A total solar eclipse crosses Iceland on Wednesday 12 August 2026. Drone operating restrictions apply, and passenger transport by sea requires permits.
Flying a drone on eclipse day
The Icelandic Transport Authority publishes drone operating restrictions, airspace information, registration requirements, and drone maps. Anyone planning to fly a drone is asked to familiarise themselves with the applicable rules.
Watching from a boat
Passenger transport by sea requires permits. The requirements include safety equipment, appropriate insurance, and an adequate crew complement to help ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Where the official rules live
The Icelandic Transport Authority has published information for people planning to travel, sail, or operate drones in connection with the eclipse. Travellers are advised to follow instructions from authorities and emergency responders.
The path of totality crosses western Iceland: the Westfjords, Snaefellsnes, West Iceland, the Greater Reykjavik Area, and the Reykjanes peninsula.
Comparing Reykjavik tours
A significant increase in traffic is expected in certain areas. Road users are asked to be patient and allow extra time. Check vegagerdin.is for current closures and road conditions.
Compare Reykjavik tours.
Checking the forecast before you commit
Check vedur.is for the forecast. The weather tool gives the forecast for places in Iceland.
The rest of the rules for the day
Drone and boat rules are one part of eclipse day; the whole of it is covered in the 2026 solar eclipse guide.
On land, the same day is governed by driving and parking rules, and any camera pointed at the sun needs eclipse glasses and eye safety plus the filter rules in photographing the eclipse.
Boat departures for the day are compared on the eclipse tour comparison page.
