Travellers warned to 'stay away' from Iceland hotspot in wake of volcanic eruptions - with more 'likely' to follow
Authorities are warning Britons to stay away from certain areas in Iceland
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Britons travelling to Iceland have been issued a warning following a string of volcanic eruptions, with some areas declared off-limits to visitors.
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice following the latest eruption. It is warning tourists to stay away from Grindavik.
Though it is unsafe to visit the area, authorities have confirmed that the rest of the country remains unaffected by the eruption.
The volcano has erupted in Iceland’s Reykjanese peninsula for the third time since December 2023, with further eruptions “likely”.
Flights to and from Iceland are still operating as usual
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“Intense seismic activity" was reported by the Icelandic Met Office early on Thursday, causing dramatic lava fountains northeast of Mount Sylingarfell.
The UK Foreign Office said: “Iceland is volcanic and seismically active.
"Recently there have been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsular 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."
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," added the UK Foreign Office.
Tour operator Discover The World, which offers trips to Iceland, confirmed that the Blue Lagoon - a famous site among tourists - is currently closed to visitors.
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Visitors have been told to stay away from the area surrounding Grindavik
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Despite being within safe distance of the latest eruption, the site closed its restaurants, cafe and spa on February 8th as a precautionary measure.
The business has contacted affected customers and has advised visitors to amend their bookings online.
It said: “Fissure eruptions like these - on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the last few years have been - do not affect flights to and from Iceland.
“Fine ash is not produced. This is completely unlike the events of 2010 when a very different type of eruption happened under glacial ice."
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