Is it safe to travel to Iceland with the volcano eruption threat?

Thousands have already been evacuated as a precaution.

Nov 15, 2023 - 17:40
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Is it safe to travel to Iceland with the volcano eruption threat?
Fissure eruption in the Geldingadalur valley on Mount Fagradalsfjall near the town of Grindavik on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland. Volcano in Geldingadalur valley, Iceland - 24 Mar 2021
Mount Fagradalsfjall previously erupted in July this year (Picture: Shutterstock)

A state of emergency has been declared in Iceland after a series of earthquakes raised fears about a volcanic eruption.

Thousands living in the southwestern town of Grindavík have been ordered to evacuate as a precaution, with deep cracks tearing through concrete and closing nearby tourist spot, the Blue Lagoon.

The Fagradalsfjall volcano now has a ‘significant likelihood’ of erupting, following days of violent earthquakes.

Follow our live blog for latest news and updates on Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano

Large amounts of magma – molten rock- is spreading underground and could surface there, according to the Icelandic Met Office (IMO).

Is it still safe to travel to Iceland?

According to the foreign office, it is still safe for tourists to travel to Iceland for now but a variety of warnings have been issued.

In advice issued on Saturday, which still stands on Tuesday, it says: ‘Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik.

‘The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon.

‘On November 10, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes.

‘The town of Grindavík was evacuated as a precaution.

Blue Lagoon, geothermal spa, in Reykjavik, Iceland,
The Blue Lagoon has been closed as a precaution (Picture: Shutterstock)
The access road to Blue Lagoon has been closed to avoid incidents in the area in the event of a possible volcanic eruption.
The access road to Blue Lagoon has been closed to avoid incidents in the area in the event of a possible volcanic eruption (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area.

‘Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal.

‘While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur.

‘You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities advice on travel to the area.’

People are advised to check with the Icelandic Met Office, Safe Travel Iceland and Almannavarnadeild Facebook and X pages for the latest updates.

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