Mason Delacroix
Iceland has strict rules regarding the import and tax on alcohol. Travellers must be over 20 years old to bring alcoholic beverages into the country, and the goods must be for personal use only. The Icelandic Directorate of Customs categorises alcohol into three groups: liquor with an alcohol percentage of 22-55%wine and liqueur with an alcohol percentage of less than 22%beer and cider. Each category has a different unit allowance, and travellers can bring a maximum of six units of alcohol into the country. Tourists residing abroad can claim a VAT refund when shopping in Iceland, and all non-residents are eligible for tax-free shopping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for bringing alcoholic beverages into Iceland | 20 years |
| Minimum age for bringing tobacco into Iceland | 18 years |
| Maximum allowance of alcohol | Six units |
| Spirits (22-55%) | 25cl = 1 unit, 50cl = 2 units, 75cl = 3 units, 1l = 4 units |
| Wine and liqueur (under 22%) | 50cl = 0.7 units, 75cl = 1 unit, 1l = 1.3 units |
| Beer and cider | 2l = 0.7 units, 3l = 1 unit |
| Duty-free allowance | 88,000 ISK |
| Minimum amount for tax-free eligibility | 6,000 ISK |
| Limit for VAT refund | 12,000 ISK |
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What You'll Learn
- The minimum age for bringing alcohol into Iceland is 20
- Alcohol allowance: 1 litre of spirits, 0.75 litre of wine, 3 litres of beer
- Travellers must present goods to customs authorities if requested
- Tourists who reside abroad can claim a VAT refund when shopping in Iceland
- All non-Iceland residents are eligible for tax-free shopping
The minimum age for bringing alcohol into Iceland is 20
If you are planning a trip to Iceland, it is important to be aware of the country's strict laws and high legal drinking age. Iceland has implemented these regulations to promote responsible alcohol consumption and reduce alcoholism, particularly among teenagers. The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20, which is higher than the average drinking age in most countries, which is typically set at 18 or 19 years old. This age limit also applies to bringing alcoholic beverages into the country, with travellers under 20 being prohibited from importing alcohol.
While Iceland's drinking age may seem high compared to other nations, it is aligned with the norms in nearby countries during the 1980s, when several other Nordic countries had a drinking age of 20. At that time, Iceland faced a significant teenage drinking problem, with a teen drinking rate of around 42%, the highest in Europe. By setting the legal drinking age to 20, Iceland aimed to address this issue and reduce underage drinking.
As a tourist in Iceland, it is important to respect and abide by the local laws and customs regarding alcohol. While some travellers have reported leniency from bouncers at bars and clubs, especially if they are close to the age limit or travelling with a group of older individuals, it is still crucial to carry valid identification. Additionally, it is worth noting that the regulations concerning alcohol usage in Iceland differ from those in nearby countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other European nations.
When bringing alcohol into Iceland, travellers must also be mindful of duty and tax regulations. Customs exemptions apply to goods that travellers have in their possession upon arrival and can present to customs for examination. However, goods intended for sale or commercial purposes cannot be imported free of duty. Travellers must declare any duty-free goods to customs authorities and ensure that they comply with the allowed quantities and types of alcoholic beverages.
In summary, Iceland's minimum age requirement of 20 years for bringing alcohol into the country is part of its efforts to promote responsible alcohol consumption and reduce underage drinking. Travellers should be aware of this legal requirement and the potential for strict enforcement by customs and hospitality venues. By understanding and respecting Iceland's cultural norms and restrictions around alcohol, visitors can act as responsible tourists and avoid any legal or social issues during their stay.
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Alcohol allowance: 1 litre of spirits, 0.75 litre of wine, 3 litres of beer
When travelling to Iceland, there are specific allowances for the amount of alcohol that can be brought into the country duty-free. Travellers are permitted to bring 1 litre of spirits, 0.75 litres of wine, and 3 litres of beer. These allowances only apply to those aged 20 or over, and the alcohol must be for personal use only. It is important to note that travellers must present their duty-free allowance to customs authorities if requested.
Spirits are defined as alcoholic beverages containing more than 21% alcohol, while wines refer to alcoholic drinks containing 21% alcohol or less, excluding beer. It is worth noting that duty-free importation may also be permitted for unaccompanied baggage if the traveller can prove that the baggage would have qualified for duty-free admission if carried with them.
In addition to the duty-free allowance, tourists residing abroad can claim a proportional VAT refund when shopping in Iceland. This refund applies to purchases intended to be taken out of the country, with a minimum spend of ISK 12,000 (including VAT) at a single point of sale. The refund can be claimed at Keflavik Airport in the currency of choice, while other departure points typically offer mail-refund services.
When bringing angling gear and riding clothing into Iceland, it is important to ensure that these items have been disinfected according to valid regulations. A certificate of disinfection issued by an authorised veterinary officer should be presented to customs.
It is prohibited to import certain items into Iceland, including specific types of weapons and products related to bird hunting and bird protection. Live animals may only be imported with a permit from MAST, the Icelandic food and veterinary authority.
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Travellers must present goods to customs authorities if requested
When travelling to Iceland, it's important to be aware of the country's customs regulations regarding the importation of alcohol. While you are allowed to bring a certain amount of alcohol into Iceland duty-free, there are specific rules and limits that must be followed.
Firstly, it is important to note that the minimum age for bringing alcoholic beverages into Iceland is 20 years. This is a strict requirement, and anyone under the age of 20 will not be permitted to import alcohol into the country.
If you are eligible to import alcohol, it is essential to understand the quantity restrictions. The maximum allowance for alcohol is six units, and these units are calculated based on the alcohol percentage and volume of the beverage. For liquors with an alcohol percentage of 22-55%, each 25cl is equal to one unit. For wines and liqueurs with an alcohol percentage of less than 22%, the units are calculated differently, with 50cl being equal to 0.7 units. Finally, for beer and cider, the units are based on volume, with 2 litres equalling 0.7 units.
It is important to ensure that you have the correct duty-free allowance and that it is in your possession when you arrive in Iceland. As a traveller, you are responsible for presenting your duty-free goods to the customs authorities if they request to examine them. This means that you should be prepared to show your alcohol and any other relevant items to the customs officers. It is worth noting that duty-free importation does not apply to goods imported on your behalf by a travel agency, tour guide, bus driver, or any other third party. Only you, as the traveller, can claim the duty-free exemption, and the goods must be solely for your personal use, for your family, or as gifts.
In addition to alcohol, there are other goods that you can import duty-free when travelling to Iceland. These include tobacco products, with a limit of 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of other tobacco products. It's important to note that the minimum age for bringing tobacco into Iceland is 18 years.
By understanding and following these regulations, travellers can ensure a smooth entry into Iceland and avoid any issues with customs authorities. It is always advisable to stay informed about the latest rules and restrictions before travelling to any country.
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Tourists who reside abroad can claim a VAT refund when shopping in Iceland
When travelling to Iceland, it is important to be aware of the duty-free allowances and import restrictions. Travellers can bring in a limited quantity of duty-free alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. The minimum age for importing alcoholic beverages is 20 years, and 18 years for tobacco products.
In addition to duty-free allowances, tourists who reside abroad can take advantage of tax-free shopping in Iceland. VAT refunds are available for purchases made in Iceland that are intended to be taken out of the country. This applies to tourists who are permanently resident outside of Iceland. To be eligible for a refund, the total purchase price, including VAT, must be at least ISK 12,000, and the goods must be presented with the necessary documentation upon departure within three months of the purchase. The refund can be claimed at Arion Bank at Keflavík Airport, or other departure points may offer mail-refund services.
It is important to note that certain goods are prohibited from importation into Iceland, such as live animals, which require a permit, and various weapons. Customs exemptions apply to goods that are solely intended for personal use, and travellers must declare any duty-free goods to customs officers upon arrival.
When importing angling gear and riding clothing that has been used outside of Iceland, it is important to ensure that it has been disinfected according to regulations and a certificate of disinfection may be required. Additionally, a permit from the police authorities is necessary for importing firearms and ammunition for personal use.
By understanding the duty-free allowances, import restrictions, and VAT refund process, tourists can navigate the tax and duty regulations when bringing alcohol into Iceland and shopping within the country.
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All non-Iceland residents are eligible for tax-free shopping
When travelling to Iceland, it's important to be aware of the country's customs regulations and duty-free allowances, especially when it comes to importing alcohol. While Iceland has specific rules and restrictions in place, it's good to know that all non-Iceland residents are eligible for tax-free shopping. Here's what you need to know:
Tax-Free Shopping in Iceland:
Non-residents of Iceland can take advantage of tax-free shopping during their visit. When shopping in stores across Iceland, simply request a tax-free form at the time of purchase. This form needs to be carefully completed, including the original purchase receipts and a retailer signature. It's important to note that the minimum amount eligible for tax-free consideration is 6,000 ISK (approximately €45/£35/$50) per single purchase receipt.
Refunding the VAT:
To claim your VAT refund, present your completed tax-free form, along with the purchased goods, to the customs authorities upon departure from Iceland. This must be done within three months of your purchase. At Keflavik Airport, you can conveniently cash your refund in the currency of your choice. Alternatively, other departure points typically provide mail-refund services. Remember, the refund applies only to purchases intended for use outside of Iceland.
Duty-Free Alcohol Allowance:
Iceland has specific guidelines for importing alcoholic beverages. The maximum allowance for alcohol is six units, and travellers must be at least 20 years old to bring alcohol into the country. The Icelandic Directorate of Customs categorises alcohol as follows:
- Spirits (22-55% ABV): 25cl equals one unit, 50cl equals two units, 75cl equals three units, and 1L equals four units.
- Wine and liqueur (under 22% ABV): 50cl equals 0.7 units, 75cl equals one unit, and 1L equals 1.3 units.
- Beer and cider: 2L equals 0.7 units, and 3L equals one unit.
Customs Exemptions:
It's important to declare any goods that cannot be imported duty-free to a customs officer upon arrival in Iceland. Customs exemptions are typically granted for goods intended solely for personal use, family use, or as gifts. However, goods intended for sale or other commercial purposes are not eligible for duty-free importation. Additionally, certain items, such as angling gear and riding clothing, may require disinfection and a valid certificate to be presented to customs.
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Frequently asked questions
The minimum age for bringing alcoholic beverages into Iceland is 20 years.
The maximum allowance is six units of alcohol. The number of units depends on the type of alcohol and its volume:
- Spirits (22-55%): 25cl = 1 unit, 50cl = 2 units, 75cl = 3 units, 1l = 4 units
- Wine and liqueur (under 22%): 50cl = 0.7 units, 75cl = 1 unit, 1l = 1.3 units
- Beer, cider: 2l = 0.7 units, 3l = 1 unit
Yes, all non-Iceland residents are eligible for tax-free shopping. You can get a tax-free form when paying for your goods, which you take with you along with the original purchase receipts when leaving Iceland. The minimum amount for tax-free eligibility is 6,000 ISK per single purchase receipt. You can also claim a VAT refund when shopping in Iceland if you are a tourist who resides abroad.
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