From: "U.S. Dept of State Listserver" Subject: DOSTRAVEL Iceland Consular Information Sheet 07/29/99 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Fri, 30 Jul 1999 17:35:46 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Reply-To: "U.S. Dept of State Listserver" Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:2307 Path: world!root Sender: US Dept of State Travel Warnings Message-ID: <199907301737.MAA46828@piglet.cc.uic.edu> Approved: usenet@world.std.com Distribution: wstd Comments: To: dostravel@uic.edu Lines: 131 Iceland - Consular Information Sheet July 29, 1999 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Iceland is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. The capital city is Reykjavik. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required, but no visa is needed for tourist or business stays up to three months. For further information concerning entry requirements for Iceland, travelers may contact the Embassy of Iceland at 1156 15th Street N.W., Suite 1200, Washington, D.C. 20005, tel. (202) 265-6653, or the Icelandic Consulate General in New York. Travelers may also see the Embassy9s website at http://www.iceland.org. CRIME INFORMATION: Iceland has a low crime rate. However, tourists should be aware that downtown Reykjavik can become disorderly on weekend evenings. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. MEDICAL FACILITIES: Excellent medical facilities are available. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State9s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, 3Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,2 available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000. OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention9s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1- 877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Iceland is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Safety of Public Transportation: Excellent Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Excellent Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good Many roads outside the capital are unpaved, and caution should be exercised, particularly during the winter months when weather and road conditions can change very quickly. The winter day lasts only a few hours. Rural roads are more dangerous, especially those on the west and east coasts since they are very narrow and slippery. When traveling in the Icelandic mid-highland, caution should be exercised since weather conditions can change in minutes. Driving under the influence of alcohol in Iceland is considered a serious matter. Blood alcohol levels are measured by a stricter standard than in the U.S., and penalties for driving under the influence are relatively severe. Hikers/backpackers are well advised to stay on marked trails, to travel with someone or at least let someone else know about the travel plans, and to check weather reports. For specific information concerning Icelandic driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Iceland National Tourist Organization offices in New York via the Internet at http://www.iceland.org/oeku.htm. AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed Iceland9s Civil Aviation Authority as Category One -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Icelandic air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at tel. 1 (800) 322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://cas.faa.gov. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at tel. 1-703-697-7288. CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Iceland9s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Iceland are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Y2K INFORMATION: U.S. citizens contemplating traveling or residing abroad in late 1999 or early 2000 should be aware of potential difficulties. They may wish to consider taking practical precautions against possible disruptions of services triggered by the Y2K computer phenomenon. Please monitor the home page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs for updates on Y2K issues at http://travel.state.gov/y2kca.html. CHILDREN9S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children, international parental child abduction, and international child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children9s_issues.html or telephone (202) 736- 7000. REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Iceland may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik and obtain updated information on travel and security within Iceland. The U.S. Embassy is located at Laufasvegur 21, tel. (354) 562-9100; fax (354) 562-9118. * * * * This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 31, 1997, to update the sections on Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Medical Facilities, and Registration/Embassy and Consulate Location, and to add sections on Medical Insurance, Other Health Information, Aviation Safety Oversight, Criminal Penalties, Y2K Information, and Children9s Issues.