US Citizen visiting Iceland

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Jul 24th, 2025 | 08:28 PM

deekhanna78

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Joined: Jul 2025

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US Citizen visiting Iceland

I am a US Citizen visiting Iceland in mid-august for 10 days. I have a few questions -

Do i need to apply for ETIAS or any other requirement for me to enter the country of Iceland?
Driving in Iceland, do i need an international drivers permit (I have a valid California drivers license)?
Ring Road - clock-wise or counter-clockwise ? it personally takes me a couple of days to ease into the routine of things, so my preference would be to keep the spectacular sightseeing towards the end of my trip (hence leaning towards clockwise route). but most itineraries i am looking at recommends doing the ring road counter clockwise - hence the dilemma ?

thank you so much !

Jul 25th, 2025 | 07:50 AM

hetismij2

Joined: Sep 2011

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ETIAS won't start until next year so provided you haven't used up your Schengen allowance you will have no problems with immigration.
Provided your driver's licence has your photo on it you don't need an IDP.
I'll let others answer your third question.

Jul 25th, 2025 | 10:58 AM

Melnq8

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 21,113

Likes: 83

We went clockwise, not for any particular reason though. You're right, the more spectacular bits were towards the end.

Here's my trip report from our Ring Road trip in 2017 if you think it might help.

It’s Thursday, it must be Seyðisfjörður. A 10 day Iceland road trip

Jul 25th, 2025 | 07:25 PM

CAH85

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 52

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It has been a long time -- we drove clockwise, I thought the first half was amazing . . . . honestly, I do not think you can go wrong. It is an amazingly beautiful country. Either way will be a fantastic trip.