Emergency in Iceland: Call 112 for Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue
Emergency & Safety
Everything you need to stay safe, and what to do if something goes wrong
Something is wrong and I do not know who to call.
Emergency: Call 112
For any emergency in Iceland, police, fire, ambulance or search and rescue, call 112. It is Iceland's official emergency number, the same universal 112 used across Europe. Operators answer 24/7 and speak English. If you are not sure whether it counts as an emergency, call anyway. They will help you.
911 does not work in Iceland. Please save 112 in your phone before you arrive.
No SIM, no credit, no problem. 112 works from any phone with mobile signal, even a locked one.
Country code +354. Icelandic numbers are 7 digits. From abroad, dial +354 then the number. Inside Iceland, just dial 112.
Official website: 112.is. Free 112 Iceland app on iOS and Android.
Not an emergency? Other numbers to know
If it is not urgent, please do not use 112. These lines free 112 up for real emergencies.
24/7 nurse advice line (Heilsuvera, run by the Directorate of Health). Free medical advice from a nurse, day or night. From abroad, dial +354 544 4113. This is the honest number to remember for "I feel unwell, is this serious?"
Læknavaktin, out-of-hours doctor for the Reykjavík capital area. Evenings, weekends and public holidays when your local health centre is closed.
Police, non-emergency. Lost property, minor traffic incidents, general inquiries.
Landspítali switchboard (Iceland's main hospital in Reykjavík). For general hospital inquiries. Emergencies still go to 112.
Note on 1181. Some guides mention "1181" as a helpline in Iceland. It is not an emergency or nurse advice number. For emergencies dial 112. For 24/7 nurse advice dial 1700.
ICE-SAR: Iceland's Rescue Teams
Iceland's search and rescue operations are run by ICE-SAR, over 4,000 trained volunteers organised into 100+ rescue teams across the country. They respond to mountain rescues, avalanches, maritime emergencies, and stranded travellers in remote areas. The service is entirely volunteer-based and funded by donations. When you call 112, these are the people who come.
Learn more about ICE-SARHospitals & Emergency Rooms
Iceland has two main hospitals with 24-hour emergency departments:
Landspítali, National University Hospital
Reykjavík · 24-hour emergency department · Iceland's largest hospital
Akureyri Hospital (SAk)
Akureyri · 24-hour emergency department · Serves North Iceland
Smaller health centres operate in most towns and can handle minor injuries and illnesses. In rural areas, call 112 and they will direct you to the nearest available care.
Pharmacies (Apótek)
Pharmacies are called Apótek in Icelandic. Major chains include Lyfja and Apótek, with multiple locations in Reykjavík. Most common medications (pain relief, cold medicine, allergy pills) are available without prescription. For prescription medication, pharmacists can sometimes provide emergency supplies if you have a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note. Outside Reykjavík, pharmacies exist in larger towns. Check opening hours in advance as they vary.
Arriving Soon? Take These With You.
Two field-tested checklists to help you pack right and land feeling steady.
112 Iceland App
This free app sends your GPS location to rescue services and allows you to check in at locations during your travels. Especially useful if you are exploring remote areas, hiking, or driving in winter. Note: app availability may vary by region.
Learn more at 112.isWinter Travel (November to March)
Winter conditions can be severe. Roads may close without notice, daylight is limited, and weather can change rapidly. Always check road.is and safetravel.is before traveling, and leave a travel plan with someone.
SafeTravel & Road Conditions
Always check conditions before setting out, especially in winter or when traveling to the highlands. Roads can close without notice and weather changes fast.
Questions visitors often ask
What happens if I get hurt in a remote area?
Call 112. Iceland's search and rescue teams (ICE-SAR) are volunteer-based and incredibly skilled. They respond to emergencies all over the country. Download the 112 Iceland app before you go so you can share your GPS location with them if needed.
Is Iceland safe for solo travellers?
Very. Iceland consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. The biggest risks are weather and terrain, not people. Check conditions, tell someone your plans, and you will be fine.
Do I need travel insurance for Iceland?
It is strongly recommended. While emergency care is available, medical costs for visitors can be significant. EEA/EU citizens should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Everyone else should have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, especially if you plan to hike or visit remote areas.
Can I call 112 without a local SIM card?
Yes. Emergency calls to 112 work from any phone, even without a SIM card or credit, as long as there is mobile signal. In very remote areas, signal can be limited. This is another reason to download the 112 app and check in at locations.