Welcome to the Iceland Visa Guide, your go-to resource for all things related to obtaining a visa to visit the stunning Nordic Island country of Iceland. Whether you are planning a leisurely vacation, embarking on a business trip, or visiting loved ones, our comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully apply for an Iceland visa. From determining the type of visa, you need to provide a step-by-step application process, we aim to simplify the visa application process and help you make your Iceland travel dreams a reality. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the intricacies of the Iceland visa application process.
Who must need an Iceland Visa?
The visa requirements for Iceland vary depending on the nationality of the traveler and the purpose of the visit. Citizens of some countries are exempt from requiring a visa to enter Iceland for short stays, while others are required to obtain a visa prior to their arrival for long stays. Individuals that are nationals of the following mentioned countries, must need an Iceland Visa to enter Iceland;
- Western Sahara
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Myanmar
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cabo Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Comoros
- Republic of the Congo
- Ivory Coast
- Cuba
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Vanuatu
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Korea
- Northern Mariana
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Types of Iceland Visas
There are different types of Iceland visas available depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. The most common types of visas are:
- Schengen Visa
- Short Stay Visa
- Long Stay Visa
- Transit Visa
- Tourist Visa
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Medical Treatment Visa
- Cultural, sports, and religious event visa
It’s important to note that the visa requirements and application process may vary depending on your nationality, purpose of travel, and the length of your stay. It is best to consult the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration or your nearest Icelandic embassy or consulate for further information.
Also, check: France Visa Guide 2023
Is Iceland being part of the Schengen Area?
Yes, Iceland is a part of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 26 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders, allowing free movement of people within the area. Iceland joined the Schengen Area on March 25, 2001, and has been a member ever since.
As a member of the Schengen Area, Iceland shares its visa policies and regulations with the other member countries. This means that if you obtain a Schengen visa to visit Iceland, you can also travel to any of the other Schengen Area countries without needing to apply for a separate visa. It is important to note, however, that while Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, it is not a member of the European Union.
Requirements to get an Iceland Visa
Here are the general requirements for obtaining an Iceland visa, listed in bullet points:
- A valid passport will remain valid for at least three months after your intended stay in Iceland.
- Completed Iceland visa application form.
- Two recent passport-size photographs.
- Proof of travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight reservations and accommodation bookings.
- Proof of financial means to support your stays in Iceland, such as bank statements or a letter from your employer indicating your salary.
- For business visits, a letter from your employer or an invitation letter from the Icelandic company you will be visiting.
- For family visits, documentation proving your relationship to the person you are visiting.
- For students, proof of enrollment in an Icelandic educational institution and documentation of financial means to support your stay.
- For workers, a work contract or a letter of acceptance from an Icelandic employer.
- Payment of the visa fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.
Also, check: Georgia Visa Guide 2023
How to Apply for Iceland Visa?
Here are the general steps to follow when applying for an Iceland visa:
- Determine the type of visa you need and gather all the required documents.
- Complete the Iceland visa application form, which is available online or at the nearest Icelandic embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Schedule an appointment to submit your application and supporting documents to the appropriate Icelandic embassy or consulate. Note that some embassies and consulates may require appointments to be made online or by phone.
- Attend the appointment at the embassy or consulate and submit your application and supporting documents. You will also be required to provide your fingerprints and have your photo taken at this time.
- Pay the visa fee, which varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. Payment can be made at the embassy or consulate, usually in cash or by credit card.
- Wait for a decision on your application. Processing times vary, but you can check the status of your application online or by contacting the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application.
- If your application is approved, you will receive your visa stamped in your passport. If your application is denied, you will receive an explanation of the reason for the denial.
- You can find detailed information about visa fees, including exemptions and reductions, on the website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration or by contacting the Icelandic embassy or consulate in your country.
Processing Time
The processing time for an Iceland visa varies depending on the embassy or consulate where you submit your application and the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, it takes about 15 calendar days to process a visa application for Iceland.
However, it is important to note that processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications received and the complexity of the case. In some cases, the processing time may take longer than 15 days, so it is recommended that you apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date.
You can check the status of your visa application online or by contacting the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application.
Also, check: Germany Visa Guide 2023
Iceland Visa Costs
The visa costs for Iceland depend on the type of visa you are applying for and your nationality. Here are some general guidelines for visa costs:
- Short-stay Schengen visa for adults: 80 EUR
- Short-stay Schengen visa for children aged 6 to 12: 40 EUR
- Short-stay Schengen visa for children under 6 years old: no fee
- National visa for adults: 120 EUR
- National visa for children aged 6 to 12: 60 EUR
- National visa for children under 6 years old: no fee
Validity and Extension of Iceland Visa
The validity and extension of an Iceland visa depend on the type of visa you have been granted. Here are some general guidelines:
- Short-stay Schengen visa: This type of visa allows you to stay in Iceland and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa is typically valid for up to 6 months from the date of issue. It cannot be extended beyond the initial 90-day period.
- Long-stay visa: If you have been granted a long-stay visa, it is typically valid for up to 90 days. However, you are required to apply for a residence permit at the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration within the first 30 days of your arrival in Iceland. The residence permit may be granted for a longer period, depending on the purpose of your stay.
- National visa: This type of visa is valid for a longer stay in Iceland and may be granted for up to 6 months or longer, depending on the purpose of your stay. National visas cannot be extended beyond the initial period of validity.
If you wish to stay in Iceland beyond the validity of your visa, you must apply for an extension or a residence permit at the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. The application process and requirements for an extension or residence permit will depend on the type of visa you have been granted and the purpose of your stay.
Also, check: Greece Visa Guide 2023
Can we Visit non-Schengen countries with Iceland visas?
Yes, we can visit non-Schengen countries with an Iceland visa. Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, which is a zone of 26 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders. Individuals that have an Iceland Visa, can visit the following non-Schengen countries;
- Albania
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Georgia
- Gibraltar
- Kosovo
- North Macedonia
- Montenegro
- Romania
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Serbia
- Turkey
Fun facts about Iceland
Here are some fun facts about Iceland:
- Iceland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe, with a population of around 360,000 people.
- Iceland is known as the “Land of Fire and Ice” because of its active volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs.
- The Icelandic language has remained relatively unchanged for over 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest spoken languages in Europe.
- Iceland is home to the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull, which covers an area of over 8,000 square kilometers.
- The Icelandic horse is a unique breed that is only found in Iceland. They are known for their small size, thick coat, and gentle disposition.
- Iceland is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, ranking first on the Global Peace Index for several years in a row.
- The Icelandic tradition of “Jólabókaflóð” (Christmas book flood) involves giving and receiving books as gifts on Christmas Eve, and spending the evening reading by the fire.
- Iceland has a high rate of renewable energy use, with around 85% of its electricity coming from hydroelectric and geothermal power sources.
- Iceland is home to many unique natural wonders, such as the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa with warm, mineral-rich water.
- Iceland is a great place to see the Northern Lights, a natural light display that occurs in the polar regions and is caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere.
For more details, visit our official website.
