A holiday island loved by Britons has issued a new volcano travel warning.
Tourists travelling to Iceland have been urged to stay away from some parts of the country because of a volcanic eruption which happened on February 8.
In their travel advice for Iceland, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office warned the country was “seismically active” and that there had been a series of eruption.
They explained: “Iceland is volcanic and seismically active. Recently there have been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland, the latest occurring on 8 February 2024.
“These have affected the town of Grindavik and the area to the north of it and the Blue Lagoon. All roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed and you should stay away from this area.”
The home office added: Keflavik International Airport and the road to it are unaffected and operating normally.
“The capital city, Reykjavik, and the rest of Iceland are not impacted by the eruptions. It is likely there will be further eruptions in this location. You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities’ advice on travel to the area.”
ChronicleLive reported that Iceland’s largest airport Keflavik had not yet been affected by the eruptions and was still operating.
In an update earlier this week, Iceland’s police said: “The town of Grindavik, the area around and roads in the area will remain closed due to danger related to new crevasse openings and other factors. Hiking in the area is prohibited. Respect the commands, closures and stay away from the area.”
Visit Iceland added that the eruptions had decreased in intensity in recent days. They explained: “Air traffic to and from Iceland is operating normally, and Iceland remains a safe destination.
“The eruption’s effects are localised at the eruption site with road closures and do not threaten people. All services in Iceland are operating as usual.”
Reassuring current and potential tourists, the country’s tourism board wrote: “Iceland is well-acquainted with volcanic activity, having experienced three previous eruptions nearby on the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
“Icelandic authorities and the public are thoroughly prepared for such events, and the country boasts some of the world’s most sophisticated volcanic preparedness protocols. Iceland’s geoscientists are extensively experienced in managing volcanic activity.”
