Sri Krishna
Iceland, also known as the Republic of Iceland, has a population of 347,138 as of 2023 according to United Nations data analyzed by Worldmeter. Despite being a small island nation, it is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. The capital city of Iceland is Reykjavik, situated on the Seltjarnar Peninsula.
Being a small island 11% is shielded in glacial ice and surrounded by water. It is situated between the Greenland Sea and North Atlantic Ocean and lies below the Arctic Circle between 64 and 66 degrees north.
The country became a Schengen member in 2001, and since then tourists who wish to travel to Iceland are allowed a Schengen visa.
Iceland Entry Requirements
Well, if you are a citizen belonging to EU/EEA member states, you will require a valid identification document to enter Iceland. On the flip side, if you are a non-EU/EEA native wishing to visit Iceland, you must provide following the documents:
- A valid passport and a travel document – It should be valid for a minimum 3 additional months beyond your date of departure from Schengen, and must be issued within the last 10 years.
- A visa – if you are subject to the Icelandic visa requirements.
Remember that you are also asked to provide additional supporting documents like an invitation letter by an Iceland host, and your financial means to visit Iceland including the round-trip ticket. One can talk to the local consular services of Iceland in your native country.
At the port of Iceland, the border administrator will ask you to provide the documents mentioned above. You may also need to provide answers to the questions asked by them related to your trip to Iceland such as:
- What is the purpose of visiting Iceland?
- For how much duration do you wish to stay?
- Where are you going to stay throughout your trip?
While checking your documents, the border officer will update you regarding the final decision on whether or not you will be allowed to enter Iceland. Also, make sure that the Iceland border officer puts a stamp on your passport while you make entry to Iceland. Without a stamp, you could be detained or fined.
Please, make sure that the Icelandic border officer stamps your passport when you enter Iceland. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained from Iceland.
Who needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Iceland?
If you are planning to visit Iceland, it totally depends on your nationality. To visit Iceland or any other member country of Schengen area, you will be needing a visa, if:
- You are a citizen of a third world country that does not have a visa liberalisation agreement with the Schengen countries.
- You are a citizen of a third world country that has a visa liberalisation agreement with the Schengen countries, but have previously been denied entry to Iceland or another Schengen country.
Note: A Schengen visa allows you to stay in Iceland for up to 90 days out of 180 days. If you need a visa for a long-term stay in Iceland, apply for an Icelandic national visa instead.
Documents you Require for Iceland Visa Application
In order to acquire a Schengen Visa for Iceland, you must fulfil a number of criteria and present the necessary documentation to the Icelandic visa processing authorities in your country of residence, proving that you meet the Iceland visa requirements. Following are the documents you need:
Iceland visa application form – Download the form, answer all questions and print it. Don’t forget to sign at the end.
Two identical passport photos – The photo must be taken in accordance with the photo requirements for the Icelandic Schengen visa application. Otherwise, your application will be rejected.
Copies of previous visas
A valid passport – Make sure your passport was issued within the last 10 years and is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen area. Additionally, at least two blank pages are required for the Icelandic Embassy/Consulate to affix the visa.
Iceland travel health insurance – When travelling to Iceland (or any other Schengen country), it is essential to buy health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies across Iceland and the whole Schengen region.
Round trip itinerary – A document detailing your flight details to and from Iceland, including flight numbers, dates, and personal information, is necessary to prove you have a booked flight.
Accommodation proof – It will cover the proof of your hotel reservation
Proof of Civil Status – This can be a marriage certificate, a child’s birth certificate, a spouse’s death certificate, etc.
Proof of sufficient financial means during your stay in Iceland – In order to enter Iceland, you must provide proof that you have a daily subsistence of approximately 29€, plus a minimum of 145€ for each entry.
A cover letter – A personal letter explaining why you are applying for a visit to Iceland, how long you will be staying, when you will depart, and other details.
Iceland Visa Requirements Based on your Employee Status
Based on your current employment status, the following documents are mandatory for the Iceland visa application process:
If you are employed:
- Employment contract
- Checking statements for the last 6 months
- employer paid vacation
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form
If you are a student:
- Proof of enrollment
- No-objection certificate from school or university
- Advertisements
If you are a retired:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
Note: Here’s how to obtain no objection certificate letter template for visa application
Iceland Visa Requirement for Minors
Applicants under the age of 18, as well as parents who are submitting a visa application for their minor child, will need to ensure that the application file contains all of the additional Icelandic Visa Requirements.
- Birth certificate for minors travelling to Iceland.
- Icelandic application signed by parents.
- family court order. Where only one parent has sole custody of the child.
- Notarized copy of parents’ ID/passport
In case, if a minor travels alone with another person:
- 1 original and 1 photocopy of the accompanying passport page with owner details and expiry date, a recent photo, and a copy of a valid visa.
- Notarized parental authorization to travel to Iceland signed by both parents/legal guardians
Note: Minor children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when applying at the Icelandic embassy/consulate in their home country.
Iceland Airport Transit Visa Requirement
If your flight involves transit through an airport in Iceland, and your destination is outside of the EU/EEA, you may be required to obtain an Iceland Airport Transit Visa.
In order to determine whether you require an Iceland Airport Transit Visa, please consult the list of nationals that necessitate such a visa. This is only applicable to a few countries under the Schengen visa regime; all others are exempt from this requirement.
Documents you Need for Airport Transit Schengen Visa to Iceland
When you apply for airport transit visa for Iceland, you need following documents:
- A valid visa for the destination country you are travelling to
- A flight ticket for the destination country you are travelling to
Iceland Transit Visa Requirements
If you require an Iceland Transit Visa due to disembarking at one of the Iceland harbours to take another vessel to your destination country, or if you are a crewmember of a ship, then you must apply for one.
When applying for a transit visa for Iceland, you will need to provide the following additional documents:
- A valid visa for the country you are travelling to (if required)
- Last country ticket to travel
- The original and a copy of the sailor’s notebook (required only for sailors).
- A letter from the inviting shipping company. Issued by a shipping company that welcomes the Schengen member states where seafarers disembark (required for seafarers only)
- Employment contract. Boarding contract with shipping company/ship (required only for sailors)
Iceland Tourist Visa Requirements
If you intend to travel to Iceland for the purpose of leisure, vacation, recreation, or sightseeing, then you must apply for an Iceland Tourist Visa.
When you apply to get an icelandic tourist visa, following additional documents are required:
- Bank statement – for the last 6 months
- Travel itinerary – your trip’s description
- Proof of your trip finance
Iceland Visitor Visa Requirements
If you are intending to visit a family member or friend in Iceland for a period of up to 90 days, you must apply for an Iceland Visitor Visa.
Documents Required for Schengen Visitor Visa to Iceland
When applying for a visa to visit family or friends in Iceland, it is necessary to provide the following additional documents.
- Proof of financial means. Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Iceland.
- Itinerary. A detailed daily plan of your trip in Iceland.
- Required sponsorship letter and documents :
- Letter of invitation/sponsorship issued by an Icelandic reference. The letter should include information regarding the applicant’s name, address, relationship to the sponsor/introducer, length of stay, and nature of sponsorship fees.
- Proof of relationship with a host living in Iceland.
- Icelandic Sponsor – A colour copy of the passport data page.
- Non-Icelandic Sponsors/Guarantees – Color copies of the first and last pages of your passport and colour copies of your valid residence card. Your residence card must be valid for the entire travel period.
Iceland Business Visa Requirements
If you wish to visit Iceland for business such as a conference, negotiation or exploratory business trip, then you should apply for the Iceland Business Visa.
Documents you need for Business Schengen Visa to Iceland
When you apply for Iceland business visa, following documents are mandatory to provide:
- Invitation letter from the Icelandic firm to be visited with its exact address and date of visit.
- A letter from your employer. This letter should state your reason for travelling to Iceland.
- Outline of itinerary. A statement should be included about the purpose of the visit, the name and address of the company to be visited, the date and place of the planned stay, and who will pay for the travel.
Iceland Study Visa Requirements
If you are a citizen of a country that is subject to the Schengen visa rules, and you intend to take part in a course, a training program or an internship in Iceland as a student, you must apply for an Iceland Study Visa.
Documents Required for Student Schengen Visa to Iceland
When you intend to apply Iceland student visa, following documents are mandatory:
- A letter of no objection from your current educational institution (if applicable).
- Internship contract signed between the Icelandic company, its home branch and trainees.
Iceland Medical Visa Requirements
If you are making plans to go to Iceland in order to receive medical treatment in an Icelandic hospital or clinic – the duration of which may last up to ninety days – then you ought to apply for an Icelandic Medical Visa.
Documents you Need for Medical Schengen Visa to Iceland
In case, you need a medical treatment in Iceland, following documents is required:
- Local medical report. Issued by a doctor/clinic/hospital in your home country certifying that you need treatment in Iceland.
- Proof of financial agreement
- Official treatment confirmation from the receiving medical institution (hospital/clinic)
- The medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Iceland should confirm your appointment date, medical condition, and the hospital’s capability to perform the necessary treatment, ensuring acceptance.
Iceland Visa for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes Requirements
If you are travelling to Iceland for a movie shooting, or your purpose is to attend a cultural, sports, or religious event, then you must apply for a short-term Iceland Visa for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew, or Religious Activities.
Documents required for a Schengen visa to Iceland for cultural, sports, film crew or religious purposes
Following documents are required when you apply to get an Iceland visa with a purpose for sports, cultural, or religious events in iceland.
- An invitation letter from the relevant Icelandic authority detailing the types of events and activities to be held in Iceland.
- Event ticket
- Registration terms
- A detailed program of events in Iceland
- Documents containing other information related to the event, such as the name of the applicant (crew member).
- Proof of previous performances. Any attendance in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winning certificates, world/international ranking lists (sports).
Iceland Visa Requirement for Husband/Wife of Iceland National
When you apply to obtain Iceland visa as a spouse of Iceland national, following documents are required:
- Proof of Icelandic nationality (ID card or consular card or Icelandic citizenship or naturalisation certificate)
- Marriage certificate in Iceland
- Icelandic family book
Icelandic Visa for Members of Official Delegations Requirements
When travelling to Iceland as part of an official delegation, invited to engage in meetings, consultations, negotiations, exchange programs, or intergovernmental organisation events, obtaining an Icelandic Visa for Official Visits is a requirement.
When applying for an Icelandic visa as a part of an official delegation, you must furnish the following additional documents:
- Official copy of the invitation.
- Evidence of the purpose of the trip (negotiations, meetings, organisation of intergovernmental bodies, consultations).
How can you Apply for a Short-stay Visa for Iceland?
The following are the exact steps to apply for a short-stay visa in Iceland:
- Depending on the purpose of your visit, choose the appropriate visa type you need to enter Iceland.
- Please confirm where to submit your application
- Complete the Icelandic short stay visa application form
- Collect visa requirements for Iceland
- I will make a visa reservation
- Participate in an interview
- Wait for your application to be processed.
Where can you Apply for an Iceland Short-stay Visa?
Depending on Iceland’s visa regulations in your home country, you may need to apply to one of the Icelandic diplomatic institutions for a short-stay visa for the island country. Various Icelandic authorities are worldwide responsible for issuing such visas.
- Embassy of Iceland
- Consulate of Iceland
- A visa application centre where Iceland outsources visa applications.
- Embassies of other Schengen countries entrusted by Iceland to issue visas
Who can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Iceland Embassy?
If you intend to visit Iceland only, and not any other Schengen member country, kindly submit your Schengen visa application to the relevant Icelandic office in your country of residence.
Should you intend to visit other Schengen countries in addition to Iceland, submitting your short-stay visa application to an Icelandic Embassy/Consulate/VAC is a requirement. One of these statements must apply to you:
- The number of days spent in Iceland is longer than in other countries.
- Spend the same number of days in each country, but enter the Schengen area via Iceland.
You may only submit an Iceland short-stay visa application to an Icelandic Embassy/Consulate/VAC if you meet the following criteria.
- Citizens of the country of origin of the application.
- A foreigner with permanent or temporary residency in the country you are applying for.
How Much Time Duration It Takes to Obtain an Iceland Visa?
The processing of a short-stay visa application for Iceland may take up to 15 days, although this timeframe can be extended in special or exceptional cases. The Icelandic consulate may need to consult with other Schengen consulates or another country acting on their behalf for visa issuance, and this can extend the processing period up to 30 or even 60 days.
To ensure your Icelandic short-stay visa arrives on schedule, it is recommended that you submit your application no later than three months prior to your trip to Iceland.
How Much It Would Cost to Apply for an Iceland Visa?
The fee for an Icelandic Schengen Visa for adults is €80, and for children under the age of 12 is €40. Furthermore, depending on the nationality of the applicant, the reason for their visit and other factors, there are some categories of applicants who are exempt from paying any fee, while others may be eligible for a reduced amount.
Note: Do check out list of Iceland Schengen Visa fee to know if you fall under these categories:
How Long Can You Spend Time in Iceland Without a Visa?
If you are a citizen of a country that is not required to have a visa to enter Iceland, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, depending on your nationality, you may need to take further action if you would like to stay longer.
- Nationals of EU/EEA member states must be registered with the relevant Icelandic authorities.
- Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States must apply for a residence permit with the relevant Icelandic authorities within three months of their arrival in Iceland.
- Citizens of the remaining visa-exempt countries must apply for a long-term visa for Icelandic citizens from their country of residence.
Those nationals of countries who have not yet signed a visa-free agreement with Iceland and the other Schengen members must acquire a visa before travelling to Iceland or any other Schengen member nation.
Note: Be sure that you are aware of the 90/180 Schengen Visa Rule and do not exceed it, as there may be consequences for staying in the Schengen area too long.
Is it possible to Extend Schengen Visa in Iceland?
Yes, in rare circumstances when new information and special circumstances occur after your entry into Iceland, such as humanitarian reasons or force majeure, you are able to submit an application to the Directorate of Immigration to extend your Icelandic Schengen visa.
If you would like to know under what conditions and in which circumstances you can extend your Icelandic Schengen Visa, please read How to Extend a Schengen Visa in Iceland.
Can an Iceland Visa be Nullified/Revoked?
The competent Icelandic authorities can revoke your Iceland visa if they conclude that:
- If you have mentioned inaccurate or misleading information on the application
- The requirements for issuing visas are no longer met
It is important to bear in mind that if the visa holder fails to satisfy the entry requirements, it may result in the annulment or revocation of the visa, though not as an automatic consequence.
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