the translation, only the original text as published in the Official Gazette of Iceland (Stjórnartíðindi) is authentic. Please note as well that amendments may have been made since the translations were prepared

      21. Dec 2017Legislation, Public Safety and Security, Ministry of Justice, Acts of Parliament

      Act on the Icelandic Coast Guard

      21 December 2017 / Ministry of Justice Act on the Icelandic Coast Guard No. 52, June 14th 2006 Entered into force 1 July 2006. Chapter I Direction, area of operations, and tasks of the Icelandic Coast Guard Section 1 Purpose The Icelandic Coast Guard shall provide security and rescue services at sea, enforce law at sea, and perform any other tasks provided for in this Act or any administrative provisions issued in accordance with it, or as otherwise ordered as provided for by law

      21. Dec 2017Legislation, Public Safety and Security, Ministry of Justice, Acts of Parliament

      Civil Protection Act

      21 December 2017 / Ministry of Justice Civil Protection Act No. 82, 12 June 2008 SECTION I General provisions. Article 1 The aim of civil protection

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