Travel, Health and Safety

Planning and Preparation

2024 Itinerary* – PDF | Google Earth

*subject to change

Flight Planning
When making travel arrangements, be aware that our GeoCamp will begin mid-day on 29 June 2024, and conclude on the evening of 6 July 2024. Please schedule flights to arrive no later than early morning on June 29th with a departure date of no earlier than the morning of 7 July.

Travel Insurance

NCGE strongly encourages participants to purchase their own travel insurance, including medical coverage, evacuation insurance, and trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage.

Passport

All NCGE international trips require that participants have a valid passport. Many countries require that your passport not expire within 6 months of your arrival in that country. Please take the time to look up the passport validity requirements for the country/countries you are visiting on this trip by visiting the US State Department’s website.

You can find information about obtaining or renewing a US Passport at the US State Department Passport website. Please note that the processing time for U.S. passports is 4-6 weeks.

Accommodations
 Start Hostel (first and last nights)
The 55 bus route goes from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík and stops at “Keilir” which is about a 10 minute walk from the Start Hostel.

Weather in Iceland
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) is a governmental institution under the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources. The IMO provides authoritative weather forecasts as well as information about environmental hazards.

Packing List
Click HERE for a suggested packing list.

Electricity in Iceland
Iceland uses Northern European electrical standards (50 Hz/220 volts) so converters may be required for small electrical appliances brought from home. Some appliances such as chargers for laptops, digital cameras or mobile phones, may already be compatible with multiple voltages and may just need a travel adapter. Iceland uses the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs. Sample adapters – Joomfeen Universal Travel Adapter | European USB Wall Plug

Public Transportation

Klappið – The (new) Klappið app is an official public transportation payment, and planning app, made for Strætó Iceland – the administrative body for public transportation in the capital area of Iceland.
Download the App – Android | Apple | Google
Strætó – Provides route planning. Plan a Trip | Route Maps
Download the App – Android | Apple | Google

NOTE: The 55 bus route goes from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík and stops at “Keilir” which is about a 10 minute walk from the Start Hostel.

Health and Safety and Liability Information and Forms

Participants should carefully consider personal health and safety needs when traveling abroad, especially when they will be immersed in an unfamiliar culture and away from their everyday support systems. NCGE strongly recommends you conduct a personal health assessment and develop a health plan in consultation with your healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing medical problems.

We also advise that you carry a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of prescribed drugs. Any medications being carried overseas should be left in the original containers and be clearly labeled. You should check with the foreign embassy of the country being visited to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics.

NCGE GeoCamp participant safety is our top priority and our programs are designed with this in mind. NCGE, however, recognizes that unforeseen emergencies can arise while we are on the trip. In order for our team leaders to best help in the event of an emergency, we ask that you complete a medical & emergency contact form in full, honestly and accurately, and disclose all medical history and information required for your participation no later than May 15, 2024. Should your medical situation change after submitting the medical report, it is your responsibility to advise us immediately. All information contained in this report will be kept confidential and held securely on file until 60 days post trip and at such time your information will be securely deleted and/or shredded. All participants are required to submit a signed “Liability Waiver/Code of Conduct” form no later than May 15th, 2024.

US Department of State Resources

The U.S. Department of State-Bureau of Consular Affairs and the U.S. Department of State-USA Study Abroad webpages provide useful pre-departure information to mitigate risks while abroad.