What vaccines do I need for Iceland?

CDC recommends being up to date on routine vaccines for most travellers. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and rabies may be advised for some travellers depending on activities.

Is yellow fever required for Iceland?

No. Yellow fever vaccination is neither required for entry nor recommended by CDC for Iceland.

How long before travel to Iceland should I get vaccines?

Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines need multiple doses or a minimum interval before travel, so earlier is better.

Vaccines for Iceland — Required & Recommended

When are you departing?

Iceland is a low-risk destination for most travellers, with food and water standards comparable to the US. CDC recommends only routine vaccinations for most visitors, with hepatitis A, hepatitis B and rabies considered for some travellers depending on activities. Ensure your MMR is up to date, and see a travel health professional 4–6 weeks before departure.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to Iceland from most countries.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Food & water safety

Moderate risk

Exercise food and water precautions, particularly in rural areas and budget accommodation. Bottled or treated water is advisable. Avoid raw shellfish and salads washed in tap water. Choose cooked food served hot.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis

A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.

Polio

A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.

Flu (Influenza)

An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.

Shingles

Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).

COVID-19

Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateNot required

Food and water standards are similar to the US. Non-vaccine-preventable risks include leptospirosis from contaminated water and hantavirus from rodents; your behaviours matter more than vaccines here.

Also in Northern Europe

Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Iceland.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.