Iceland customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Iceland's biggest customs risk is failing to declare goods exceeding the duty-free allowance, which can lead to fines up to ISK 500,000 (approx. USD 3,600) or confiscation. The country enforces a strict combined duty-free quota for goods, and alcohol/tobacco limits are age-dependent.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine (up to 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of beer (up to 2.25% ABV). Must be 18+ for alcohol under 22% ABV, 20+ for spirits over 22% ABV.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
ISK 1,500,000 (approx. USD 10,800) must be declared. Use the customs declaration form (available at the airport) or declare verbally to customs officers.
Goods duty-free
$720
Duty-free allowance for goods up to ISK 100,000 (approx. USD 720) per person. Above that, 24% VAT and customs duty apply on the full value, not just the excess.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without prior authorization)
  • Unprocessed meat and dairy products from outside the EU/EEA
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, whale products) without CITES permit
  • Certain plants and seeds (e.g., potatoes, soil) due to biosecurity risks

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam) require a prescription and prior approval from the Icelandic Medicines Agency
  • Drones over 250g must be registered with the Icelandic Transport Authority; import for personal use is allowed with registration
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters require a license from the Icelandic Post and Telecom Administration
  • Firearms and ammunition require a permit from the Icelandic Police
  • Cash over ISK 1,500,000 must be declared

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Keflavik Airport, follow the green channel if you have nothing to declare and are within duty-free limits. Use the red channel if you have goods to declare, including cash over ISK 1,500,000. No arrival card is required; customs officers may randomly check bags.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tax-free shopping for tourists: minimum purchase ISK 6,000 (approx. USD 43) per receipt at a store displaying 'Tax-Free Shopping'. Claim at Keflavik Airport before check-in, at the Tax-Free refund kiosk (e.g., Global Blue or Planet). Refund is 15% of the VAT (24% VAT rate).

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days supply allowed without prescription. For controlled substances (e.g., opioids, ADHD meds), bring a doctor's prescription and a letter of medical necessity. Some common Western drugs like codeine are controlled and require a prescription. Always carry original packaging.

Food, plants & animal products

No fresh meat, dairy, or eggs from outside the EU/EEA. Fruits, vegetables, and plants must be declared and inspected. Seeds and soil are prohibited. Processed foods (e.g., chocolate, canned goods) are generally allowed for personal use.

Rules worth knowing

Duty-Free Quota for Goods

Non-residents can bring goods worth up to ISK 100,000 (approx. USD 720) duty-free. This is a combined limit for all goods (excluding alcohol and tobacco). If exceeded, you pay 24% VAT and customs duty on the full value, not just the excess.

Alcohol and Tobacco Age Limits

You must be 18 to buy or import alcohol under 22% ABV, and 20 for spirits over 22% ABV. Tobacco requires age 18. These are strictly enforced at customs.

No Duty-Free on Arrival from EU/EEA

If arriving from another EU/EEA country, you can bring unlimited amounts for personal use, but customs may question quantities. For non-EU arrivals, the strict duty-free limits apply.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only processed foods like chocolate, biscuits, and canned goods. Fresh meat, dairy, and eggs from outside the EU/EEA are banned. Fruits and vegetables must be declared and inspected.
Drones over 250g must be registered with the Icelandic Transport Authority before use. Import for personal use is allowed without a permit, but you must register it online. Customs may ask for proof of registration.
You must declare the excess in the red channel. You'll pay 24% VAT and customs duty on the full value of the goods (not just the excess). Failure to declare can result in a fine of up to ISK 500,000 (approx. USD 3,600).
Yes, for up to 30 days supply. Bring a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the condition. For controlled drugs like codeine, you may need prior approval from the Icelandic Medicines Agency (call +354 510 1900).
Yes, for purchases over ISK 6,000 (approx. USD 43) at participating stores. Get a tax-free form at the store and claim at Keflavik Airport before check-in. Refund is 15% of the VAT.
No, whale products are banned unless you have a CITES permit. Iceland allows some whaling, but import of whale meat is strictly prohibited for non-residents.
Yes, if you are entering Iceland (even for transit) and carrying cash over ISK 1,500,000 (approx. USD 10,800), you must declare it. This applies to all forms of cash, including traveler's checks and money orders.

Official source

Iceland Customs (Tollstjóri)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Iceland Customs (Tollstjóri) before travelling.