Volcano Alert:  U.S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland November 10, 2023

Location:  Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest Iceland Event:  Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased in the Reykjanes Peninsula southwest of Reykjavik.  The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police declared a Civil Protection Alert Phase following an intense earthquake wave on November 10 at Sundhnúki, north of Grindavik.  This activity could indicate magma movement and a …

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Traffic Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland from May 16-17

Location: Harpa, located at Austurbakka 2, 101 Reykjavík, and downtown Reykjavik, Iceland  Event:  Iceland is hosting European leaders at the Council of Europe Summit on May 16 and 17 at the Harpa.  Consequently, traffic in the downtown area will be severely restricted, including vehicle access to the area around the Harpa.  Officials recommend avoiding the …

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Update on Change to U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for Nonimmigrant Travel

On May 11, Nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States.  CDC’s Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic will no longer be in effect when the Presidential Proclamation Advancing the Safe Resumption …

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Nonimmigrant Visa Fee Increases – June 17

May 30, 2023 Publication of Final Rule on Nonimmigrant Visa Fee Increases   The Department of State is committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States for both immigrant and nonimmigrant travelers. The Department of State published a Final Rule regarding increases to certain nonimmigrant visa application (NIV) processing fees and the Border Crossing …

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Weather Alert: Significant Flight Disruptions & Road closed between Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport

Event:   The Keflavik International Airport has limited flight operations primarily because of staff’s limited ability to reach the airport due to local weather conditions. The closure of Highway 41 between Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport because of high winds and deep snow drifts has stranded passengers at the airport and in the Keflavik city area.  The Icelandic …

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American Citizens Encouraged to Remain Vigilant in Downtown Reykjavik November 25-27

Event:  Icelandic Police confirmed that they are investigating rumors of planned criminal violence in downtown Reykjavik the weekend of November 25-27.  The rumors appear to be linked to a conflict between two gangs that led to a stabbing attack at a Reykjavik nightclub on November 17.  Icelandic Police plan to maintain an increased presence in …

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Department of State Counselor Derek Chollet visited Reykjavik, October 12-14, 2022

Department of State Counselor Derek Chollet visited Reykjavik, Iceland October 12-14 to participate in the 2022 Arctic Circle Assembly (ACA) and to meet with Icelandic officials and other Arctic partners.  While in Reykjavik, the Counselor highlighted the strong U.S. commitment to the Arctic, as outlined in the new U.S. National Strategy for the Arctic Region …

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Chargé d’Affaires Michelle Yerkin Speaks at “NATO School 2022”

On March 5, 2022, Varðberg, Samtök um Vestræna Samvinnu og Alþjóðamál hosted day-long NATO School 2022 program with expert speakers including Ministers, Ambassadors, Defense, and Military representatives. “This crisis has produced unity across NATO Allies and partners because it has demonstrated the importance of solidarity. The United States and Iceland, and our Allies and partners, have …

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Severe Weather Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland (February 6, 2022) 

Severe Weather Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland (February 6, 2022)   Location: All of Iceland    Event: A severe weather alert has been issued for all of Iceland from midnight tonight through the evening Monday, February 7, 2022.  Icelandic civil defense authorities categorize this weather event as likely to cause severe property damage due to high winds and blizzard-like conditions.  Windspeeds are expected to reach 70-110 km/H and snow will …

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Passport Fee to Increase on December 27, 2021

Message to U.S. Citizens:  U.S. Embassy Reykjavik (December 15, 2021) Location:  Reykjavik, Iceland Event:  Passport Fee to Increase on December 27, 2021  Effective December 27, 2021, the passport security surcharge fee will increase by $20. For minor passport applicants who use Form DS-11, the new fee is $135. For adults renewing their passports using Form …

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“The Crisis We Face is Real”: Secretary Blinken on why President Biden is convening a Summit for Democracy

Democracy is facing a moment of reckoning. For 15 years, global freedom has declined, according to the human rights organization Freedom House. It’s happening in authoritarian countries, where rulers have restricted people’s freedoms, canceled and postponed elections, and cracked down on political opponents with increasing brutality – and in democratic countries, where mis- and disinformation …

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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik (06 December 2021)

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik (06 December 2021) Location: Iceland Event:  On December 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will implement a one-day COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers over age two coming to the United States.  Regardless of vaccination status or nationality, any individual coming to the United States must show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 viral test taken the day before …

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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Preventing and responding to all forms of gender-based violence is a cornerstone of the U.S. government’s commitment to promoting democracy, advancing human rights, and furthering gender equality.  Since assuming leadership of the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik in June, I have sought to build upon and deepen the United States’ and Iceland’s shared commitment to human …

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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland (November 3, 2021)

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland (November 3, 2021) Location: Worldwide Event: On October 25, President Biden announced the United States will adopt a global air travel policy.  This policy prioritizes public health, protecting U.S. citizens and residents as well as those who come to visit us.  Effective November 8 all non-citizen, nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, …

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New U.S. Travel Policy Begins November 8, 2021

On October 25, 2021, President Biden issued  A Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-⁠19 Pandemic  which takes effect at 12:01 am EST on November 8.  The proclamation requires foreign nationals traveling to the United States to demonstrate proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.  The new policy will end the travel restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10143 and the need for National Interest Exceptions (NIE).  All …

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U.S. Embassy Reykjavik Sponsors Art Talk Series

The US Embassy in Iceland provided significant support to the Reykjavík Art Museum, Iceland University of the Arts, and the Icelandic Art Center for the collaborative project Talk Series. Michelle Yerkin, Chargé D´Affaires a.i., Ólöf Kristín Sigurðardóttir (Director of Reykjavík Art Museum), Auður Jörundsdóttir (Director of the Icelandic Art Center), and Margrét Elísabet Ólafsdóttir (professor …

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Joint Statement on Afghanistan Evacuation Travel Assurances

The text of the following statement was released initially by the Governments of the United States of America, Albania, Australia, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Canada, Central African Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Federated States …

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Statement by Secretary of State on Iceland National Day

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN   June 17, 2021 Iceland’s National Day On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send best wishes to the people of Iceland as you celebrate your National Day. The United States and Iceland have a …

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Are you an American Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) Traveling to Iceland?

What you should know before you go:   U.S. CITIZENS & LPRs RETURNING TO THE U.S.: For U.S. citizens and LPRs, there is no problem returning to the U.S. as long as you present a negative PCR test or a negative rapid test taken within 1 day of your flight home. Returning to the United …

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Natural Disaster Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland (March 19, 2021)

Location: Iceland; volcanic eruption in Reykjanes peninsula, southwest Iceland Event: The Icelandic Met Office has confirmed that volcanic eruption has started in Fagradalsfjall just before 22:00 tonight. The NCO Civil Protection Joint Rescue and Coordination Center has been activated. The Keflavik International Airport has been put on Code RED, which means that the airport is …

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Iceland Open to U.S. Citizens with Proof of Vaccination

*The Government of Iceland has postponed the implementation of exemptions to travel restrictions to April 6, 2021.*  For further information please visit the Government of Iceland’s press release. On March 17, 2021, the Icelandic government announced that all those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to travel to Iceland without being subject to border measures, such …

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COVID-19 TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS: Updated 20 November 2020

COVID-19 TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS  Updated 20 November 2020 Like much of the world, Embassy Reykjavik’s Consular Section is operating at reduced capacity due to Covid-19 precautions and restrictions. We anticipate that demand for Consular services during the winter holiday period will far exceed available resources. As such, the Consular Section cannot guarantee a particular appointment date. …

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Travel Advisory Update (August 13, 2020)

Travel Advisory U.S. Embassy Reykjavik (August 13, 2020) Location: Iceland This message is sent to inform U.S. citizens in Iceland that the Global Level 4 Travel Advisory was lifted by the Department of State on August 6.  Travel Advisories are once again country specific.  The Travel Advisory level for Iceland was changed to Level 3.  The text of the updated …

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Travel Information Update U.S. Embassy Reykjavik – July 20, 2020

 Travel Information Update  U.S. Embassy Reykjavik    July 20, 2020  TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES  Announcing Additions to the National Interest Exceptions:  Travel in the national interest of the United States includes travel on a temporary basis that provides a substantial benefit to the U.S. economy including certain categories of students, academics,  as well as certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders. STUDENTS – F1, M1 and their dependents  Must …

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Travel Information Update – July 14, 2020

 Travel Information Update  U.S. Embassy Reykjavik    July 14, 2020  TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES  Announcing Additions to the National Interest Exceptions:  Travel in the national interest of the United States includes travel on a temporary basis that provides a substantial benefit to the U.S. economy including certain categories of students, academics,  as well as certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders.   STUDENTS – F1, M1 and their dependents  …

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Travel Update – July 7, 2020

COVID-19 ICELAND  July 7, 2020 TRAVELING TO ICELAND Iceland has 1873 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths. U.S. citizens with travel plans to Iceland in July must postpone their visits. Iceland is participating in the EU travel ban along with other Schengen states, and travelers from the Unites States are not permitted access into the …

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Travel Update – Traveling to Iceland (June 24, 2020)

Travel Update – Iceland June 24, 2020 TRAVELING TO ICELAND U.S. citizens with travel plans to Iceland in June must postpone their visits. Iceland is participating in the EU travel ban along with other Schengen states, and travelers from outside the Schengen area are not permitted access into the country.  U.S. citizens may be able to …

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Remarks by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at Virtual Copenhagen Democracy Summit

Europe and the China Challenge SPEECH MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE VIRTUAL COPENHAGEN DEMOCRACY SUMMIT COPENHAGEN DEMOCRACY SUMMIT JUNE 19, 2020   MR RASMUSSEN:  It’s a great pleasure for me to welcome our next speaker, the American Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.  Good morning, Mr. Secretary.  I think it’s morning in your time zone. I know you’ve been traveling from …

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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Iceland Jeffrey Ross Gunter at Children’s Hospital

Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Iceland Jeffrey Ross Gunter at Children’s Hospital June 9, 2020 A year ago, I was welcomed by the President to Iceland. I have been blessed by the entire community here in Iceland, especially the medical community. My first stop in coming here was to see my friend Pall, my friend …

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“A Thank You Note to the People of Iceland…”

By Ambassador Jeffrey Ross Gunter On behalf of the entire US Mission Reykjavik family, I would like to thank you, the people of Iceland. You have been gracious, resilient, brave and thoughtful through these challenging times. You, the Icelandic people, have welcomed us in the U.S. Embassy community, not only in good times, but also …

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Health Alert – Two Confirmed Flights on Icelandair April 8 and 15 only

Health Alert – Two Confirmed Flights on Icelandair April 8 and 15 only  U.S. Embassy Reykjavik (April 7, 2020)     Location:  Iceland  Event:  Very limited International commercial flight options currently exist in Iceland.  U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should make commercial arrangements now unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.  The U.S. government does not anticipate …

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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik Commercial Flight Availability

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik Commercial Flight Availability U.S. Embassy Reykjavik (April 3, 2020) Location: Iceland Event: International commercial flight options currently exist in Iceland. U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should make commercial arrangements as soon as possible unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. …

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Health Alert – U.S. Citizen Tourists in Iceland Return to U.S. Now – Icelandair Flying to Boston on Specific Days Only

Health Alert – U.S. Citizen Tourists in Iceland Return to U.S. Now – Icelandair Flying to Boston on Specific Days Only     U.S. Embassy Reykjavik (April 1, 2020)   Location:  Iceland   Event:  U.S. citizen tourists currently in Iceland are instructed to return to the U.S. as soon as possible. Icelandair is only offering flights to Boston on April …

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Health Alert – U.S. Citizen Tourists in Iceland Must Return to U.S. Now – Icelandair Flying Only to Boston

Health Alert – U.S. Citizen Tourists in Iceland Must Return to U.S. Now – Icelandair Flying Only to Boston     U.S. Embassy Reykjavik (March 31, 2020)   Location:  Iceland  Event:  U.S. citizen tourists currently in Iceland are instructed to return to the U.S. as soon as possible. Icelandair is offering flights only to Boston at this time.  Please …

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Global Level 4 Health Advisory-Do Not Travel

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.  In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.  …

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Health  Alert

Health Alert – Travel Ban of Non-EU Citizens U.S. Embassy Reykjavik (March 25, 2020)     Location:  Iceland  Event:   There is an ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, China.  The global public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, with more than 340,000 reported cases worldwide.  On March 16 the President of the European Union outlined the Commission’s proposal to implement temporary 30-day restrictions on …

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U.S. Embassy Reykjavik Change in Operations due to COVID-19

The U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik will limit its operations as of March 12, 2020, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations that working remotely can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Reduced levels of in-person staff will perform necessary diplomatic functions.  Emergency services for U.S. citizens will be available between the hours …

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Update on Travel Restrictions to the United States

A Presidential Proclamation issued on March 11, 2020, sets certain temporary restrictions and limitations on entry into the United States of persons who have been in the Schengen Area, including Iceland, during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens and lawful …

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COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 Information – ICELAND Last updated:   May 11, 2023 TRAVEL FROM ICELAND    As of May 11, 2023, Nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States.  CDC’s Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel …

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Weather Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland (February 13, 2020)

Location: Iceland; severe winter storm conditions countrywide. The U.S. Embassy Reykjavik will be closed Friday, February 14, 2020 and will reopen on Tuesday, February 18 (Monday, February 17th is a federal holiday and all U.S. embassies/consulates will be closed.) Event:  The Icelandic Meteorological Office has issued a weather alert for February 14 for all of Iceland …

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Suspension of Entry of Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Entry of aliens who were present in China, excluding the Special Autonomous Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, within 14 days prior to their arrival at the port of entry in the United States is suspended, per Presidential Proclamation.  If you reside in China, have traveled to China recently, or intend to travel to China …

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Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik (January 8, 2020)

Location: Iceland Event: Heightened Middle East Tensions There is heightened tension in the Middle East that may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad. The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed.   Actions to Take: Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert …

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New Embassy Project Reaches Milestone

Ambassador Jeffrey Ross Gunter took part in a signing ceremony on Oct. 17, 2019, to officially transfer ownership of the future U.S. Embassy building from ISTAK to the U.S. government. The transfer signals that the project is entering its final stages before the new U.S. Embassy opens in 2020. “I’m grateful and honored to witness …

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Ambassador Gunter Highlights U.S. Arctic Engagement

Ambassador Jeffrey Ross Gunter highlighted U.S. leadership in Arctic science, including the important role of the National Science Foundation, in remarks to the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik on Oct. 10, 2019. “The NSF is a champion of Arctic science and a key part of the role the United States plays in advancing a sustainable …

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Presidential Proclamation on Leif Erikson Day, 2019

On Leif Erikson Day, we honor the spirit of exploration, courage, and faith that led this legendary Viking and his crew to sail across the Atlantic in search of new lands and opportunities more than a thousand years ago.  His dream — to venture beyond the known horizon and redefine the impossible ‑- still defines and …

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Joint Statement on the Inaugural U.S.-Iceland Economic Dialogue

The United States and Iceland held their inaugural Economic Dialogue in Reykjavik, Iceland, on June 7, 2019.  The Economic Dialogue was jointly announced by Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson following their meeting in Reykjavik on February 15, 2019. U.S. Acting Under Secretary of State …

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Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Visits Iceland

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo traveled to Reykjavik on February 15, 2019, where he met with Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir and Foreign Minister Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson. In their meetings, they discussed security issues in the North Atlantic, Iceland’s upcoming chairmanship of the Arctic Council, and growing economic relations. During the visit, Secretary Pompeo and Foreign …

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Secretary Pompeo Meets With Icelandic Foreign Minister Þórðarson

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State of the United States, and Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, met in Washington, D.C. on January 7, 2019, and issued the following joint statement: The United States and Iceland have for decades enjoyed a very close relationship including in security and defense, Arctic affairs, trade …

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U.S.-Iceland Student Exchange Continues to Grow

The number of Americans studying in Iceland increased 52.9 percent from the previous year, according to the latest Open Doors Report from the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational Affairs. More than 1,000 Americans studied in Iceland in 2017, nearly quadruple the total from 2011, according to …

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Arts Envoy Visits Iceland

The U.S. Embassy in Iceland recently had the pleasure of welcoming current Department of State Arts Envoy, and former U.S. Arctic Youth Ambassador, Byron Nicholai to Iceland.  Byron, a singer, dancer, and musician from Toksook Bay, Alaska, is a member of the Yup’ik indigenous community.  He has performed at the White House and at concerts …

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The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the premier event showcasing investment opportunities in the United States. The 2018 Summit will bring together companies from all over the world and economic development organizations from every corner of the United States. The world’s top investment event. The world’s top investment destination. Top 5 Reasons to Attend the 2018 …

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Now Accepting Applications for the 2018 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for the 2018 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship. The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship is an intensive short-term exchange program, created to foster relationships among young Europeans and Americans to build strong linkages and awareness of shared values.  The four week program will enable …

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U.S.-Iceland Strategic Dialogue

December 6, 2017 Delegations representing the United States and Iceland met Dec. 5, 2017, in Washington, D.C., for the U.S.-Iceland Strategic Dialogue. Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Sharon Hudson-Dean and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy Tom Goffus led the U.S. delegation. Ministry of Foreign …

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Two Icelandic Entrepreneurs Selected to Attend 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit

Two Icelandic entrepreneurs have been chosen by the U.S. State Department and U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik to participate in the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) to be held Nov. 28-30 in Hyderabad, India. Sandra Mjöll Jónsdóttir, Co-Founder and CEO of Platome, and Guðmundur Fertram Sigurjónsson, CEO, President and Chairman of Kerecis, will take part in …

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U.S. Navy Secretary Visits Iceland

October 12, 2017 U.S. Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer is visiting Iceland this week to discuss U.S.-Iceland security collaboration, both bilaterally and through the NATO alliance. Spencer is scheduled to meet with officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice and the Icelandic Coast Guard. Spencer also will participate in a forum on Arctic …

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U.S.C.G Honors Icelanders for Heroism

October 12, 2017 Admiral Charles Michel, Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, was onboard the Icelandic Coast Guard vessel Þór this morning to honor the Icelandic Coast Guard, the crew of the Icelandic Marine Research Institute vessel the Árni Friðriksson, ISAVIA flight crew, and the Icelandic Joint Rescue Coordination Center for their heroism …

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Chargé d’Affaires Meets with Grammar School Students

Jill Esposito, chargé d’affaires, met with 6th and 7th grade students of the international program at Landakotsskoli to discuss and answer students’ questions about the structure of the U.S. government, the mission of the U.S. Embassy in Iceland, and U.S. passport and visa policy.  To learn more about the U.S. Embassy, visit our Facebook page .

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Update on U.S. Presidential Executive Order signed on January 27, 2017

UPDATE: The provisional revocation of January 27, 2017, which had revoked all valid visas of nationals of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen in accordance with Executive Order 13769, “Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Attacks by Foreign Nationals,”  is now lifted, and those visas are now valid for holders otherwise eligible for their …

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