Iceland 2019 Crime & Safety Report This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik, Iceland. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Iceland at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Overall Crime and Safety Situation The U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. Review OSAC’s Iceland-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Crime Threats There is minimal risk from crime in Reykjavik. Based on information from the Icelandic National Police, local news sources, and previous reporting, crime continues to be lower than in most developed countries and countries of similar size and demographics. The low level of general crime and very low level of violent crime due to the high-standard of living, lack of tension between social and economic classes, small population, strong social attitudes against criminality, high level of trust in law enforcement, and a well-trained, highly-educated police force. The Reykjavik Metropolitan area continues to see increasing levels of petty crime and minor assaults directly connected to the increasing number of tourists it attracts. Reykjavik also has higher than average (for Iceland) reports of domestic violence, sexual assaults, automobile theft, vandalism, property damage, and other street crimes, which is typical for any large urban area. These numbers are still very low compared to the United States or Europe. Police attribute most of these crimes to juvenile delinquents, drug users, immigrants, and tourists. According to the police, the rise in pickpocketing is a direct result of an influx of immigrants/asylum seekers coupled with the increasing presence of tourists. Police have identified several small, organized crime groups and outlaw biker gangs (most notably, chapters of the Hell’s Angels and Outlaws motorcycle clubs) operating to smuggle drugs into Iceland. Since 2013, authorities have increased pressure on these organizations, including denying entry and deporting known members and associates of these organizations, substantially reducing their reach and effectiveness. The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the police have continued to employ additional resources and enlist the support of external law enforcement agencies in the fight against organized crime, with positive results. 1 The Government of Iceland has taken steps, including a reorganization of the Icelandic National Police, to detect and combat trafficking in persons before it takes a foothold in Iceland. Officials are concerned that the growth in the construction and tourism industries could result in an influx of trafficked persons. Iceland has traditionally had a homicide rate of less than one per year for the last several decades. In a notable deviation from this trend, Iceland registered four homicides in 2017, but only one again in 2018. The Commissioner of Icelandic National Police considered 2017 an aberration and not evidence of increasing violence. Cybersecurity Issues In 2015, Iceland unveiled its National Cyber Security Strategy to protect important elements of the cyber infrastructure and develop solutions to growing cyber threats that pose a hazard to the government, the economy, and the citizenry. In 2018, the new government pledged to increase its capacity to prevent and respond to cyber security threats, implement legislation based on international norms, and establish closer collaboration and coordination on cyber security between Iceland, partner nations, and leaders in the information technology industry. After cyberattacks in 2013 and 2015-2016, there have been no major cybersecurity incidents. Iceland enjoys wide internet freedoms; accordingly, its well-educated populace is online to a high degree. This permissive environment fostered the growth of WikiLeaks. Public sentiment continues to support legislation and actions ensuring maintaining internet freedom. Transportation-Safety Situation For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. Road Safety and Road Conditions Though Iceland has a fairly modern highway system, roads are not constructed for speed. Many roads outside of the main highways are undeveloped and often composed of unpaved, loose gravel. The primary risk factors when driving outside of populated areas are single-lane bridges, unexpected animal crossings, poor surface maintenance, lack of emergency lane/shoulder space, icy/windy road conditions during the winter (October-April), and tourists inexperienced at driving in Icelandic weather conditions. Familiarize yourself with Iceland’s traffic laws and practices, which include stopping for yellow traffic lights, no right turns at red lights, and giving the inside lane the right of way when exiting traffic circles. Travel into the highlands and interior is not advisable during the winter or during inclement weather unless using well-equipped, off-road capable (4x4) vehicles under the supervision of experienced guides. Interior roads are usually closed during the winter. Occasionally, even main roads in more populated areas may be closed due to heavy snow. See www.road.is for road conditions. Automobile use is relatively high; Iceland possesses one of the highest car-ownership rates in the world. This does not, however, cause much traffic congestion due to low urban density. For more information on self-driving, please review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices. 2 Public Transportation Conditions As a result of high vehicle ownership, demand for public transport services remains low. Public transportation is relatively underdeveloped, and many areas are poorly served compared to other capital cities. Limited but effective services are provided in major urban areas. There are nationwide coach and bus services that link the major towns and cities, although many Icelanders use domestic flights to get from one major town to another. Strætó BS, the public bus system, operates its services in metropolitan Reykjavík. Strætisvagnar Akureyrar is the public bus system in Akureyri. Iceland is also investigating the feasibility of building a light railway system to service the Reykjavik metropolitan area. Aviation/Airport Conditions In 2015, Keflavik International Airport (KEF) announced a 25-year Master Plan to accommodate the rapid increases in tourism to and through Iceland. ISAVIA, the public-private partnership that operates Icelandic airports, forecasts a contraction in the number of foreign travelers passing through KEF for the first time in nearly a decade, projecting a 2.2% decrease in passenger transits in 2019. This translates to a 220,000 decrease in the number of passengers transit Keflavik from a record setting 9.75 million passengers in 2018. Other Travel Conditions Despite being an island nation, Iceland has limited international sea services, featuring regular ferry service from the Faroe Islands (Denmark) and local ferry services operated by Eimskip between Þorlákshöfn, Landeyarhofn, and the Westman Islands. Terrorism Threat Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns There is minimal risk from terrorism in Reykjavik. According to the Icelandic National Commissioner of Police, there is no known international or transnational terrorist threat against U.S. interests in Iceland. Iceland is party to the Schengen Agreement, which eliminates all internal border controls between member states. Lack of stringent border control can facilitate the movement of international terrorists, a concern with terrorist activity throughout Europe in recent years. There is no known domestic terrorist threat against U.S. interests in Iceland or local activity regarding regional terrorist organizations. Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment The U.S. Embassy has witnessed a number of relatively minor protests over the last few years, mainly featuring non-violent demonstrations concerning U.S. foreign policy. 3 Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence Civil Unrest There is minimal risk from political violence in Reykjavik. In April 2016, Iceland experienced its largest public demonstrations in history, as over 22,000 people protested outside the Prime Minister’s office in Reykjavik. This multiple-day, non-violent protest was prompted by revelations from the Panama Papers showing that several senior Iceland officials (including the Prime Minister and Finance Minister) had large investments in foreign corporations to circumvent Iceland’s austere capital controls. The public outcry over these revelations forced then-Prime Minster Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson to resign. The 2016 U.S. presidential election also caused several small, non-violent demonstrations in Reykjavik. Religious/Ethnic Violence Terrorist attacks in France, Belgium, and Germany, coupled with the ongoing crisis in Syria, has heightened concerns in Iceland about migrant/asylum seeker/refugee issues, with special emphasis on the transiting foreign fighter issue. While general sentiments have been strictly tolerant, religious and ethnic