Mount Fagradalsfjall had already erupted in July this year (Photo: Shutterstock)

A state of emergency was declared in Iceland after a series of earthquakes sparked fears of a volcanic eruption.

Thousands of residents of the southwestern city of Grindavík were asked to evacuate as a precaution.

According to the Icelandic Met Office (IMO), large amounts of magma (molten rock) spread underground and can escape.

Thousands of earthquakes have been recorded around the nearby Fagradalsfjall volcano in recent weeks.

This focuses on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, which was inactive for 800 years due to volcanic activity before an eruption in 2021.

The famous Blue Lagoon monument is closed due to an increase in seismic activity in the area. More than 20,000 tremors have occurred in southwestern Iceland since late October.

But is it still safe to travel to Iceland? Below we look at the current government recommendations.

Is it still safe to travel to Iceland?

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According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is still safe for tourists to travel to Iceland for the time being, but several warnings have been issued.

It said: “Earthquakes and evidence of volcanic activity have risen above normal levels on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik.”

“Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mount Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon.”

“On November 10, a civil defense alert was issued after a violent earthquake swarm.

“The town of Grindavík was evacuated as a precaution.

Blue Lagoon, geothermal spa, in Reykjavik, Iceland,

The Blue Lagoon is closed as a precaution (Photo: Shutterstock)

The access road to the Blue Lagoon has been closed to prevent incidents in the area in the event of a possible volcanic eruption.

The access road to the Blue Lagoon has been closed to prevent incidents in the area in the event of a possible volcanic eruption (Photo: Shutterstock)

“Some roads are closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area.”

“Keflavik International Airport is operating normally.”

“Although there is currently no outbreak, the risk of an outbreak is increasing.”

“You should monitor local media for updates and follow advice from authorities regarding travel to the region.”

It is recommended to check the Facebook page of the Icelandic Met Office, Safe Travel Island and Almannavarnadeild for the latest updates.

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